After pandemic restrictions meant the halls of Silmo were quiet in 2021, the 2022 exhibition in Paris was a much busier event as organisers reported a big increase in attendance.
Over four days, 27,000 visitors filled the aisles to discover innovations from 750 exhibitors across frames, lenses and equipment.
French visitors accounted for 13,462 people, which was an increase of 21% compared to 2021, while foreign attendees came from 146 countries and reached 13,444, which was up by 107% from last year.
Amélie Morel, chair of Silmo Paris, said: ‘These figures demonstrate the appeal of Silmo Paris, a leading trade fair that remains an international platform for business and a hub of interaction for all the professionals in the optical and eyewear industry.’
This year, British winner, Kirk & Kirk took home the Silmo D’or award in the optical frame eyewear designer category for its Thor model in citrus colour from the Centiles collection. Other winners included Swedish company Skugga in the technological innovation in connected products category, Parasite Design’s Karma frame in the first class trade fair prize and Neubau’s Xenon for the jury’s special award.