The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions are gearing up to present a reimagined Vision Expo, the bi-annual trade show and conference for ophthalmic professionals, next year. New features such as curated neighborhoods, creative and interactive exhibit spaces, and refreshed branding (its new show tagline is “The Future, Clearly”) are a few of the fresh concepts that will debut at Vision Expo East 2020, set for March 26-29 at Javits Center in New York City. 

As the largest optical event in the U.S., Vision Expo expects to welcome approximately 5,000 optometrists, opticians, practice staff and ophthalmic techs; 15,000 eyecare professionals, buyers and influencers; and 750 exhibitors to a 233,908-square-foot showfloor displaying the latest in industry trends, technologies and products and services.

Shaped by feedback from exhibitors and attendees, the show’s evolution will mark a new era for the event, with a definitive focus on discovery, connection and experience, according to The Vision Council officials.

“The show has always served as a discovery zone for innovative products and services, new technology and fashion trends, while simultaneously encouraging and challenging the industry,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “[The year] 2020 provides unique significance in leading us into a vibrant future, and we know the reimagination of Vision Expo will present the optical industry with the perfect platform to make that happen.”

At Vision Expo East 2020, three new distinct neighborhoods will be unveiled: 

• The River: Daring, design-driven artisanal products creating a show-within-a-show pavilion for select industry leaders
• The Union: The ultimate shopping experience of boutique and premium independent brands including exclusive, hip and fashion-forward lifestyle brands
• The Springs: Incubator zone for emerging talent in eyewear design

 Additional neighborhood debuts are planned for Vision Expo East 2021: The Park, The Lens, and MedSci. There will also be new identities for three other essential aspects of the show, including a reimagined continuing education area called The CE Study, according to The Vision Council officials.

“In the last 10 years, the exhibitions industry has seen its share of disruption and evolution,” said Yancy Weinrich, COO of Reed Exhibitions, co-owner of Vision Expo. “We’re meeting the challenge head-on with our re-imagination of Vision Expo through visually exciting new neighborhoods, technology and digitally driven tools to enhance business and lead generation at the show, and education that will take our audiences to new levels in their practices and businesses.”

In addition, a fresh take to the show’s 233 education courses includes an accredited education area dedicated to seminars, workshops and presentations led by experts in practice management, business and marketing.

According to Mark Dunbar, Education Advisory Board co-chairman, advancements in Vision Expo’s continuing education programs will also be central to its reimagined presence.

“Custom designed for Vision Expo by the Education Advisory Board, the 2020 Education program includes exclusive, never-before-seen clinical presentations staged for the first time ever at Vision Expo East,” Dunbar said. “Organized by key content areas including glaucoma, posterior segment/retina, anterior segment/dry eye, surgical/co-management, and systemic disease and diabetes, clinical attendees will discover courses specifically developed to immerse them in the most cutting-edge developments for better patient care.” 

A refreshed Vision Expo West will also make its debut Sept. 23-26 at Sands Expo in Las Vegas. 

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