"Up close and personal: Opti is a mirror and networker for the industry"
Half-time on the way to Opti 2026! From January 16 to 18, Munich will once again be the hotspot for international ophthalmic optics. In this interview, Exhibition Director Cathleen Kabashi reveals what makes Opti so special, what she and her team are currently working on and what visitors, exhibitors and those who want to become exhibitors, as well as trade media and influencers, can already look forward to.
Ms. Kabashi, what makes Opti 2026 so special?
All the protagonists and their passion for their profession! Opti is the first big industry get-together of the year - it brings energy, inspiration and real business power! Why? Because we are very close to all the players: Opti is a mirror and networker of the industry. For 2026, we are once again focusing on a strong concept with the latest trends, innovative technology, customized services and international contacts.
Which topics will you be returning to or expanding on in the next edition of Opti?
Clearly, one of the topics is young talent! This is a burning issue for employers in our industry. But the next generation is also looking for exchange, inspiration and personal contacts. This was clearly demonstrated by the success of the Opti Next Generation Hub and was also reflected to me at Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences at the end of May. I attended the 5th edition of OptoMEETry, the VDCO Young event for young talent, to encourage students to get involved in shaping the next Opti Next Generation Hub. The energy of these young talents there was tangible and downright infectious, with their creative drive, fresh approaches and openness to new perspectives - exactly what our industry is looking for and needs.
What is the recipe for success of your trade fair?
Close contact and exchange with the market! Just as we don't just talk to the next generation of opticians and hearing care professionals, but work together with them, we also engage in discussions and cooperation with all stakeholders in the industry. Just one example: we are currently working with contact lens manufacturers on the concept for the continuation of Tomorrow Vision and are considering how we can surprise and inform with the topic of contact lenses at Opti 2026.
We also meet with hearing system manufacturers, talk to start-ups in the field of frames and potential exhibitors for Opti Visionary, the area for start-ups in the non-framing segment. In short, my team and I are 'always on the move', like truffle hunters, to make Opti 2026 even more successful than the 2025 edition already was!
Last but not least, the feedback from over 21,000 visitors and more than 330 exhibitors at the last Opti is of course another major driver. We stay close to the industry and optimize in a targeted manner - with small but effective adjustments.
And what can visitors look forward to in particular?
Of course, on the creativity and innovative power of our exhibitors and the trends,
they set with their products, on smart formats, exciting topics and every
Lots of new impulses - not only for ophthalmic optics. Small spoiler alert: Listen(!)
look closely! The Opti is an industry festival: it brings people together, creates
enthusiasm and is the perfect start to a successful business year!
The upcoming Opti dates for your diary
Opti 2026: January 16-18, 2026
Opti 2027: January 29-31, 2027
Opti 2028: January 14-16, 2028
Source: www.opti.de
