Vision Expo West, the premier U.S. trade show for eyewear professionals, organized by the Vision Council and RX, returns to the Sands Expo Convention Center and the Venetian Resort from Wednesday through Saturday.
“The energy is electric, and the commitment to innovation and collaboration has never been stronger. We’re excited to bring a diverse array of perspectives and groundbreaking ideas to this vibrant community, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience,” Fran Pennella, vice president of Vision Expo at RX, which presents the show with co-owner The Vision Council.
It’s a busy time for the eyewear trade show circuit as Silmo Paris starts Friday, overlapping with the Las Vegas show for the first time. “We know attendees are faced with many choices in the optical event space and know that it becomes difficult when both influential events take place in the same date pattern,” Pennella said. “Despite the overlap in event dates, international attendance at Vision Expo West has increased compared to last year, further highlighting the loyalty of our brands and our attendees’ commitment to the Expo community.”
This year’s exhibit hall features more tha 350 exhibiting companies, brands and designers from around the globe showcasing the latest innovations in frame design, lens advancements, diagnostic instruments and practice management solutions.
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The show floor is divided into five major neighborhood hubs:
- The Focus, which provides a comprehensive view of innovations in lens processing, medical and diagnostic technology, disease management solutions, contact lens innovations and eye care practice optimization;
- The Park, an eyewear showcase featuring fashion, sports and prestige eyewear;
- The Atelier, a fusion of fashion, art, culture and craftsmanship from independent designers around the globe;
- Tech & Innovation, which is dedicated to the technology unfolding across every facet of life and within the vision industry, and
- The new neighborhood Sun and Sport, featuring active lifestyle eyewear brands, curated trend showcases and a live pickleball court.
“The Expo team continues to spend time thoughtfully optimizing the floor plan to ensure a smooth flow of traffic while maximizing engagement and curation,” Pennella said of the 2024 layout.
Networking events are being held at the new V Bar “where attendees can attend daily networking events like “Cocktails and Connections,” as well as a very exciting space for Sun and Sport, featuring a pickleball court for live play, product showcases and research related activations.” The show floor has other lounges throughout, including OPTImum, Press, Vision Café and the OptiCon Hub.
This year’s Vision Expo West education program will be led by experts offering the equivalent of 150 hours-plus of instruction. With VisionEd, attendees can select from a catalog of accredited optometric, opticianry and business education spanning subjects from disease management and practice expansion to lens innovation and business management.
“This year’s education series promises to be both enriching and dynamic. We aim to provide accredited continuing education courses that resonate with every attendee, whether they’re looking for business management strategies or revolutionary technology in patient care. Expect a combination of hands-on workshops and thought-provoking panels that will elevate the learning experience,” Pennella said.
Visionaries Unveiled is a newly launched education series “designed to inspire and disrupt by showcasing innovative ideas, cutting-edge technologies and game-changing strategies that will shape the future of eyewear,” Pannella said. “This series aims to bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs and experts to present practices with new revenue driving ideas to improve their businesses. This West will feature talks that explore the latest in aesthetics, hearing care and social media.”
Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows at The Vision Council, said, “Our courses have been carefully developed by an advisory board of thought leaders in the industry and are designed to address the critical areas of vision care. We have made concerted efforts to bring in top speakers who are at the forefront of their fields to ensure that our program remains relevant and provides ample opportunities for accreditation and professional growth.”
Innovation in eye care is a focus at the trade show, and some of the most anticipated advancements in technology and innovation expected to be presented include the integration of artificial intelligence in eye care, enhanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge lens technology that improves both vision and comfort. There also is expected to be the latest in smart eyewear and how it could revolutionize the approach to eye health and enhance the patient experience.
Across the four days there will be a mix of events planned to build community and networking, as well as a career resource center, a hub for students and professionals to connect and explore career building opportunities. The show kicks off with its annual opening party featuring Bad Habits, “The EyeDocs of Rock,” on Thursday at 9 p.m. at Brooklyn Bowl in The Linq Promenade. The 19th annual Prevent Blindness Golf Outing at Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas will take place on Wednesday. A meet and mingle with the ODs on Facebook Community will be held Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., located atop the Cromwell, Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub.
“Together with The Vision Council, we are excited about the extensive agenda set for Vision Expo West 2024,” Pennella said. “This event gathering continues to stand as a vital platform and cornerstone in the industry for uncovering what is next in eye care and eyewear, knowledge exchange, business exploration and bringing the optical community together for unparalleled opportunities within the dynamic landscape of Las Vegas.”
