MUNICH, Germany—Opti 2018, held at Fairground Munich, boasted 28,430 visitors and 668 exhibitors as the show continues to expand. This year, in addition to the traditional four trade show halls C1 to C4, Hall B4 was also used. Walking the show floor, the five halls that encompassed opti 2018, from Friday, Jan. 12 to Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 were buzzing with foot traffic as attendees sought out many of the new experiences that this year’s show had to offer. According to show organizers, there were 17 percent more exhibitors than the previous year and machine companies were allowed more space to present their technology and other exhibitors were able to extend their booths.

For the first time, the show expanded to a new space in hall B4 which was home to the show’s new Futureshop. The eye catching, innovative concept of the FutureShop was divided into a reception, experience and test area.

The FutureShop, developed in cooperation with opticians, exhibitors in the optics industry and experts of the "Zentralverband der Deutschen Augenoptiker und Optometristen (ZVA)" (Central Association of German Opticians and Optometrists), and Aalen University, showed optometrists the possibilities that are available today in terms of function, atmosphere, and comfort, to equip them for the future.



Along with the new FutureShop, opti put a spotlight on the many newcomers at this year’s show. Spanish label, NINA MÛR, was the opti box newcomer 2018, and for its wooden glasses, the Madrid-based label was awarded the second annual Blogger Spectacle Award from eyewear and fashion bloggers from all over Europe.

The next opti will take place from Jan. 25 to 27, 2019 in halls C1 to C6 on the Fairground Munich.

“opti 2018 was an important prologue and a successful final rehearsal for the opti premiere in 2019. The first time opening of a fifth hall and the spatial merging of the independent labels in hall C1 and C2 were a little foretaste of what is to come in the next year. Then opti will open a new chapter with two new halls,” said Dieter Dohr, CEO of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH.

Take a look at this short video reel below to relive some of opti 2018’s highlights. Look for more coverage of opti coming soon from Vision Monday.