opti 2026 report
Growth confirms an industry eager for the future
Munich once again opened the optical year with confidence.
The opti 2026 report confirms measurable growth, strong international participation and a show floor driven by decision-makers ready to plan, network and place orders.
With 21,972 trade visitors, up more than 4% compared to 2025, and 4,491 international visitors, up over 5%, the momentum was visible in every hall. Exhibitor numbers rose to 354, an increase of more than 7%.
The message was clear. The industry is eager for the future.
Throughout the three days, one sentiment echoed repeatedly:
“What an opti!”, “we’re already planning our show presence for 2027”, “more ideas and impulses are generated here than during the whole rest of the year”, “an indispensable date in the industry calendar” or even: “there’s real momentum behind this”
Comments like these were heard again and again over the past three days at opti. And more than that: there was a strong sense of community in the air. Once again, opti showed itself to be what it truly is: a meeting place for the community and a big family celebration of the optics industry.
The numbers underline that feeling. But the real strength of opti lies in its function as a networking and orientation hub. From frame design and spectacle lenses to IT, shopfitting and hearing acoustics, the show presented the full spectrum of the industry in a focused, professional atmosphere.
A Platform That Delivers Business
The debut of opti SPHEARE expanded the show’s scope into hearing acoustics, drawing strong interest thanks to practical sessions and real-world integration strategies.
TOMORROW VISION returned with a sport-focused concept, combining product demonstrations with emotional show acts that translated contact lens performance into experience.
The opti DESIGN STAGE once again positioned Munich as a hub for creative and market insight, combining trend forecasting, expert talks and the presentation of the opti AWARDS.
Young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs were actively integrated into the programme through opti MY OWN BUSINESS, NEXT GEN TOURS and the NEXT GENERATION HUB, reinforcing opti’s role not only as marketplace, but as future platform.
Voices from the Organisers:
“opti thrives on exchange and togetherness. In 2026, we once again felt how strong our community is and how important personal encounters, inspiration and practical, hands-on content are for the industry.
The atmosphere was noticeably positive, optimistic and relaxed, and that is exactly what we are looking forward to as we turn our attention to opti 2027. Particularly evident was the eagerness for the future – also driven by the massive participation, commitment and identification of the next generation with ‘their’ opti.”
“opti 2026 was dynamic, international and commercially relevant. It is a central meeting point for optics and hearing acoustics. In short: this opti provides a very good basis for further developing the event in a targeted way. In the coming months, we will work together with exhibitors and partners to sharpen opti’s content profile and to continuously expand both its international focus and the individual offering areas – with the aim of further increasing the added value for visitors and exhibitors.”
A Strong Signal for 2026
The opti 2026 report confirms more than growth. It reflects an industry that values personal exchange, practical solutions and international perspective.
With rising participation, strong decision-making presence and a noticeably optimistic mood, Munich once again set the tone for the new business year.
The optics community is not standing still. It is planning ahead. It is investing. And it is unmistakably eager for the future.
About Opti Munich
opti Munich 2027
29-31 January, 2027
Fairground Munich, Germany
opti is the international trade show for optics & design which takes place annually as the industry kick-off in January in Munich, Germany.
OPTI Munich: International trade show for optics & design
The show offers trade visitors the complete spectrum of ophthalmic products, from spectacle frames and lenses, contact lenses, refraction, diagnosis and low vision to shopfitting and technical equipment. opti is the order platform and the location for product premières by international market leaders and start-ups alike. The event was first held in 1998, and since 2008 has been organised by GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH.
OPTI Munich statistics:
Halls
Exhibitors
Visitors
"opti thrives on exchange and togetherness. In 2026, we once again felt how strong our community is and how important personal encounters, inspiration and practical, hands-on content are for the industry.
The atmosphere was noticeably positive, optimistic and relaxed, and that is exactly what we are looking forward to as we turn our attention to opti 2027. Particularly evident was the eagerness for the future – also driven by the massive participation, commitment and identification of the next generation with 'their' opti."
As the annual kick-off for the optical industry, opti stands for knowledge exchange and innovation. But above all, it is the atmosphere at opti, the personal encounters and exchanges that make the trade fair something special - for international trade visitors and exhibitors alike. With the further development of the WE ARE opti campaign 2024/2025, we want to express the unique atmosphere and further strengthen the sense of community within the optical industry - also outside the exhibition halls.
OPTI 2027 – Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | OPTI Munich: International trade show for optics & design |
| Dates | January 29–31, 2027 |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| Venue | Fairground Messe München |
| Organizer | GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen |
| Event Type | Optical Trade Fair |
| Access | Trade Only |
| Focus | Eyewear, sunglasses, optical equipment, instruments, accessories |
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