Cheat sheet for opti 2026: Without this bucket list, no one was really at opti
The countdown is on! opti in Munich starts in two days. Four halls, 354 exhibitors, endless trends – and far too little time for everything. To make sure you don't miss anything, here is the ultimate opti bucket list. Save it, take it with you, check it off. Let's go!
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There is huge anticipation for opti 2026. The picture shows the hustle and bustle at opti 2025.
Munich, 9 January, 2026 – Advance tip from the opti team: It's best to save the list on your cell phone, take it with you, and use it to explore the four opti exhibition halls with their 354 exhibitors at the Munich Exhibition Center. In addition to the exhibitors' innovations, there is also an impressive opti supporting program to discover! With this bucket list, you'll be even better prepared when you head to the Munich Exhibition Center on Friday, January 16, 2026 (opti runs until Sunday, January 18, 2026).
⭐ Tip 1: Network, network, network
Let's be honest: opti is the networking fair for the industry. Get out of your comfort zone and strike up a conversation. Meet suppliers, find new contacts, bring your team along, and get inspired. Plan a few fixed appointments in advance – but be sure to leave room for spontaneous encounters: at bars, stages, hubs, or simply in the hallway. That's often where the best conversations happen.
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/all-exhibitors
⭐ Extra nice: Design tours with opti design trend guru Selin Olmsted
– be quick, there are only spots left for opti Sunday!
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/guided-tours
⭐ Tip 2: opti SPHEARE – the future of hearing (booth C3.237)
New in 2026 and worth seeing: opti SPHEARE. This is all about the connection between ophthalmic optics and hearing acoustics. Advice, innovations, new business ideas – all in one place. As opti trade fair director Cathleen Kabashi says: “Anyone talking about visibility today must also consider hearing.” opti SPHEARE makes it easy to exchange ideas with experts: just take a look, take it with you, and think ahead.
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/opti-spheare
⭐ Tip 3: TOMORROW VISION – Play smart. Move free. (Booth C4.321)
Contact lenses can do more – and that's exactly what TOMORROW VISION 2026 shows. Nine leading manufacturers (ALCON, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, HECHT Contactlinsen, Mark'ennovy, Menicon, MPG&E, and SEED Group (Wöhlk, Ultravision, Sensimed)) share a common vision: more freedom in everyday life and in sports. The large joint exhibition area clearly demonstrates the potential that contact lenses have for your business. Inspiring, practical, and definitely a must-see. And for detailed questions, the participating exhibitors have set up their tents outside...
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/tomorrow-vision
⭐ Tip 4: opti NEXT GENERATION HUB (Booth C3.510)
supported by OCULUS & EssilorLuxottica
This is where the young heart of the industry beats. Talks on AI, careers & self-marketing, speed dating with companie s, meet & greets with important industry leaders – and even a free professional application photo. Plus: opti MY OWN BUSINESS is for anyone thinking about starting their own business. Open, honest, on equal terms.
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/opti-next-generation
⭐ Extra nice to take away or post: You as an opti AMBASSADOR
Anyone can take a selfie – at opti, you can now make yourself an opti AMBASSADOR. Same look, same feel, same fun as the faces for this opti. Have fun and happy posting!
Where? Selfie spot in Hall C3 at booth C3.281.
How? Just stop by – an opti hostess will be happy to assist you.
⭐ Tip 5: opti NEXT GEN TOURS
Next Gen squared! These guided live walks (one on Saturday, one on Sunday) are exclusively for young talents – and limited. Only 15 places per tour, but exciting companies, direct exchange, and a goodie bag at the end. Make a note of the meeting point, register quickly, and join in.
➡️https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/opti-next-generation/registration-next-gen-tours
⭐ Tip 6: opti FUTURE VISION HUB (Hall C4.581)
It doesn't get much more futuristic than this. This is where visionaries meet visions: myopia management, smart glasses, AI, telemedicine, and modern healthcare. The FUTURE VISION HUB not only shows what's coming, but how it will change your everyday life. A must-see for anyone who wants to be at the forefront.
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/future-vision-hub
⭐ Tip 7: opti VISIONARY (Hall C3 next to opti NEXT GEN HUB)
& opti VISIONARY AWARD
Start-ups, innovations, and fresh ideas from the world of optics and hearing acoustics. At opti VISIONARY, you can meet founders who are rethinking diagnostics, care, and business models. Highlight 2026: the first opti VISIONARY AWARD – audience award, with your vote! You can now vote for your favorite opti VISIONARY AWARD nominee here. Award ceremony on the opti DESIGN STAGE (C1.481) on Sunday, January 18, at 3:40 p.m.
More information and voting:
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/opti-visionary
⭐⭐⭐ Design and current frame trends.
In addition to the almost fully booked eyewear tours with trend expert Selin Olmsted (see tip 1), two awards show where the design journey will take us in 2026 in terms of frames:
⭐ Tip 8: opti DESIGN STAGE – where trends become visible (booth C1.481)
If you love design, there's no way around the opti DESIGN STAGE. Here, opti brings together everything that's currently happening in eyewear design: informative talks, talented designers, and the hottest frames at the trade fair. From the candidates for the opti FRAME STAR to the grand award ceremony for all opti AWARDS on Sunday – this is a must-see. Highlight: Design pioneer Selin Olmsted presents her Eyewear Trend Report 2027 directly from New York. The DOZ Talks focus on colors, materials, and the future of design. In short: go there, be inspired, and take the trends home with you.
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/design
⭐ Tip 9: opti FRAME STAR AWARD (opti DESIGN STAGE C1.481)
Attention, design fans! The most popular frame at the trade fair will be chosen here, and you get to help decide which one it will be. Simply vote on your cell phone at the opti DESIGN STAGE. The winning frame will be announced live on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the opti DESIGN STAGE – by opti director Cathleen Kabashi herself. Join in, have your say, and celebrate with us.
Voting is only possible on site at opti – click here to see the candidates in advance:
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/frame-star
⭐ Tip 10: opti BOXES (Hall C2 in the south) & opti BOX AWARD
Start-up power goes public: At the opti BOX AWARD, the audience will once again honor a start-up in 2026. Voting is already open – the award ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 18, at 3:20 p.m. live on the new opti DESIGN STAGE (booth C1.481). Be sure to mark your calendars.
More info and voting
➡️ https://www.opti.de/en/discover/highlights/opti-boxes-2026
⭐ Additional tip for opti Friday: opti PARTY – powered by optiswiss
Networking can also be done while dancing. Friday evening means music, drinks, and good vibes. It's worth arriving on time, as it gets very busy. The perfect end to the first day of the trade fair.
Friday, 16 January 2026, 7 – 10 pm in the restaurant, 1st floor, above Halls C1/C2
After opti is before opti, so save the date for the next opti now:
opti 2027: 29 – 31 January, 2027.
