The 9th edition of DaTE, an event focused on the eyewear of the future, closed Monday at the Stazione Leopolda di Firenze. Almost 1.500 eyewear professionals and select buyers visited the show, exceeding expectations and emphasizing the importance of in-person events for the industry. And, with 130 Italian and international brands, the event reconfirmed itself as a key resource for the entire eyewear industry which, in Italy, brings in about 4 billion euro in turnover, and employs a workforce of 18,000.

Strictly in compliance with the anti-Covid measures in effect, the event attracted a substantial turnout this year from across Italy and the world, for a 55 % increase in attendance. The number of exhibitors rose by 50%, compared to last year. Of the 130 brands participating, 45% were international. Crucial internationalization activities, conducted in support of the event by ITA (Italian Trade&Investment Agency), brought in international buyers particularly from Spain, France, and Poland. This foreshadows an increasingly international future for DaTE.