Vision Expo East 2019 Sees Increase in Overall Attendance and Optical Buyers
The Vision Council would like to thank all who supported and participated in Vision Expo East 2019. The Show was a great success with an overall attendance increase of 2.6 percent and a 5 percent rise in registration for optical buyers.
Each exhibitor and individual's attendance enables Vision Expo to provide a successful and memorable event, as well as aiding The Vision Council in fulfilling its mission of promoting the industry though education, advocacy, research, consumer outreach, strategic relationship building and industry forums.
At this year's Show, exhibitors saw increased buying as they previewed new collections, launched new products and showcased their latest innovations to over 14,800 eyecare professionals from across the world.
Social Buzz
Our social media team walks each pavilion of the Exhibit Hall, as well as attends education sessions and events, to ensure high quality and comprehensive coverage of the Vision Expo experience.
To date, the optical community has generated 31 million impressions with the hashtag #VisionExpo, a 15 percent increase over 2018. We encourage you to keep sharing your Vision Expo experience and memories by tagging #VisionExpo and @vision.expo.
Event Highlights
Debuting at the Show, Vision Expo's inaugural EYE2EYE series packed new destination, the BRIDGE, with attendees during several events including an interview with award-winning artist, Common, moderated by multimedia personality, Lilliana Vasquez. As the first of its kind for Vision Expo, the keynote conversation afforded attendees an inspiring and empowering look at Common's thoughts on storytelling and creativity to kick-off their Show experience.
Additionally, as part of the EYE2EYE series, the founders of FUBU, Daymond John, Keith Perrin, J. Alexander Martin and Carl Brown, discussed the launch of their eyewear line, FUBU Legends Eyewear, as well as the rise and success of their brand.
Additional event highlights from the Show included OptiCon @ Vision Expo's new National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) Hoya College Bowl, eyewear trends presentations hosted by Eyecare Business Magazine, as well as fashion shows in the BLOCK. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear the perspectives of industry thought leaders during the Boutique Buyer Panel and Corporate Optometry Panel.
Celebrating the Industry
Vision Expo continues to celebrate the passion, creativity and investment of exhibitors though several award programs. In the Best Booth Contest, Article One won Most Creative Booth Design and Essilor of America took home the prize for Best Brand Activation.
At this year's Boutique Buyer Panel, Edward Beiner (South Miami, Fla.) was announced as the winner of the second annual OPTImum Retail Award. In addition, this year's Vision Choice Award first place winner was Miraflex with second place going to Faniel Eyewear and third to Lunette USA Inc.
Testimonials
Vision Expo has received positive feedback from exhibitors on the traffic and buying at this year's Show.
L'Amy America:
"We were thrilled to use Vision Expo East as the platform to launch our new luxury division, Ultimate Vision USA, which markets Chris Craft, Henry Jullien, McLaren and Plein Les Mirettes," said Stephen Rappoport, CEO and president of L'Amy America. "Each of the three days, our booth saw increased business activity that allowed us to showcase our new brands and put us into contact with quality buyers for Ultimate Vision USA as well as for our well-known L'Amy America brands. Presenting our latest products at the largest gathering of the vision community is always a wonderful opportunity to establish connections and enhance our partnerships."
Safilo North America:
"Vision Expo East was a tremendous success for Safilo this year. It was the perfect stage for us to debut our all-new state-of-the-art booth with a lot of excitement and shows how Safilo is committed to North America in a big way, with significant investment," said Steve Wright, CCO and president of Safilo North America. "The buzz surrounding our new booth was contagious. We had impressive crowds for our various activations and it was a great space to announce the resigning of the Kate Spade New York license," said Victoria Hallberg, Chief Marketing Officer of Safilo North America.
Tell Us What You Think
Have a testimonial to share, ideas or feedback on Vision Expo? Please reach out to Rachel Gomelsky, senior manager of marketing and communications, Vision Expo at rgomelsky@thevisioncouncil.org.