Top names feel effect of shift in show dates

Changes to the optical trade show calendar will mean some frame manufacturers will be forced to scale down their presence at this year's Mido exhibition in Milan, showcasing fewer new collections, Optician has learnt.

As reported in Optician, (News, July 18, 2008), Mido and Silmo have brought their 2009 dates forward by two months, Mido taking place from March 6-9 and Silmo scheduled for September 17-20.

Speaking about the effect this would have on his company, Matthieu Lafont, marketing manager for Lafont Paris, explained: 'Mido was very important as it was at the same time that we launched our autumn/winter collection. But now with the change of dates, it won't be as important since we won't be able to release that many new products in time for March.'