MILAN–Mido organizers provided an update on the international attendance at its recently-concluded Mido 2021 Digital Edition, which hosted a series of programs and special sessions, discussions and trend reports on a specially-designed, immersive virtual platform held here on July 5-7 here. Show organizers reported nearly 50,000 interactions on the business platform, 438 display pages, over 5,700 registered users, 50 percent international attendance, numbers for what they call a "transition edition," between the pandemic and the live show next year, which  reaffirm  Mido’s international appeal. The next dates for an in-person Mido exhibition will be Feb. 12-14, 2022.

Geographically speaking, the majority of participants in this edition were European, followed by Americans and Asians. There was also a substantial presence of journalists from around the globe (more than 100 accredited) who followed the events, visited the exhibitors’ virtual stands and wrote stories about the virtual event. 

This format offered more than 30 exclusive events–all available on line–and 60 speakers, an impressive array of prominent guests who alternated throughout the thrilling show.The list included major stars from different creative fields: photographer Albert Watson, chef Massimo Bottura, designer Fabio Novembre, as well as a list stars from the global eyewear and design galaxies, along with experts and technical savants who hosted the lounges and rooms dedicated to eyewear professionals where specific topics of interest to the industry were explored.

Mido’s B2B trading continues on the platform, putting buyers and exhibitors in contact until the next in-person edition of the show. 
 
“The first ever Mido 2021 I Digital Edition has closed and we are extremely pleased with the outcome, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the entire team,” stated Mido president Giovanni Vitaloni. “Despite the very turbulent year that put us to the test, we were able to strengthen and build new confidence and trust, and we produced a digital trade show that came as close as possible to an in-person fair. There was a multitude of users and interactions, many more than expected. Thus, we are even more eager to return to meeting in person at Milano next year, while reassessing the expedience of the online format that allowed us to reach new exhibitors and visitors,” he concluded.
 
All of the events during the three-day Digital Edition are available on the platform.