SIOS Moves to September 2026 in Dallas; Author Visits De Rigo and TAVAT Ahead of SILMO

The Southern Independent Optical Show (SIOS) moved its third annual event from March to September 11–12, 2026, in Dallas. This shift followed the cancellation of the end-of-summer Vision Expo, positioning SIOS as a standalone showcase for Spring/Summer 2027 eyewear models targeting North American buyers. Organizers reported record attendance and brand participation, establishing SIOS as a key regional trade show despite not being the largest independent optical exhibition. Attendees included optometrists and opticians from Washington, California, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Prior to attending SILMO 2027 in Paris, the author visited Italian manufacturers De Rigo and TAVAT. De Rigo, founded in 1978, operates 27 brands and over 1,500 retail locations across Europe and Türkiye. TAVAT remains a smaller, family-owned entity focused on independent retailers.