Vision Expo East has been canceled due to concerns about the COVID-19 epidemic.
The show had been scheduled for March 26-29. It will now be consolidated with Vision Expo West, set for Sept. 23-26 in Las Vegas.
According to a statement from Ashley Mills, CEO of the Vision Council, and Yancy Weinrich
chief operating officer of Reed Exhibitions:
Our top priority is to provide a safe environment for everyone involved, while continuing to provide the best customer value to our wonderful community. Leading up to the Vision Expo West event, we will continue to serve the industry, creating ways to connect, collaborate and keep our world moving during this difficult period:
- During March, Vision Expo will work to develop virtual meetings between contracted exhibitors and pre-registered attendees.
- Vision Expo will work to create customized services for participants in order to maximize successful outcomes at Vision Expo West.
This was a difficult decision for our organization, but ultimately The Vision Council’s Board of Directors believes the safety and well-being of our members, exhibitors, attendees and staff must come first. Furthermore, we want to be respectful to the exhibitors and attendees who would not be able to attend Vision Expo East due to travel restrictions.
VEE isn’t the only vision-industry event to be affected by coronavirus. Last month, the board of directors of the Mido eyewear trade show announced the postponement of the 2020 edition until dates, still to be decided, between the end of May and mid June because of the outbreak. The show had originally been scheduled for Feb. 29 to March 2.