The Vision Council Announces New Direction and Speaker Lineup for Executive Summit 2020

Alexandria, VA (Nov. 11, 2019) – The Vision Council announced that registration is now open for its 2020 Executive Summit—to take place Jan. 29–31 at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, Florida. While holding the same commitment to advocacy, leadership, research and education, this year The Vision Council has redesigned the annual Summit to supply attendees with an extensive look into big picture concepts of the ever-changing business landscape, with in-depth and tangible approaches to tackling these challenges from balanced global perspectives.

"2020 is sure to be an important year for the optical industry," said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. "We've designed the Summit to provide industry leaders with crucial information to tackle the year ahead. We've worked to cultivate a diverse group of thought leaders for panels and keynotes to challenge CEOs' thinking around global trade, the future of business and the role of diversity in leadership. The program deliberately includes members in The Vision Council's strategic plan and offer an exclusive opportunity for attendees to engage and network with their peers, all while hosting the Summit in a new beautiful intimate location."

This year's speakers include: a joint keynote from former U.S. Trade Representatives Ambassador Ron Kirk and Ambassador Susan Schwab, providing expert insights into global trade, economics and policy; a panel touching on how apparel manufacturers are undertaking recent changes featuring Richie Woodward, president of the Wolverine Boston Group—comprised of Keds, Saucony and Sperry brands—and Marc Lefebvre, CEO of frame designer and manufacturer Killine Group; Frances Frei, professor of technology and operations management at Harvard Business School and author, sharing her expertise on leadership and strategy; and Scott Miller, CEO of G100 Companies, speaking on the future of business. Closing out the summit, Brian Beaulieu, economist and CEO of ITR Economics, will share a fiscal perspective for the future regarding how attendees can prepare their business and personal finances.

Similar to previous years, the Executive Summit will allow The Vision Council to hold its annual business meeting and its Insights: An All Member Session. Additionally, attendees will be provided valuable insight into The Vision Council's five-year strategic plan, with a strong takeaway and directive for the year ahead. Furthermore, all attendees will have ample opportunity for cultivating relationships with crucial industry peers via dedicated networking time, guided discussions and optional activities on location.

"We're so excited to gather the industry's leaders at The Vision Council's 2020 Executive Summit," said Ken Bradley, Chair of The Vision Council's Board of Directors. "The new approach to this year's Summit will set the tone for the important change in direction for The Vision Council and the industry in the coming years. This is a great opportunity to bring together this influential group and arm them with the information needed to drive the industry forward."

For complete details on the 2020 Executive Summit and to register, please visit thevisioncouncil.org/executivesummit.

About The Vision Council

Championing better vision for better lives, The Vision Council positions its members for success by promoting growth in the vision care industry through education, advocacy, research, consumer outreach, strategic relationship building and industry forums. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses.