In the beautiful city of Paris, where fashion and innovation naturally intertwine, the SILMO Eyewear Conference 2023 took place. The gathering drew over 27,000 attendees and featured more than 900 exhibitors from 42 countries. It was a truly exceptional event.
Morgan Latif, executive search and leadership consultants, had the privilege of participating in this remarkable assembly of the eyewear industry. Our Head of Vision Care, Giuseppina Montalto, and Director, Oliver Morgan, were grateful for the chance to connect with existing clients and candidates. They also built new relationships during the event.
A particular highlight was the impressive EssilorLuxottica booth. These global eyewear leaders enchanted attendees with a stunning collaboration with Swarovski. They not only showcased exquisite eyewear but also offered exclusive branded cocktails in the evening—a tasteful blend of fashion and innovation. Additionally, EssilorLuxottica presented its partnership with Meta. They introduced innovative combined vision care and hearing solutions. The booth reflected the industry’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for millions. Silmo d’Or awards were also given out, honouring Eyewear Design and Technology Achievements. Winners included Veronika with Lane, Lafont with Ouvrage, Marchon with Nike Fly Free, and EssilorLuxottica with Varilux XR Series. Congratulations to all the award winners.
The SILMO Eyewear Conference also served as a window into the future of vision care. It shed light on emerging trends shaping the industry. Sustainability was a recurring theme, as more eyewear manufacturers and brands pledged to embrace eco-friendly practices. These included sustainable materials and responsible production processes. The sector continues to lead in technological progress, with smart glasses, augmented reality, and cutting-edge lens technologies pushing the boundaries of style and function.
The industry has faced many challenges in recent years. Geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and demand fluctuations have all taken a toll. Nevertheless, at SILMO 2023 there was a sense of cautious optimism. Many industry leaders, including Morgan Latif’s clients, are planning for next year and looking to 2024 with renewed hope and growth in mind.
Morgan Latif, known for its expertise in building diverse, high-performing leadership teams, introduced its “Project Hire” initiative earlier this year. This innovative programme addresses the rising demand for high-calibre commercial talent at the national level. The success of the initiative, first launched in the United States and across French, Italian, and German-speaking European markets, has been remarkable. In 2024, Morgan Latif aims to expand this initiative to new geographical areas. The goal is to remain a trusted partner in executive search and leadership consulting. Meanwhile, they support clients in achieving ambitious growth plans through commercial talent.
We look forward to seeing you at other conferences we are attending such as OPTI in Munich and MIDO in Milan in 2024.
Please contact @GiuseppinaMontalto to understand how Morgan Latif can support your business hire and develop high-performing teams in the Vision Care sector.
