ALEXANDRIA, Va.—As of three weeks before the show, Vision Expo West pre-registration for young professionals is trending strongly ahead of 2017, organizers said. Vision Expo West (Education: September 26 – 29; Exhibit Hall: September 27 – 29) will feature various programs and activations geared specifically toward the young professional and student demographic, including panels, surprise celebrity guests, and hosting students from optometry schools across the country. “Forty-nine percent of Millennials attend trade shows to find inspiration and they are, on average, 8 percent more likely to make a purchase than their counterparts, according to a study from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research,” said Mitch Barkley, vice president of Trade Shows at The Vision Council. “At Vision Expo West, Millennial attendees will find new Exhibit Hall destinations and content that will both inspire and motivate.”

At NewGradUniversity in the NewGradOptometry + Covalent Careers Booth (#23087), young professionals and students can attend a variety of free daily panel discussions with top experts, ranging from how to open and grow a practice, learn about co-management and other topics impacting optometry. See the complete schedule of panels and speakers here

To support the next generation of eyecare professionals in the growth of their career, Vision Expo is hosting the SOLutioN (SOLN) group, an organization that promotes and guides the future leaders of private-practice optometry. Twenty SOLN student leaders who represent optometry schools from across the nation, along with the SOLN executive board, will hold the organization’s quarterly meeting at the show.

“SOLN is an organization that allows for future optometrists to develop unique bonds with one another and practicing optometrists across the nation,” said Bianca Augustino, OD, Executive Director of SOLN. “We have discovered these relationships are not only advantageous when beginning an optometric career but have helped students learn leadership qualities that contribute to success in all aspects of life. These relationships are developed and cultivated at our annual conference every summer and we are excited to be holding our quarterly meeting at Vision Expo West this fall. It is a valuable opportunity for continued growth, networking, and learning.”

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research also reports that the use of engagement tactics is of high importance to all attendees. Vision Expo is encouraging exhibitors to hold captivating activations to engage attendees, including hosting giveaways and providing opportunities to network. In the coming weeks, Vision Expo representatives will announce exhibitor activations taking place across the Exhibit Hall. Exhibitors’ activations that excel will be celebrated through the new Best Booth Award category, Best Brand Activation.

To register for Vision Expo West visit VisionExpoLV.com