Vision Expo East, organized by the Vision Council and RX, touches down at Javits Center Thursday to Saturday, its final show in New York City before moving to Orlando in 2025.
“As a nod to our final show in New York, we’re bringing fashion to the forefront of Vision Expo East,” Fran Pennella, vice president of Vision Expo at RX, said. The 2024 show includes more than 450 eyewear and eye care companies displaying their latest products and technologies across the Javits Center.
“This year’s show commemorates nearly four decades of uniting optical professionals, highlighting innovative trends and products, and promoting education in New York City,” Pennella said of the show.
Highlighting the cutting-edge advancements and initiatives shaping the optical industry today, the show features a range of additions. “We are fully taking advantage of the moment eyewear is having — as seen on many runways during New York Fashion Week, glasses are not just a medical device but a true fashion accessory, and we encourage our attendees at Vision Expo East to experience the breadth of options available today,” Pennella said.
A seasonal take on fashion and trends, “Flaunt the Frame,” a new fashion show series sponsored by Imaginem, will take place Friday and Saturday at The Bridge, Vision Expo East’s main stage. This series offers a stage for independent eyewear designers, while The Atelier neighborhood includes a collection of 85-plus independent designers from around the globe. A small curated group of emerging independent designer talent will show at The Lookout @ Atelier.
“We nearly doubled the number of exhibitors in this space from last year, making this year’s Atelier pavilion the largest collection of sought-after international independent designers exhibiting under one roof in the U.S.,” Pennella said.
On the technology side, Visionaries Unveiled is a new complimentary educational series showcasing innovative ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and new business strategies that will shape the future of eyewear. Experts in sustainability, aesthetics and hearing care will give presentations at The Bridge.
The Italian Trade Commission returns with 18 designers, part of the new Italian Trade Commission Pavilion. These designers will present their eyewear collections highlighting the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
“The return of this esteemed delegation is a significant milestone for the show, as Italy’s influence on the global eyewear industry is immeasurable. We look forward to fostering meaningful connections, promoting collaboration, and celebrating the extraordinary craftsmanship that defines Italian eyewear,” Pennella said.
Addressing continuing education, VisionEd, the accredited educational program of Vision Expo, features nearly 200 sessions and 300 hours of education from 100 speakers, and OptiCon at Vision Expo returns with its opticianry education program and exhibit hall experience for opticians, contact lens professionals, allied ophthalmic professionals, optical assistants, office managers, frame buyers, and lab technicians.
Taking place on a new day — Sunday — the Career Zone programming will offer young professionals and students opportunities to network with industry leaders, engage in panel discussions, and enjoy additions like professional headshots and chances to win prizes.
The show is capped off with the NOW by Vision Expo and the accompanying NOW Awards spotlighting industry trends with a curated collection of frames from exhibiting designers and brands. Highlighting themes in design are “NOW Loves NYC Nostalgia,” celebrating nearly 40 years of Vision Expo with archives or vintage-inspired frames; “NOW Loves NYC Fashion,” high fashion, eyewear-accessory, from runways to NYC activewear; “NOW Loves Peach Fuzz,” Pantone Color of the Year for 2024; “NOW Loves Earth,” innovation, new technology and material, and “NOW Loves Love,” independent “wow” and the jewelry of the eye. All exhibitors are welcome to participate by submitting a product for inclusion that aligns with the 2024 themes.
The final New York City show will be marked by several celebrations, including the opening night party featuring Bad Habits, “The EyeDocs of Rock,” the longtime rock band composed of several practicing optometrists, a show tradition at this point. Honoring Ed Buffington, president and chief executive officer of GPN Technologies, the 2024 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Dinner will take place on Thursday, while 20/20 Magazine will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an immersive installation demonstrating the evolution of the publication.
Vision Expo East will debut in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center Feb. 19 to 22, 2025, with a re-imagined show experience and opportunities for exhibitors to engage with attendees in a more centralized environment. In addition to offering attendees a multiyear, preferred date pattern of Thursday to Saturday, the show venue, hotels, meeting spaces and special events will all be located within a walkable area, ensuring a better connected and community-like experience.
“We’re confident that hosting Vision Expo in Orlando will position our customers for greater success and we’re incredibly excited to deliver a brand new, elevated and connected experience there,” Pennella said. “This new chapter for Vision Expo East comes with a side of nostalgia for the incredible history and opportunity that came with our nearly four decades in New York City. We are so grateful for the hospitality of New York and the Javits Center to grow our event.”
