This post was most recently updated on March 7th, 2019
One of the best ways a business can become engaged, inspired, and connected with their peers is to attend a convention specific to their niche. For this reason, we jumped at the chance to send two of our team members, Amber and Marshall, to represent us at the SILMO frames convention in Paris this year. This was a special move for our business, as it meant we will continue offering the best, most high-quality European frames to our Denver clientele.
The stunning city of Paris hosted the SILMO convention, humming with the enthusiasm and passion of the industry’s most innovative designers in the eyewear industry. To get a sense of how popular the event is, in 2017 over 37,000 visitors attended, over half had come from all over the globe. It goes to show that in-person, sensory involvement with products, new innovations, and peers has not been overtaken by the digital age we live in. SILMO also hosts frame conventions in other major cities around the world, such as Bangkok, Sydney, and Istanbul. Check out their website if you’re interested in exhibiting, attending, or simply taking a look.
SILMO is not only about poring over the newest, most exciting designs and technological innovations, but it is also about training and growth as well. A full schedule of conventions, workshops, viewing galleries, and awards awaited thousands of industry professionals.
Our awesome representatives were lucky enough to experience these events:
● The SILMO d’Or awards whittled down the best of the best, with categories such as ‘Frame Technological Innovation’, ‘Optic Frame – Fashion Trend’, and ‘Material/Equipment’. The creative minds of the industry were recognized and awarded for their contributions to the craft, on a world stage. Award-winning interior designer and architecture fanatic Michel Penneman chaired the panel of judges for the SILMO d’Or awards, lending his expert eye and penchant for spotting eclectic flair.
● A wide range of conventions was on offer, discussing all things frames-related, including health, fashion, and retail. Guests were able to listen and contribute to conversations with the most experienced industry professionals, learning and gathering further knowledge of the field to share with their colleagues back home.
● Workshops taught by the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France covered design, creation, and all things in between. Attendees got to view and experience award-winning products, and learn what’s behind their prestige, in terms of innovation, technology, and creative design.
● The La Selection gallery was in full splendor, showcasing the latest styles in optical, sunglasses, and children’s frames. Professionals from the world over were able to view and select collections to bring home to their local markets.
● The SILMO Academy offered a full-day, hands-on opportunity for professionals to practice, hone, and develop their daily operation “on the job”. The latest, most important research was on offer, as well as up-to-date information about recent changes and developments in the optical sector.
● The School Day reached out to students of the industry, offering a first glance at the professional they will soon be delving into. A chance to mix, mingle, and meet with fellow trainees, as well as soaking up recent research and innovations as taught by industry professionals.
It is conventions like SILMO which allow businesses large and small to participate, learn, and share their knowledge with others just as passionate as they are. A hive of acknowledgment, new findings, growth, and of course, the most exciting new eyewear looks the world has to offer. It was a valuable operation to have two of our staff soak up all the convention displayed, allowing us to continue offering fresh new European frames ready for our clients to select, fit, and love.