Mido confirms new dates for 2021

The organisers behind Mido have taken the decision to postpone the 50^th edition of Mido for a second time to 2021 as the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency continues.

The event will now take place on 6–8 February 2021 at Fiera Milano Rho, in Rho, Italy.

Mido president, Giovanni Vitaloni, commented in a statement that the ongoing pandemic in Italy, and its spread across the rest of the world, “along with doubts about when the crisis will normalise globally” has forced the organisers to make the “painful, but crucial, decision.”

The 50^th edition of the show was due to have taken place in Milan between 29 February and 2 March. Due to the impact of COVID-19 in Italy, the event was originally postponed until July.

Event organisers have now decided to move the event to 2021, taking place three weeks earlier than usual.

Mr Vitaloni explained: “The 50^th anniversary edition is being moved to 2021 and we are convinced it will bring a new lease on life to the eyewear industry in Italy and abroad. Our focus, and that of all industry professionals, is to inject new vitality into a healthy economic system that – although slowed by the public health crisis – has never lost its driving force.”

“During these perplexing times, in an ongoing scenario of diminishing revenues and increasing costs, national and international businesses are struggling to strike a balance between the need to keep working and the essential task of ensuring the safety of their employees,” Mr Vitaloni said.

He emphasised the importance of businesses understanding they “can count on Mido” to showcase their work and products, adding: “By fostering an alliance between exhibitors and visitors, in a climate of restored confidence, Mido can play a crucial role in the recovery.”

The digital platform, MIDO4U, can connect exhibitors with international buyers until the next show, and while Mr Vitaloni concedes that it “cannot replace an actual fair,” the resource can provide an accessible means for “real, albeit virtual, interaction that ensures the industry as viable way to continue to build business relationships.”

OT endeavours to keep the most up-to-date news on our website and this information was correct when published. However, the situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Please check OT’s rolling optics-specific coverage for the latest news and guidance on COVID-19.