Showcasing strength in sales, technology and innovation, Vision Expo West, the annual B2B event for professionals in the eyewear and vision care industry, once again immersed attendees in cutting-edge advances in eye care, including lens technology, diagnostic tools, practice management solutions and the latest developments. eyewear design trends.
Held September 18-21 at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center in Las Vegas and organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, the trade show and conference attracted more than 11,000 industry professionals from 98 countries, including more than 350 exhibiting companies covering 103,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Vision Expo West, which bills itself as the comprehensive event for ophthalmology professionals, is the sister show of Vision Expo East, held annually in February or March in the eastern region of the United States.
In addition to having the chance to explore a dynamic exhibit space showcasing trends in eyewear frame design and functionality, attendees were given full access to industry education and took advantage of numerous networking opportunities at a series of special events and industry gatherings.
“As we complete another successful Vision Expo West, we are proud of the innovation and collaboration that defines this year’s event,” said Beth Casson, vice president of RX Group. “The eyewear and eye care industries continue to evolve, bringing new technologies and trends that improve patient care and drive business growth. This expo was a pivotal moment for the optical community as we continue to have in-depth conversations about the exciting future of Vision Expo.
New highlights of the show
Known for its diverse range of eyewear and eye care products and services, the show exhibit embodied a comprehensive platform for eye care providers to explore and interact with new technologies, as well as discover the latest innovations and design trends from the biggest industry leaders. These included brands such as Bausch + Lomb, ClearVision, Coburn Technologies, EssilorLuxottica, Hoya, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Kering Eyewear, Marchon, Marcolin, Tura, VSP Global, Zeiss Vision, as well as 90 new exhibitors.
Some brand representatives enthusiastically noted the strong presence of influential buyers, which helped exceed sales targets during the first half of the event, according to Vision Expo officials.
“The discovery at Vision Expo West is unprecedented, many product innovations are being brought here and they simulate not only what exists in the market, but also what may exist in the future,” said Ruben Tellez, Global Marketing Director , Carl ZeissVision.
To enhance the attendee experience, the show has also introduced new and improved features to the show this year, including:
- The Tech & Innovation district, highlighting the latest industry technologies.
- A soft launch of the OTC (over the counter) category, including Sun & Sport, a dedicated space for performance eyewear brands, research-related activations and an active pickleball court for live demonstrations and games.
- An expanded and improved independent design district with daily amenities including a barista bar, light snacks, bubble bar and DJ.
- The lively V Bar debuted on the eye care side of the show, where attendees could attend daily networking events, such as “Cocktails and Connections,” and gather for meetings.
- The relocation of the Innovation Stage to a central area of the exhibition, with expanded programming including clinical and business education, panels and daily networking events, including the new “Visionaries Unveiled” series covering the impact of social media and hearing care in optical spaces. , and integrate aesthetics into practice.
The show also hosted inspiring speakers, including accomplished track and field athlete Alaysha Johnson, a member of Team Oakley at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, who shared her inspiring Olympic journey and how performance eyewear ‘Oakley contributed to its success.
On the afternoon of September 19 and 20, Eyecare Business presented “Flaunt the Frame: Eyewear Trends”, an eyewear-focused fashion show that showcased key fashion trends, while the winners’ exhibition of the NOW Awards 2024 highlighted the best products shaping the future of the industry.
In the Career Resource Center, sponsored by the Vision Council Foundation and other vision care companies, vision care students and recent graduates had the opportunity to connect with professionals from major companies vision care and had access to HR presentations, CV reviews, as well as a professional. portrait booth.
Among the many other strategies Vision Expo West implemented this year to increase audience satisfaction and loyalty was a focus on creating a frictionless journey for attendees. This included simplifying the registration process, digital enhancements to the show’s mobile app and improving features, such as session integration for conference attendees, according to show officials.
A multitude of professional training courses
Featuring an extensive educational program including over 220 hours of accredited courses and sessions across 23 specialty tracks led by industry experts, Vision Expo West’s continuing education sessions covered a wide range of key topics in the fields of optometry , optician and business.
With a focus on improving patient care, the show’s program featured a new curriculum, 80% of which was new content, created by a revamped education planning committee of influential professionals optics.
“Vision Expo West remains the premier event for eyecare professionals,” said Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows at the Vision Council. “This year, we had the opportunity to connect with members, start conversations about the future of eye care, and build lasting relationships within the industry. »
What’s next for 2025
New year, new location: That’s what’s in store for sister show Vision Expo East, which will move from its longtime location at New York’s Javits Center to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida , February 19. -22., 2025
In addition to offering attendees a multi-year preferred date model of Thursday through Saturday, the move will also mark the start of a reimagined show experience that will include a refreshed brand identity, simplified event navigation, enhanced programming and experiences, streamlined performance areas. , new features and numerous opportunities for exhibitors to interact with attendees in a more centralized environment, according to Vision Expo officials.
The venue, hotels, meeting spaces and special events will all be located in a walkable area, ensuring a more connected and community experience for attendees.
“This decision aligns with the changing needs of the industry and reflects feedback from the Vision Council Board of Directors and the Vision Expo Planning Committee,” Casson said. “The new location and reimagined experience will enhance exhibitor-attendee engagement in a centralized setting designed to embrace the optical community. »
She added that not only is Orlando well-equipped to facilitate Vision Expo’s unique logistics, which will ensure a smooth transition for exhibitors and show attendees, but it is also close to the International Airport. ‘Orlando (MCO), as well as a myriad of vacation and hospitality experiences – an added benefit for participants looking to extend their trip to accommodate family travel and leisure.
Vision Expo West will return September 17-20, 2025 at The Venetian Expo.
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