PARIS—Exhibitors and attendees from around the world are preparing for the upcoming Silmo eyewear show and conference to be held here Oct. 6 to 9, the 50th edition of the fair.

Founded in 1967 in Oyonnax with just a handful of pioneers, today the Silmo “Mondial de l’Optique” plays host to a thousand exhibitors from across the industry. The fair has succeeded in maintaining its appeal by continuing to be the go-to platform for discoveries and new developments, including the creation of the Silmo Store Experience, the addition of special exhibit areas and education for optical professionals.

Show organizers have announced a series of special celebrations to honor the milestone of the show.

Professionals born between Oct. 6 and 9 or celebrating their 50th birthday this year are invited to blow out the candles during their visit to Silmo, in a unique commemoration of all the birthdays combined in an informal business environment.

In homage to this ongoing dynamic, the exhibition is inviting brands and companies to showcase an iconic product, service or collection that has left its mark on the company’s history... with the winner receiving a 50th anniversary special award.

And to round off the celebrations, the illustrious Silmo d’Or awards evening will take place on Saturday Oct. 7. The 24th Silmo d'Or awards ceremony gives prizes to the creativity of the profession. This year’s panel of judges for the jury will be led by the designers Livia Stoianova and Yassen Samouilov of On Aura Tout Vu.

Once again, Silmo Academy will showcase the latest in technology and optics offering training on the scientific progress of the vision and optics sector for opticians with other French and international vision specialists.