PARIS—Silmo 2024 organizers are preparing for this year’s edition, which will feature over 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands from 144 countries, according to an announcement from show organizers. Scheduled for September 20 through 23, 2024, at Paris Nord Villepinte, Silmo 2024 will offer an in-depth look at the latest technological developments, product innovations and trends that are shaping the future of the optics industry on a global scale, show organizers said. As always, Silmo covers all components of the optical sector: eyewear, lenses, machines, point of sale layouts and stands, retail chains and central purchasing groups, training and much more.

Silmo also offers a special focus on the future of the industry, under the banner Silmo Next. This year, dedicated areas within Silmo will offer attendees the chance to discover the future of the industry, and will reflect Silmo’s dedication to staying one step ahead, the announcement said. Eric Lenoir, director of the Silmo trade fairs, said, “From smart, AI-equipped eyeglass design to revolutionary tools for opticians, the possibilities are wide reaching. Imagine eyewear that can instantly translate a language through an integrated camera or mechanisms that preemptively detect serious health issues such as heart attacks or Parkinson's disease. This rapid development requires the rapid adaptation of professionals because without adequate training, AI could potentially replace traditional opticians.”

Lenoir added, “At the same time, the emergence of technologies such as in-shop 3D printing are redefining eyewear fabrication with increased automation, thus reducing the impact on the environment. This transformation will enable opticians to focus on high added-value services, becoming genuine consultants for visual comfort and preventive health care, even integrating functions such as audio technology and fall prevention.

"In this constantly developing landscape, it is vital for opticians to get a firm grasp on these changes so they can remain relevant and successful. In fact, Meta announced that connected glasses will replace smartphones in several years, transforming the optician's traditional role. To remain essential players, professionals must reinvent the shop experience, recentering the offer on customer service and innovation, while reworking the economic model in order to stay competitive in the coming decade,” Lenoir said.

Within the Silmo Next banner is the Futurology: Optics in 2035 area, which will explore optics’ different future paths. Within Optics in 2035, attendees will find the following:

  • The Shop/Workshop of Tomorrow. The physical and virtual worlds now join together to explore new approaches in the design of points of sale with the aim of making the customer path more streamlined and intuitive. Digital Experience: this space is for learning about how mobile technologies and AI are transforming traditional visual tests. Vision Test & Personalized Measurements: virtual reality headsets simulate different lens solutions, while 3D scanners offer accurate measurements for optimal eyewear personalization. Virtual Fitting & Local Production: custom eyewear creation is possible using AI. A personalized avatar makes it easier to virtually fit frames and then the 3D print produces the eyewear in real time, complemented by on-site lens edging and mounting for 100 percent local, zero kilometer production.

  • Central Area: The Latest Innovations. At the core of Futurology, a space for learning and sharing showcases the latest innovations. Pitches/Workshop: a circular stage with two foot bridges set up for dynamic presentations, pitches from start-ups and interactive workshops. Connected Products: five displays exhibit connected products while a special display unveils a connected eyewear concept, the result of the work of the Committee of Experts. These displays offer a glimpse into future trends and technologies that will transform daily life.

  • AR/VR/XR Experimental Area: The real and virtual worlds are not just overlapping, but existing together to offer unique and surprising immersive experiences. Virtual Experiences: a section devoted to Rx experiences and raising awareness about vision impairment, created in cooperation with Arts et Métiers, to understand the challenges of low vision through immersive simulations. Smart Product Demonstrations: Two pieces of smart eyewear, Meta and Pulse Audition, are put forward so visitors can experience these smart eyeglasses that integrate advanced features, combining comfort, design and technology.
The Futurology banner will also house the Trends by Silmo Forum Exhibition, which offers a look at four selected trends:

  • Free Colorama: Single color, two color, three color and multicolored, these glasses represent color palettes that are not afraid to show bold color combinations to chase away dark thoughts.

  • Virtuous Simplicity: Quiet design makes an impression through minimalist style without embellishment, the height of clear design. Metal is out ahead, but acetate knows how to get in shape to make a place for itself in this quest for a streamlined design.

  • Classic Variations: Long-standing staples, timeless and forever in fashion, classics possess an attractiveness that enables them to easily move through all periods and fads. And they can reinvent themselves without ever going around in circles.

  • Full Sun: Sunglasses hold an increasingly important place in the eyewear sector (with or without sun.) They've become an accessory that is perfectly integrated into the collections of major luxury and fashion brands while long-standing or new creative eyewear manufacturers are making space for themselves in this sector with extensive offers.
Silmo 2024 will also feature three major awards: The 2024 Optical Design Contest, Silmo d’Or and Silmo Academy.

Silmo 2024 will take place from September 20 through September 23 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Registration is now open online.