The SILMO Paris 2024 trade fair is preparing to welcome the global optical industry and celebrate the future of optics.
Scheduled from 20 to 23 September 2024 at Paris Nord Villepinte, the trade fair promises to be an “important event for the entire optics sector, combining innovation, reflection and discussions to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow”.
This year’s event will feature more than 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands from 144 countries.
A highlight for SILMO 2024 will be its immersive Futurology space, which will provide visitors with a glimpse into the future of optics, showcasing prospects from 2025 through to 2035. At Futurology, attendees can discover the Shop/Workshop of Tomorrow experience, a Central Area for the latest innovations and an AR/VR/XR Experimental Area.
The Trends Exhibition will explore the images, shapes, colours and materials of different eyewear to provide a comprehensive overview on the eyewear on display.
An Optical and Eyewear Design Contest, overseen by designer Mr Olivier Jault, will encourage students to rethink eyeglasses beyond their traditional function.
Moreover, the SILMO d’OR awards – now in its 30th year – will celebrate talent within the sector.
Finally, the SILMO Academy – a scientific symposium which explores advancements in optics – will reward a €10,000 (AU$16,070) grant to a research project in vision and optical sciences.
Mr Eric Lenoir, SILMO director said artificial intelligence’s (AI) transformative impact on the optics industry will be a key focus at the trade fair. He adds industry professionals must adapt to the rapid development of AI, as it could “potentially replace traditional opticians”.
“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,” Lenoir said.
“This transformation will enable opticians to focus on high added-value services, becoming genuine consultants for visual comfort and preventive healthcare, even integrating functions such as audio technology and fall prevention.”
He adds: “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, re-centring the offer on customer service and innovation, while reworking the economic model in order to stay competitive in the coming decade.”
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