opti – New Platforms, New Formats, New Opportunities
opti 2026 is all about innovation, inspiration, and encounters. With new formats, theme-centred experience areas, and a clear content concept, the international trade show for optics and design is once again taking the lead when it comes to shaping the future of the industry. The topics of design, healthcare, hearing acoustics, young talent, and networking form the central pillars of the trade fair experience – the playing field for visionaries and doers alike.
opti’s the future: see it, hear it, shape it!
In the Optics section (halls C3 and C4), visitors can experience innovations along the entire value chain: from refraction and diagnostics to glasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids – in short: the optical future within sight – and earshot.
It is here that a real highlight is celebrating its world premiere: opti SPHEARE – the new centre for the focus topic of hearing acoustics. Covering more than 200 square metres, it is an interactive space teaming up strongly industry knowledge, best practices, and market opportunities.
Leading providers such as actric, Bellman & Symfon, Meditrend, Nuance Audio, Optimus Hearing, oton & friends PROABO or Sinfonia (in alphabetical order) will present at opti 2026 technologies and concepts which make it easier for mixed businesses and businesses endeavouring to become mixed businesses to enter or expand into hearing acoustics – for a clear plus on the sales numbers.
‘With opti SPHEARE, we are broadening our trade show’s scope and are opening up a field of high-potential for the future of optical businesses. Hearing acoustics and ophthalmic optics complement each other perfectly – and it is precisely these synergies that we are highlighting at our trade show,’ explains Cathleen Kabashi, Director opti.
The second edition of TOMORROW VISION (Hall C4) will also make a big splash in 2026. Following the motto ‘Play smart. Move free.’, the joint platform of leading contact lens manufacturers – ALCON, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, HECHT Contactlinsen, Mark’ennovy, Menicon GmbH, MPG&E and the SEED Group (Wöhlk, Ultravision, Sensimed) – focuses on the freedom offered by contact lenses. Whether in sports or everyday life, freedom of movement becomes a living vision, a ‘playing field full of possibilities.’
The opti FUTURE VISION HUB in Hall C4 already bears the future in its name. Here, everything revolves around healthcare, myopia management, smart glasses, AI, telemedicine, and technology. In the opti VISIONARY start-up area (Hall C3), young companies showcase their ideas relating to artificial intelligence, software and diagnostic solutions.
The opti NEXT GENERATION HUB in Hall C3 is a real hotspot for young professionals in the industry, who will find relevant topics for their further professional development here: for example, when it comes to starting their own business, speed dating sessions facilitating networking with their peers or with companies looking for young talent, or gathering inspiration for their own careers. A great example for the latter being the opti CAMPUS, which offers guidance on training, studies, and careers with universities, further education centres, and institutions – essentially a training centre for the industry’s future.
Design meets vision
In the design halls C1 and C2, international eyewear design meets creative diversity with over 500 brands in the YES AREA. The opti DESIGN STAGE presents the frames of the candidate brands for the opti FRAME STAR audience award, thus giving a lively first impression of up-and-coming materials and trends. This is also where the DOZ panel discussions with Italian colour, material, and design expert Francesca Valan and Angela Mrositzki take place.
The latter considers eyewear as more than just a fashion accessory, namely as an art and cultural asset. opti eyewear trend guru Selin Olmsted from New York will present her Trend Report 2027 here. She will also guide opti visitors to the most exciting new products in her opti TREND WALKS.
Young labels showcase their ideas in the opti BOXES, the opti BOX AWARD honours the most innovative start-up in the frame sector, and the opti BOX BAR is a popular place for discussions and exchanges.
‘With the opti DESIGN STAGE and formats such as the opti FRAME STAR, we are creating the stage where creativity, craftsmanship, and fashion quite literally meet on eye level. Here, design becomes an experience – accessible, inspiring, and interactive,’ says Cathleen Kabashi.
Networking: Exchange on equal terms
As the new year’s first major industry platform, opti 2026 offers numerous networking opportunities. The opti RUNWAY BAR, the opti BOX BAR, and the YES LOUNGE are ideal meeting places for discussions, collaborations, and business negotiations, as well as the perfect venue for teamwork and new alliances.
About opti
opti is the international trade fair for optics and design, which takes place annually in Munich in January as the industry’s kick-off event. The networking event offers trade visitors the complete spectrum of optical products, from spectacle frames, lenses, contact lenses, refraction, diagnostics, and low vision to shopfitting and technical equipment. In addition, opti is also the venue for product launches by international market leaders and start-ups alike. The trade fair has been organized by GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH since 2008 and was first held in 1998.
Original link: https://www.opticaljournal.com/opti-new-platforms-new-formats-new-opportunities/