ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Citing the year 2020's optical symbolism for the eyecare industry, The Vision Council is revealing today "the reimagining of its signature event, Vision Expo. "Innovation has always been at the heart of the industry as well as the bi-annual Vision Expo, the definitive trade event for ophthalmic professionals," the organization said, adding, "Now, The Vision Council, together with co-owner of the Show, Reed Exhibitions, aims to mark a new era for Vision Expo with a laser-like focus on discovery, connection and experience." Noted Ashley Mills, The Vision Council CEO, "Incremental improvement isn't enough. We have worked with our partners to completely reimagine the show, with a new focus on discovery, connection and experience."

Along with refreshed branding, including redesigned logos and show tagline (“The Future, Clearly”), changes will first be seen at Vision Expo East 2020—to take place at the Javits Center in New York City from March 26 to 29. Shaped by feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, the new concept is anchored in the form of curated neighborhoods, optimizing the connection between sellers and buyers, as well as exhibit spaces with enhanced design creativity and interactive appeal.

“We are excited to invest in the growth and evolution of Vision Expo, and the industry at large,” said Mills. “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. 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.”

Vision Expo East 2020 will welcome the first-phase debut of three new distinct neighborhoods:

• The River – Daring, design-driven artisanal products creating a show-within-a-show pavilion for select industry leaders. Exhibitors in The River include Thierry Lasry, Maybach, FACE A FACE/Kilsgaard, l.a. Eyeworks, Piero Massaro/Italiana Design, Pugnale, Linda Farrow, Rigards, Anna-Karin Karlsson, Gold & Wood, Kio Yamato, Kuboram, Jacques Marie Mage, Garrett Leight/Mr. Leight, Eyevan, La LOOP, Matsuda, BAARS, Christian Roth, Robert Marc and DITA. The River, located in the River Pavilion on Level 4, will open up a day earlier, on Thursday, in its new area at the Javits Center, organizers noted.


• The Union – The ultimate shopping experience of boutique and premium independent brands including exclusive, hip and fashion-forward lifestyle brands. Sample exhibitors for The Union include Lafont, OGI, Jonathan Cate, and Etnia Barcelona. (Level 3)


• The Springs – Incubator zone for emerging talent in eyewear design. Exhibitors in The Springs include Jean Philippe Joly, Komorebi Eyewear, Mondelliani Eyewear, Nina Mur, Turchin Eyerings, Dzmitry Samal and Stellis Eyeworks. (Level 3)

The River Upper Lounge
 The  Union The Springs

Additional neighborhoods are planned to debut at Vision Expo East 2021 including new identities for three other essential aspects of the Show.

“In the last 10 years, the exhibitions industry has seen its share of disruption and evolution,” said Yancy Weinrich, COO of Reed Exhibitions. “We’re meeting the challenge head-on with our reimagination 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.”


Furthermore, a fresh take to the Show’s continuing education courses include an accredited education area dedicated to seminars, workshops and presentations led by experts in practice management, business and marketing.

“Advancements in continuing education programs are also central to Vision Expo’s reimagined presence,” said Mark Dunbar, OD, FAAO, Education Advisory Board co-chairman. “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. 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.”

More information about the new vision for Vision Expo can be found at east.vision expo.com.