Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
INTERLOOK is the central meeting point for the optical industry, showcasing over 200 brands and the latest trends in eyewear and contact lenses. The event features inspiring keynote speeches, networking opportunities, and a dedicated area for new products and top models.
Attendees can expect a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations and market developments in ophthalmic optics. INTERLOOK takes place in Dortmund, Germany.
TL;DR
- 1Dates: January 2027 - confirm the exact show days on interlook-messe.de before booking travel, since the listing currently fixes the month only.
- 2Venue: Messe Dortmund (Westfalenhallen) in south-west Dortmund, Germany, the venue operated by Messe Dortmund GmbH.
- 3Sector Focus: Ophthalmic optics and optometry - spectacle frames and lenses, progressive and freeform lens portfolios, contact lenses, refraction and diagnostic instruments, lens edging and workshop equipment, low-vision aids and optical store fit-out.
- 4Organiser: Messe Dortmund GmbH; show information, exhibitor lists and registration are published at interlook-messe.de.
- 5Entry: Free admission with registration using code IL27 across all event days, per the current listing details.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest eyewear trends and innovations, network with industry professionals, and explore new products from leading brands. Dates and Venue: INTERLOOK takes place on January 16-17, 2027 at Messe Dortmund, Hall 8. INTERLOOK is the central meeting point for the optical industry, showcasing over 200 brands and the latest trends in eyewear and contact lenses. The event features inspiring keynote speeches, networking opportunities, and a.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors can showcase their latest products to a targeted audience, engage in meaningful discussions with potential clients, and benefit from high visibility in the optical market. Scale and Focus: The event features over 200 brands showcasing the latest in ophthalmic optics. Buyer Authority: Targeted at professionals in the optical industry, including retailers and manufacturers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Optical retailers looking for the latest eyewear collections
Industry professionals seeking networking opportunities
Buyers from optical chains and independent stores
Manufacturers showcasing innovations in ophthalmic optics
Marketing professionals in the eyewear sector
Distributors of optical products and accessories
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Eyewear manufacturers presenting new collections
Contact lens producers showcasing innovations
Suppliers of optical equipment and technology
Retail display and shopfitting solution providers
Marketing and advertising agencies for optical brands
Service providers for the optical retail sector
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Eyewear frames and lenses
Contact lenses and accessories
Optical diagnostic equipment
Retail display solutions and shopfitting
Marketing services for optical brands
Eyewear fashion trends and innovations
Location & Facilities
Venue
Messe Dortmund
Im Rabenloh 6, 44139 Dortmund
Facilities
Parking
Messe Dortmund in Dortmund typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Messe Dortmund in Dortmund typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Messe Dortmund for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Messe Dortmund GmbH
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Dortmund, Germany
Why it matters
Attending INTERLOOK on 2027-01-16 to 2027-01-17 in Dortmund lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Dortmund Airport
Closest airport, but with a limited route network. AirportExpress buses connect the terminal to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof in roughly 20-25 minutes; from there take a Stadtbahn service to the Westfalenhallen stop. Confirm current bus times
Approx. 12-15 km east of the city
to venue
Approx. 20-30 minutes by car or taxi to the Westfalenhallen
by car
Duesseldorf Airport
The practical gateway for international visitors, with the widest European and long-haul choice in the region. Rail connections from the airport station to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof take roughly 50-70 minutes, then a short Stadtbahn ride to the venue. Confirm Deutsche Bahn times
Approx. 65-70 km
to venue
Approx. 50-75 minutes by car, longer in rush hour
by car
Cologne Bonn Airport
Useful for low-cost European routes; rail via Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof is a common alternative to driving. Confirm connections before booking
Approx. 90 km
to venue
Approx. 60-85 minutes by car
by car
Frankfurt Airport
Main long-haul entry point for visitors from the Americas and Asia. Direct ICE trains from Frankfurt Airport station to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof take about two hours, then a Stadtbahn to the Westfalenhallen. Confirm fares and train times
Approx. 220 km
to venue
Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes by car
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Dorint an den Westfalenhallen Dortmund
midscale
Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund200 m to venuea&o Hostel Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
budget
Dortmund Hauptbahnhof2.5 km to venuePLAZA INN stays design Dortmund
midscale
Dortmund4.2 km to venueHotel Annis
budget
Dortmund2.8 km to venueLocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
AirportExpress bus
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDortmund Airport (DTM) to Messe Dortmund
The standard link between the airport and the city. From the Hauptbahnhof continue by Stadtbahn toward the Westfalenhallen.
Stadtbahn (U-Bahn)
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDortmund Hauptbahnhof to Westfalenhallen station
The Westfalenhallen stop sits directly at the exhibition complex. Line numbers and timetables are published by DSW21 and VRR; check them for the show days.
Regional and long-distance train
Estimated costApprox. EUR 20-30 single from Duesseldorf; Frankfurt ICE fares vary widely with booking time
Best forDuesseldorf Airport or Frankfurt Airport to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
Book ICE saver fares early. Dortmund Hauptbahnhof connects to the venue by Stadtbahn.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 18-25 on the meter; confirm the fare in the taxi
Best forDortmund city centre or Hauptbahnhof to Messe Dortmund
Useful with samples, luggage or during build-up days. Airport runs from DTM cost considerably more.
Car and on-site parking
Estimated costApprox. EUR 8-12 per day for event parking; confirm the current rate with Messe Dortmund
Best forDortmund motorway ring to the Westfalenhallen car parks
On-site parking is available at the complex. Arriving before the opening hour avoids queues at the main car park entrances.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDuesseldorf Airport (DUS) to Messe Dortmund
Approx. 50-75 minutes by car, longer in rush hour; The practical gateway for international visitors, with the widest European and long-haul choice in the region. Rail connections from the airport station to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof take roughly 50-70 minutes, then a short Stadtbahn
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Messe Dortmund
Approx. 60-85 minutes by car; Useful for low-cost European routes; rail via Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof is a common alternative to driving. Confirm connections before booking.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to Messe Dortmund
Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes by car; Main long-haul entry point for visitors from the Americas and Asia. Direct ICE trains from Frankfurt Airport station to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof take about two hours, then a Stadtbahn to the Westfalenhallen. Confirm fares and
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Dortmund in January is cold and overcast, with daytime highs typically around 4-6 C and overnight lows near or just below freezing. Drizzle, low cloud and damp pavements are common, and light snow or morning frost is possible. The Westfalenhallen halls are indoors and heated, so the practical risk is the walk between the Stadtbahn stop or car park and the entrance: bring a warm waterproof coat and shoes with grip. Check a local forecast in the week before travel rather than relying on seasonal averages.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Germany.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Visa and entry
Germany's official visa portal lists a Schengen business visa route for trade fair visitors plus ETIAS information for visa-exempt travellers; check your nationality before booking. Source: germany.info/us-en/service/visa/business-visa-963542
Digital Schengen entry (EES)
Germany's visa service notes digital registration of entry into the Schengen area (EES); allow extra time at the airport for biometric registration on first entry.
Local currency and payments
Dortmund uses the euro; carry some cash for small kiosks and transit ticket machines even though card payment is widely accepted.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: DTM
Google Flights searches for Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR) and New York (JFK) to Dortmund (DTM) on 16 Jan 2027 returned no direct priced itineraries in the capture; check connecting routings via DTM or alternative gateways before booking.
Visa
Non-EU business visitors may need a Schengen visa for Germany; the official German missions portal lists a dedicated business visa category. EU/EEA citizens and many visa-waiver nationals do not require a visa for short business trips. Verify your nationality against the official portal before travel.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
The official German missions visa portal also lists the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) digital registration of entry into the Schengen area and ETIAS information for visa-exempt travellers. Check both before departure.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Dortmund Airport (DTM): Approx. 20-30 minutes by car or taxi to the Westfalenhallen; Duesseldorf Airport (DUS): Approx. 50-75 minutes by car, longer in rush hour; Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): Approx. 60-85 minutes by car; Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes by car. Allow road or rail time to Messe Dortmund; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Messe Dortmund: Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund: Dorint an den Westfalenhallen Dortmund; Dortmund Hauptbahnhof: a&o Hostel Dortmund Hauptbahnhof; Dortmund: PLAZA INN stays design Dortmund.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Dortmund; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: The venue has its own Stadtbahn stop, Westfalenhallen, directly at the exhibition complex, reached in roughly 8-12 minutes from Dortmund Hauptbahnhof on the city's light-rail network. From Dortmund Airport (DTM) take the AirportExpress bus to the Hauptbahnhof and change onto a Stadtbahn toward the Westfalenhallen, allowing around 45-60 minutes in total. Visitors landing at Duesseldorf (DUS) can take a regional or long-distance train to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof in roughly 50-70 minutes and continue on the Stadtbahn; Frankfurt (FRA) connects by ICE in about two hours. Tickets are sold through VRR machines and apps, with an approximate single city fare of EUR 3.10 - confirm current line numbers, timetables and fares with DSW21 or VRR before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Messe Dortmund; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Approx. 0 C to 6 C for January in Dortmund, with daytime highs commonly 4-6 C and overnight lows near or slightly below freezing. Confirm the actual forecast in the week before the show.
Seasonality: January is one of the greyest, dampest months in the Ruhr region, with frequent overcast days, drizzle and occasional light snow or frost. Halls are indoors and heated, but the walk from the Westfalenhallen Stadtbahn stop or the car parks is exposed, so pack a warm waterproof coat and shoes with decent grip for the show days.
Packing: January 2027
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at INTERLOOK usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 - Complete your online registration with code IL27 and save the confirmation plus a screenshot of your badge QR to your phone.
T-2
Day 14 - Confirm your hotel: the Dorint an den Westfalenhallen is at the fairground (roughly 200 m), while budget options near Dortmund Hauptbahnhof are a 2.5 km Stadtbahn ride away.
T-3
Day 12 - Download the exhibitor list and mark the frame suppliers, lens manufacturers and instrument brands you must see; note which ones offer appointment booking.
T-4
Day 12 - Book instrument demonstration slots with two or three refraction, topographer or edging suppliers, since live demos fill fastest in the first hours of day one.
T-5
Day 10 - Fix your travel: Dortmund Airport (DTM) is closest, Duesseldorf (DUS) has the wider flight network and rail links to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt (FRA) suits long-haul arrivals via ICE.
T-6
Day 10 - Check Deutsche Bahn or VRR connection times from your arrival point to the Westfalenhallen Stadtbahn stop, and note the last service back on your return evening.
T-7
Day 7 - Bring your current prescription data and lens price list from your practice so you can compare progressive lens tiers and edging costs on the stand rather than from memory.
T-8
Day 7 - Prepare a one-page buying brief: average frame price band you sell, best-selling shapes, lens mix and any workshop equipment you plan to replace this year.
T-9
Day 5 - Check the Dortmund forecast and pack a warm waterproof coat, comfortable shoes and a charger for the long days between halls.
T-10
Day 5 - Confirm your payment method for orders (many German suppliers invoice on trade terms) and check whether your business account needs a signed purchase authorisation.
T-11
Day 3 - Print or download the hall plan and mark a walking route that groups frame stands, lens suppliers and the instrument aisles to avoid crossing the complex repeatedly.
T-12
Day 1 - Arrive at the Westfalenhallen stop about 30 minutes before opening, collect your badge and start with the instrument demos while the aisles are quiet.
T-13
After the show - Enter your collected quotes and lens pricing into your purchase plan within 48 hours, while stand contacts and negotiated terms are still fresh.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Messe Dortmund
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2INTERLOOK registration concourse
Messe Dortmund
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Messe Dortmund
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether INTERLOOK fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When exactly does Interlook take place in Dortmund?
The current listing places Interlook in January 2027 at Messe Dortmund, with admission across all event days. The precise opening and closing days should be confirmed on interlook-messe.de before you book flights or hotel rooms, because January hotel rates in Dortmund move quickly once the dates are fixed.
Where is Messe Dortmund and which hall complex does Interlook use?
Messe Dortmund operates the Westfalenhallen exhibition complex in the south-west of Dortmund, served by its own Stadtbahn stop (Westfalenhallen). Hall allocation per product group is published in the exhibitor directory; check the plan on the organiser site so you can route frame, lens and instrumentation stands efficiently.
Is Interlook free to attend and how do I register?
Per the current listing, admission is free with registration using code IL27 for all event days. Register online before travelling and keep the confirmation on your phone, because on-site badge printing without a completed registration can be slower on the opening morning.
Is Interlook open to consumers or only to optical professionals?
Interlook is built around the ophthalmic optics trade - opticians, optometrists, practice owners and their buying teams - rather than as a consumer spectacle show. Check the organiser's admission terms for guest and non-trade access if you are not registering through an optical business.
Which product categories will I find on the show floor?
Expect spectacle frames across price tiers, ophthalmic lenses including progressive and freeform portfolios, contact lenses and care products, refraction and diagnostic instrumentation, lens edging and workshop equipment, low-vision aids and optical store fit-out. Visitors typically split the day between frame selection and instrument demonstrations, which need booked slots.
How do I get from Dortmund Airport to Messe Dortmund?
Dortmund Airport (DTM) is roughly 12-15 km east of the city. Take the AirportExpress bus to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, then a Stadtbahn service to the Westfalenhallen stop; allow around 45-60 minutes door to door. A taxi from the airport to the halls is the quicker option with luggage. Confirm current bus times and fares before travel.
Should I fly into Duesseldorf or Dortmund for the show?
Dortmund (DTM) is closest but has a limited route network. Duesseldorf (DUS) is roughly 65-70 km away with far more European and long-haul connections and direct rail links to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, so many exhibitors and international buyers land there and continue by train. Frankfurt (FRA) works for long-haul arrivals willing to take a two-hour ICE ride.
Is there parking at Messe Dortmund during Interlook?
Yes, the Westfalenhallen complex has on-site parking and is reached directly from the Dortmund motorway ring. Rates and hall-side access change per event, so confirm the current daily charge and the recommended car park with Messe Dortmund. Arriving before the opening hour avoids the busiest window.
Where should I stay near Messe Dortmund?
The Dorint an den Westfalenhallen Dortmund is directly at the fairground, roughly 200 m from the halls, which is the most practical base for exhibitors working build-up days. Budget options cluster around Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, about 2.5 km away, with a short Stadtbahn ride to the venue. Book early, as January trade-fair and football weekends tighten availability.
Do I need a visa to attend Interlook in Germany?
Non-EU and non-EEA visitors without a Schengen visa waiver need a Schengen business visa, applied for through the German mission responsible for their place of residence. The official German information portal covers the business visa route, EES digital entry registration and ETIAS updates; start the application well before the January show dates.
What is the weather like in Dortmund in January?
January is Dortmund's coldest, greyest month: daytime highs usually sit around 4-6 C, overnight lows hover near freezing, and drizzle or light snow is common. The exhibition halls are indoors and heated, but pack a warm waterproof coat and shoes for the walk between the Stadtbahn stop and the entrance.
Glossary
- Ophthalmic optics (Augenoptik)
- The German trade discipline covering refraction, spectacle lens selection, centration, glazing and dispensing, plus contact lens fitting. It is the core subject area of Interlook and the professional identity of most visitors who walk the Dortmund halls.
- Refraction
- The measurement of a patient's refractive error - myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia - that yields the prescription an optical practice converts into lenses. Instrument exhibitors at Interlook demonstrate objective and subjective refraction workflows side by side.
- Phoropter (refractor)
- A binocular instrument holding banks of trial lenses that the optometrist flips in front of the patient during subjective refraction. It is a standard demo unit in the instrumentation aisles, usually shown together with a chart system and a refraction unit chair.
- Autorefractor and keratometer
- An automated instrument that gives an objective starting point for the prescription and measures corneal curvature. In modern practice packages it is normally paired with a corneal topographer and a non-contact tonometer.
- Progressive addition lens (PAL)
- A lens with continuously changing power across the surface so the wearer sees distance, intermediate and near through one pair. It is the highest-value lens category most German optical retailers sell, and the main reason lens manufacturers bring their premium tier to Dortmund.
- Freeform or digital surfacing
- Computer-controlled lens production that cuts a surface optimised for the individual wearer's prescription, frame wrap and viewing behaviour. Suppliers use the term to distinguish personalised progressives from conventional semi-finished blanks.
- Lens edging and mounting
- The workshop step that cuts a finished lens to the frame shape, drills rimless mounts and assembles the spectacles. Edging machines, blockers and tracer units are shown as back-office equipment for practice labs.
- RGP and soft contact lenses
- Rigid gas-permeable lenses and hydrogel or silicone hydrogel soft lenses, including spherical, toric and multifocal designs. Fitting sets, care products and trial lens libraries usually sit close to the spectacle frame stands.
- Myopia management
- Clinical programmes aimed at slowing axial elongation in children, using specially designed spectacle lenses, soft multifocal lenses or orthokeratology. It is a growing clinical segment presented to optometrists alongside conventional single-vision products.
- Low vision aids
- Magnifiers, telescopic systems and electronic video magnifiers supplied to visually impaired patients. At German optical trade fairs this is normally a distinct product block with its own supplier base.
- Optical store fit-out
- Display furniture, lighting, window presentation systems and consulting-room equipment that an optical retailer buys alongside frames. These suppliers form a separate group from lens and instrument manufacturers.
- Centration and pupillary distance
- The fitting measurements that position a lens optical centre correctly in front of the eye, taken with a centration device or digitally during frame selection. Getting this wrong is the most common reason a progressive lens is rejected by the wearer.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- INTERLOOK
- INTERLOOK 2027
- INTERLOOK Dortmund
- INTERLOOK Dortmund 2027
- Dortmund Germany
- Eyewear frames and lenses
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.