PARIS—Organizers shared late last Friday that attendance at the recent Silmo Paris 2021, which was held at Paris-Nord Villepinte from Sept. 24 to 27, exceeded expectations and reported 500 exhibitors were present, principally of European origin, since the usual Asian representatives (from China, Japan and Hong Kong) were prevented from traveling. Nearly 19,000 visitors came to the show, 63 percent French and 37 percent foreign, to take part. “We were uncertain we would succeed, but we were also convinced that the trade fair would have to occur to get real-life business rolling again,” said Amélie Morel, chairwoman of Silmo Paris.

“We are the first great international trade fair in our sector to have reopened, and we felt a form of responsibility to succeed in organizing this gathering of all the industry’s professionals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the companies, partners, exhibitors and visitors who contributed to the triumph of this event.”

Silmo's statement noted, "After long months in virtual mode, the professionals indeed affirmed the necessity of seeing each other again at a trade fair, a not-to-be-missed crossroads for innovation and creativity, expertise and knowledge, discovery and discussion. In a reduced format featuring a bright setting of stimulating yellow and futuristic orange, Silmo Paris assembled all the elements that make it attractive and unique including Silmo's reception, the Silmo d'Or awards, Silmo Next, Trends by Silmo, Silmo TV, and more.

While Silmo Next, organized as "the marketplace of the future," unveiled the latest frame trends and addressed concrete futurology themes (CSR, new materials, responsible production, connected glasses, and so on), the Silmo d'Or awards promoted the best in creation and innovation. Jean-Christophe Leblanc, Jury president of this 2021 edition, pointed out the great diversity and extent of the applications submitted. VMAIL reported on the 2021 Silmo d'Or winners last month.

The dates of Silmo 2022 will be Sept. 23-26 at Paris-Nord Villepinte.