So long, New York City. Vision Expo is taking its talents to Central Florida.
In a stunning move announced Thursday, Oct. 19, The Vision Council and RX, co-owners of Vision Expo, have decided to change venues for the crown jewel event on the North American ophthalmic calendar.
Vision Expo East is moving from The Big Apple to The City Beautiful for 2025 and beyond. The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando will host the venerable event Feb. 19-22, 2025 for the first time. The development effectively ends VEE’s near 40-year run in New York City once the Javits Center lights turn off at the conclusion of next March’s convention and exhibition.
“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,” says Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo, at RX, co-organizer of Vision Expo in a press release. “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.”
– Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo
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Vision Expo events, both East and West, which takes place annually in Las Vegas, have yet to regain post-pandemic attendance numbers. The change in venue from late winter in the Northeast to the warmer environs of The Sunshine State could help spark interest. However, New York City is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Orlando is not.
But what Orlando lacks in fashion cache, it offsets it in other ways. And it isn’t just about better weather. Organizers are planning a re-imagined show experience for Vision Expo East 2025 that will include:
- A more centralized environment.
- Preferred date pattern of Thursday-Saturday.
- The venue, hotels, meeting spaces, and special events all will be located within a walkable area.
- Orlando International Airport is close by and features hundreds of daily flights and nonstop service to more than 150 cities around the world.
- Central Florida is a vacation destination with abundant entertainment opportunities, making it a natural selection for extended stays. (A trip to Disney World isn’t just for those with families!)
The Vision Council Board of Directors and the Vision Expo Show Planning Committee took input from various interested parties, from attendees to vendors, before committing to any changes.
“We had the opportunity to make a change that aligns with the future of this industry, and we strongly believe that hosting Vision Expo East in Orlando will attract our existing loyal audience as well as expand audiences from the robust Southeast and international markets, re-engage legacy partners, and ultimately support growth for everyone involved,” says Mitch Barkley, Vice President, Trade Shows, The Vision Council.
Upcoming Calendar
Vision Expo East 2024 will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 14–17, 2024. Details on registration and programming highlights will be released in the coming months.
Vision Expo West 2024 will take place at the Venetian Convention Center & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 18–21, 2024.
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Vision Expo East 2025 will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from February 19–22, 2025.
Have Any Questions?
For further information please contact Mitch Barkley at mbarkley@thevisioncouncil.org or Fran Pennella at fran.pennella@rxglobal.com.
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About Vision Expo
Vision Expo East and Vision Expo West are trade-only conferences and exhibitions for eyecare and eyewear presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council. Vision Expo is the complete event for ophthalmic professionals, where eyecare meets eyewear, and education, fashion and innovation mingle. In the Vision Expo Exhibit Hall, eyecare providers can discover trends, interact with new technologies and access innovative products and services. The Vision Expo education program is driven by the profession, offering content of the highest quality and relevance to enhance overall patient care. For more information on Vision Expo, visit visionexpo.com and follow Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About The Vision Council
The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence and safety, better vision leads to better lives. Learn more at thevisioncouncil.org.
About RX
RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professionals and business customers. www.rxglobal.com
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