100% OPTICAL
April 23-25
Excel London
Billed as Europe’s fastest growing optical tradeshow by its organisers, Media 10, 100% Optical will take place at East London’s Excel venue in late April after being moved from its January date following rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant in late 2021.
Those already registered for the event will be pleased to know that registration will carry over to the new dates, and Media 10 says it is working to ensure CPD and education bookings can also be honoured. Education sessions include: post-Covid-19 recovery of ophthalmology in partnership with community optometry; contact lens and dry eye management in the digital world; enhancing retinal exams with multimodal imaging and unpacking contact lens dropouts.
COPENHAGEN SPECS
March 5-6
Lokomotivværkstedet, Copenhagen, Denmark
An international eyewear trade fair with the focus on independent brands, Copenhagen Specs aims to create an environment and a place where opticians go to be inspired by trendsetting eyewear manufacturers. The show’s venue, Lokomotivværkstedet, is a former train repair shop that organisers say provides a historical, authentic and inspirational atmosphere.
VISION EXPO EAST
March 31-April 3
Javits Center, New York, US
The premier optical tradeshow of North America promotes itself as the complete event for ophthalmic professionals with eye care, eyewear and education mingling with fashion and innovation. Last year Vision Expo East took evasive action from the pandemic and relocated to Orlando, Florida, due to restrictions on large gatherings in New York. Back in its long term home of the Javits Center on the banks of the Hudson River in New York City this year, the event can always be relied on to provide a first-look at emerging products and technologies from the US industry.
Vision Expo East
MIDO
April 30-May 2
Fieramilano Rho, Milan
The Milan-based, international-oriented trade show Mido will open its doors at the end of April this year after moving from a planned February start date in response to the most recent wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Show organisers said that the new dates represent a profitable period for commercial activities while respecting the place of other international eyewear fairs in the calendar.
‘Mido 2022 held from the end of April to the beginning of May is the best date for us to return to fulfil our mission: creating and maximising international business opportunities while conferring prestige and vitality to a strategic sector,’ said Giovanni Vitaloni, chairman of Mido. ‘We are also working to be ready to welcome exhibitors and visitors in maximum safety, following the most updated regulations.’
BARCELONA SPECS
May 7-8
Fira Barcelona Montjuic at Plaça d’Espanya
If the prospect of Barcelona in late spring isn’t enough to make you consider attending this new event from the team behind Copenhagen Specs, then not much will. The event’s concept is to showcase independent brands in small, welcoming booths and a relaxed atmosphere. With Catalan eyewear brands such as Etnia Barcelona, Lool Eyewear and Xavier Garcia, Barcelona is currently a hive of frame design, which is sure to be reflected at the event.
OPTI MUNICH
May 13-15
Fairground Munich
Another rescheduled event, opti Munich moves from the depths of the Bavarian winter in January to the slightly more forgiving month of May. During the past decade, the show’s reputation has increased significantly and is now an established part of the optical tradeshow calendar and no longer a regional show that serves the German and Scandinavian markets.
The four-hall concept remains, with the Yes design spaces showcasing the best of luxury and independent eyewear, opti Boxes for eyewear and technology startups, and a hall of equipment, ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses.
VISION EXPO WEST
September 14-17
Venetian Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas
Dates have been set for Vision Expo West 2022 with the US event slated for September 14-17 in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. An education programme and exhibition will take place at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center, while downtime can be spent at the nearby Wynn Golf Club or at one of the city’s lively hotels.
After exploring Vision Expo West’s eyewear neighbourhoods as well as equipment and lens companies, the city’s sights await. The event venue is a gambling chip’s toss away from the Las Vegas Strip of casinos and landmarks, such as Caesars Palace and the Bellagio Fountain.
IOFT
October 18-20
Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
The annual International Optical Fair Tokyo (IOFT) is one the largest optical shows held in Asia and gathers importers, wholesalers, distributors and agents from all over the world with expertise in the fashion-led Japanese frame market. High-end optical practices from the East Asian region attend the event, offering an opportunity to take inspiration from the stylish frame trade in the Eastern hemisphere.
BCLA FOCUS
June 11-12
Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham and online
A hybrid conference will be hosted by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) on June 11-12 online and at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham. BCLA Focus will feature a live lecture stream and workshop sessions, as well as the opportunity to discuss the latest products with exhibitors.
SIGHTCARE
September 18-19
Telford International Conference Centre
Sustainability in practice is the theme for this year’s SightCare annual business and networking conference in support of independent optical practices on September 18-19.
Kriss Akabusi, the Olympic medallist turned motivational speaker, has been announced as the event’s keynote speaker. During Akabusi’s Olympic career, he won a silver medal at the 1984 games in Los Angeles and two bronze medals in Barcelona in 1992.
SILMO PARIS
September 23-26
Paris Nord Villepinte
Silmo was the first international optical show to return last year and, consequently, had a quieter showing as exhibitors and attendees decided to prioritise Covid-safety over the event. Even so, the event boasted over 500 exhibitors, with over half coming from outside France. Silmo remains one of the biggest dates in the optical calendar and its organisers have promised a bumper show in 2022. Visitors can expect the return of the Silmo Awards, hours of top-class educational material and the largest exhibition in optics, covering everything from frames to lens edging and practice management software to OCT devices.
October 1-2
Chesford Grange, Kenilworth
The Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) had decided to return to the venue of its 2021 conference, the historic rural Chesford Grange hotel in Kenilworth. Last year’s event saw the AIO tackle the issue of transitioning to private practice, alongside another 28 CET sessions, a full exhibition and a social programme. This year’s conference will once again take aim at the big issues affecting independent practice.
