MUNICH—Opti 2016 closed on Sunday with over 27,500 trade visitors and 576 exhibitors from 81 countries coming through the Messe Munchen exhibition center over the three days, Jan 15 thru 17. For the first time in 2016, there were more international than national exhibitors in Munich (52 percent vs. 48 percent), GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH (GHM), the show’s organizers said.

As a result of the continued growth of the show, organizers announced the expansion of the Munich Exhibition Centre to include two new halls, which will be available for Opti 2019. Construction on the two new halls will begin this summer and will affect the 2017 schedule, resulting in moving the show by one day, meaning Opti 2017 will be held Saturday thru Monday, Jan. 28 to 30.

According to GHM, there was an 8 percent increase in visitors this year with the majority of these (63 percent) being industry decision-makers. In total, the visitors ordered products amounting to over €152.9 million, organizers said. These figures come thanks to a visitor survey carried out at the show, which also reported that the show received top marks "outstanding to good" from 95.3 percent of visitors and 91.7 percent of exhibitors.

“With its fast pace, [Opti] brings a lot of momentum to the new business year,” said Dieter Dohr, CEO and president of GHM. “This event wins over everyone with its focus on quality, creative spirit and incomparably family-like atmosphere. Opti triggers new trends, as the trade fair is flexible in meeting the needs of the market, and setting off new impulses. It is a home fixture for all specialists in the optical industry from Europe and, increasingly, from elsewhere in the world too.”

For 70.3 percent of trade visitors, the trade fair is instrumental for their buying and ordering decisions. According to the survey, the real decisive factors for the trade fair were "presence of market leaders," the "completeness and breadth of products on show," and the "international nature of exhibitors."

Two new additions to the show met with a very positive reception, organizers said. More than two thirds of visitors gave top grades to the focus topic "digital optometry" and for the premiere of the new !HOT area in Hall C1. This area, with over 60 firms alongside the 120 independent and fashion labels in the YES area, formed the Opti-Design Chamber.

"Opti has finally come of age. It is perfectly organized and sets itself apart with its motivated exhibitors and a comprehensive expert program,” added Thomas Truckenbrod, president of Central Association of ophthalmic Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA). “Visitors are ever more interested in technical topics, which is plain to see from the number of spectators in the Opti-Forum. It's striking that opticians are interested in everything to do with services, regardless of whether it's devices, equipment or eyeglass lenses. I was especially pleased that there were many young people there, finding out about our profession."

Look for more coverage of Opti 2016 coming soon in Vision Monday and on VisionMonday.com.