MILAN—The Mido 2021 Digital Edition concluded its three-day program yesterday but extended on-demand viewings of the comprehensive program and speaker presentations geared to an international audience, along with a virtual exhibition hall, and other special reports which will be available to registered attendees through Dec. 31. The June 5-7 program was held after the show's 2020 edition was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers report that the B2B activities on the immersive digital platform will enable viewers to catch up on the program sessions in anticipation of the February 2022 in-person Mido edition.

Mido organizers also reported that the web-based format was the object of more than 18,000 interactions by users from around the world, predominantly European, Asian and American through the second day of the program. Final participation numbers were not available at VMAIL's presstime.

The first day's session brought a unique opening provided by photographer Albert Watson along with an executive panel of eyewear executives discussing future trends, from such companies as Marcolin, Charmant Europe, De Rigo, and Marchon. Among the other activities on day one were a look at The Future Consumer and other trend reports. 

On the second day, a main feature of the event was Mido Mashup, with chef Massimo Bottura, designer Fabio Novembre, and photographer Albert Watson, each speaking to the topic of creativity, how to achieve and nurture it.

The session also welcomed input from some members of the trade press: Marge Axelrad (Vision Monday), Jordan Chun (V.Magazine), Rosemarie Fruhauf (Optic und Vision) and Gregory Han (Design Milk). Four well-known representatives from the world of fashion, Giovanni Lo Faro, CEO Modo; Amélie Morel, communications director Morel; Zack Moscot, president and creative director Moscot; Saskia and Hans Stepper, founder and creative director Stepper Eyewear Limited; and three key eyewear industry designers, Sergio Eusebi and Livio Graziottin, founders Kuboraum, Patrick Hoet, founder HOET; Henrik Lindberg, founder, CEO and creative director Lindberg each discussed what was guiding today's consumers and product design considerations.

Mido also held its BeStore awards ceremony, honoring the best optical shops in the world. For this, its 6th edition (and first digital edition), the international jury—made up of manufacturers and designers, art directors and industry experts—evaluated the shops’ atmosphere and furnishings as well as purely technical aspects.  

The BESTORE DESIGN award went to Kempkes Optiek, by Carlo van Kleij (the Netherlands), as the most outstanding store in terms of layout, materials, design, furniture and overall atmosphere that contribute to a not-to-be-missed shopping experience.

The BESTORE INNOVATION award went to Optician Store by Romica Romascu (Romania), for transformation of customer service, interaction with customers and suppliers and handling of communications, as well as the history of the store and its professional, human and emotional dimensions.

This year, a new category was added: the Your BeStore award. Users of the Mido 2021 digital platform can vote for their favorite optical shop in the Contest section. 

The exhibition space at Mido's Digital Edition spans 24 time zones and facilitates meet-ups for exhibitors and visitors from around the world.