The optical industry re-convened on 3 and 4 September at Messe Dortmund where trade visitors were able to browse a broad and interesting range of the latest trends and product highlights which they were able to view, try out and order all in one location. For the first time under its new name, look and feel, INTERLOOK exhibitors were able to engage with would-be customers, present their products and services centrally in the heart of North Rhine Westphalia, and network with industry colleagues from across Germany and beyond. As a result, they are already looking forward with great anticipation to the next INTERLOOK scheduled for 11 and 12 February 2023.

Dortmund, 7 September 2022 – As the INTERLOOK ophthalmic optics show got underway, all industry participants were equally pleased to be engaging person-to-person once more. Over two days, they took advantage of the offerings of over 100 exhibitors showing frames, accessories, lenses, contact lenses, hearing aids, screening and diagnostic equipment, education and training opportunities, and IT solutions. The clear management and structure of the new INTERLOOK as well as the supporting programme and relaxed networking areas were well received, scoring a 'B' in the overall ratings.

According to an independent survey, participants came to the show with the overall intention of finding out about the current state of the market, the latest trends and innovations, and also to cultivate business contacts, to test products and materials and to order products at the event. “And it is precisely this interplay of dialogue, networking and product experience that INTERLOOK – the ophthalmic optics show – was able to facilitate once again under its new name,” said Sabine Loos, Managing Director of show organiser Messe Dortmund. “This live show experience offers trade visitors an overview of the latest trends, 'eye-catchers' and products to see, feel and touch, also offering opportunities for in-depth face-to-face discussions, making it an ideal basis for future business decisions and for their own success,” she continued.

Well organised, with a pleasant atmosphere – Dortmund as the place to be

For years, INTERLOOK has been appreciated as a strong sales event for the regions in and around North Rhine Westphalia. Whether it's winning new customers or meeting existing ones, exhibitors appreciate this great platform in Dortmund. “As a location, Dortmund is very important to us, as we have many customers in the area and have the opportunity to win new ones – as we have done so again this year,” said Claudia Hollergschwandtner, Managing Director of HERZBLUT eyewear. Good contacts were also made beyond the city limits. “INTERLOOK in Dortmund has been – and still is – of great importance to us, as it gives us the opportunity to reach customers from the Rhine and Ruhr conurbations,” emphasised Guido Wolf, Managing Director of Wolf Continental. “Our high-quality stand and large exhibition space give us a real presence at the show. We were also able to inspire guests from the Netherlands with our large brand offering and win them as new customers.” ETINA EYEWEAR CULTURE was also able to put its best foot forward at this year's show: “We'd been to Brille & Co many times and are now exhibiting at INTERLOOK for the first time. We were really impressed by the superb organisation this year and have been able to make contacts as far away as the north of Germany. In addition, INTERLOOK is also very important for us because the central location means we can attract many customers from the Ruhr.”

Once again, everyone attending the show was able to expect professional engagement eye-to-eye in a relaxed setting – now in the new INTERLOOK atmosphere. This went down well with exhibitors too: “We loved the design this year and were very pleased with the atmosphere,” said Fabian Heinen, Account Manager at JULBO. “The set-up went smoothly, and communication with exhibition centre staff was very cordial.” Hans Reinhardt Bader, Commercial Representative at DUTZ Eyewear added: “It was a great atmosphere, and we had friendly exchanges with visitors and exhibitors alike. The organisation of the show and the layout in the exhibition hall were really good and very clear.” Straightforward organisation underpinned by a great service ethic – also across national borders – helped exhibitors concentrate squarely on being successful at the venue,” said Stefanie Ruebig, Area Manager at Nanovista. “We're absolutely delighted. We organised our attendance from our head office in Spain, and the organisational side of things with the exhibition centre staff ran smoothly – even from abroad. Everyone's really nice, open and extremely helpful, and the information flow was impeccable.”

INTERLOOK is also a great place to engage and interact with other exhibitors. “We were able to do some good networking here and also got to know other exhibitors. We've been coming for years and will continue to come to exhibit in the future,” said Christian Eydam, Managing Director of Hamburg Eyewear. Paul Nestler, Sales Representative at Leipzig Eyewear felt the quality of the exhibitors was 'Grade A'. To establish themselves as a start-up, they like to use the show as a place to engage with established brands. “Which is why INTERLOOK in Dortmund – right in the middle of North Rhine Westphalia – was a great place for us to go.”

EXHIBITION AT A GLANCE

INTERLOOK – OPHTHALMIC OPTICS TRADE SHOW

The eyes have it – INTERLOOK gives opticians and retailers a great opportunity to share professional insights and mingle informally. Its compact size presents visitors with an efficient overview of key trends, ideas and innovations in ophthalmic optics, making it easy to reach important decisions without unnecessary delay. Trade visitors are able to order the latest eye wear collections and accessories, and share information on product innovations and fashion trends in the industry. Among the hallmarks of INTERLOOK are insights into the latest product developments and optical diagnostic devices as well as ideas and suggestions for great retail marketing and building customer loyalty. Trade visitors can also look forward to an exciting stage programme featuring industry experts and the attractive 'New Products & Top Models' exhibition area featuring the latest frames, lenses and accessories.

DATE:

3 – 4 September 2022

NEXT TRADE SHOW:

11 – 12 February 2023

EVENT ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund GmbH

PARTNER:

optikernetz.de GmbH

TARGET GROUPS:

Opticians, specialist and general retailers

HALLS OCCUPIED:

Hall 5

PARTICIPANTS:

1,100 participants (approx.)

EXHIBITOR:

Over 100 exhibitors and more than 250 brands

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS:

• Stage with supporting programme

• “New Products & Top Models” special exhibition feature

• Job Wall

INTERLOOK 2022 – what the partners and exhibitors say

Alexander Luks, Managing Director of spectacle maker BO/44 Brillenmanufaktur Wagner & Luks

“Our stand was very well received, and we were thrilled with the organisation of INTERLOOK. This year again, we had ideal conditions for engaging and doing good business. We'll be happy to come back next year.”

Hans Reinhardt Bader, Commercial Representative at DUTZ Eyewear

“It was a great atmosphere, and we had friendly exchanges with visitors and exhibitors alike. The organisation of the show and the layout in the exhibition hall were really good and very clear. We've been coming since the first INTERLOOK (formerly Brille & Co) and will continue to exhibit here in future.”

Susanne Goldbach, Area Manager for Germany/Austria/Switzerland at ETINA EYEWEAR CULTURE

“We'd been to Brille & Co many times and are now exhibiting at INTERLOOK for the first time. We were really impressed by the superb organisation this year and have been able to make contacts as far away as the north of Germany. In addition, INTERLOOK is also very important for us because the central location means we can attract many customers from the Ruhr.”

Christian Eydam, Managing Director of Hamburg Eyewear

“Our stand was in a great spot that many visitors saw and went to. We were able to do some good networking here and also got to know other exhibitors. We've been coming for years and will continue to come to exhibit in the future.”

Claudia Hollergschwandtner, Managing Director of HERZBLUT eyewear

“This is our second time at INTERLOOK. Thanks to an excellent position, we were able to welcome many visitors to our stand. As a location, Dortmund is very important to us, as we have many customers in the area and have the opportunity to win new ones – as we have done so again this year.”

Sven Ahrens, Sales Representative, Germany at ic! Berlin

“We feel very comfortable at INTERLOOK. The ambience was nice, and we're totally happy with the organisation.”

Fabian Heinen, Account Manager at JULBO

“We loved the design this year and were very pleased with the atmosphere. The set-up went smoothly, and communication with exhibition centre staff was very cordial. Dortmund is a particularly important location for our company, as the city is located very centrally in North Rhine Westphalia and has excellent connections, meaning we were able to attract customers from this region.”

Paul Nestler, Sales, Leipzig Eyewear

“The atmosphere at INTERLOOK was very uncluttered, and the quality of exhibitors was very well managed. During a tour of the exhibition hall, the exhibitors were also open for discussions. We are using trade shows to establish ourselves as a start-up, which is why INTERLOOK in Dortmund – right in the middle of North Rhine Westphalia – was a great place for us to go. We'll be back.”

Martina Heinolth, Northern Sales Manager at Marcolin (Germany)

“Many customers came by and looked at our products. The favourites were the 'adidas' models with their large logos. In engaging with customers, there was a nice easy atmosphere, and our exchanges with the well-known exhibitors around us were very friendly.”

Annabel Dahms, Executive Assistant at MEYEWEAR

“We were able to meet many nice people here and win new customers. The look of the show was nice, and we will be back again next year.”

Joshua Gussmann, Managing Director of MIDON Vision

“We were at Brille & Co last year and found it so appealing at INTERLOOK again this time that we want to come back again next year. The interaction with other exhibitors was also very friendly.”

Stefanie Ruebig, Area Manager at Nanovista

“We're absolutely delighted. We organised our attendance from our head office in Spain, and the organisational side of things with the exhibition centre staff ran smoothly – even from abroad. Everyone's really nice, open and extremely helpful, and the information flow was impeccable. All questions were answered quickly and straightforwardly, and we were able to relax and concentrate squarely on being successful at the venue.”

Silke Thesen, Master Optician Lecturer at Optonia Vocational School – seminars and vocational training to master-craftsperson level

“It was clear to us that we simply had to be at the show. Our main intention was to present ourselves to the market, inform new students, and establish and maintain contacts with manufacturers. Our expectations were met. We were able to meet old students here and gained new ones into the bargain.”

Anita Gaßmann, Representative at OWP Brillen GmbH

“The atmosphere at the venue was pleasantly straightforward. Our company has a very broad positioning. INTERLOOK is the ideal place to grow our customer base even further, so we'll be happy to come back and exhibit again.”

Guido Wolf, Managing Director of Wolf Continental

“INTERLOOK in Dortmund has been – and still is – of great importance to us, as it gives us the opportunity to reach customers from the Rhine and Ruhr conurbations. Our high-quality stand and large exhibition space give us a real presence at the show. We were also able to inspire guests from the Netherlands with our large brand offering and win them as new customers.”