MILAN—Citing a current new shutdown in Italy due to continuing concerns about the pandemic, the restrictions in place against live trade events and an uncertain travel situation in Europe, Giovanni Vitaloni, president of Mido, just announced today the postponement of the international eyewear event's live exhibition, which had been planned for June 5-7 in Milan, to take place Feb. 12-14, 2022 at Milan's Rho-Pero center. In addition, the organizers will soon debut a new virtual conference and digital exhibit program, to be held June 22, 2021, details of which will be presented soon.

"While we have all been considering the safety and best approach for all of our exhibitors and attendees, and had been very optimistic last fall toward a June date, the reality is proving to be different," Vitaloni stated. "We have taken a tough and difficult decision, feeling a responsibility toward our visitors and exhibitors, Mido needs to maintain its leadership role as the driving force of the economy in the optics sector and in a way which safeguards the international character of the show itself."





He said the organization has been working on a plan for a virtual event for this year as a way for leaders in the eyewear sector to come together to address the path into the future. "It's important now for all companies to remain flexible, fast and courageous. We have all worked to talk to our customers worldwide this year. We also see an opportunity to create an important platform from leaders in our business to look ahead."





After its original cancellation in Feb 2020, which was to be the 50th anniversary of the exhibition, Mido organizers then announced last October that they would move to the June 2021 dates. The current circumstances, however, require the postponement of the live event to February 2022, Vitaloni said.