The Vision Council (TVC) and RX announced a major change to their traditionally bi-annual Vision Expo events moving forward.
Starting in 2026, the optical-focused meetings will unify into a single event held once a year—with the location rotating through major U.S. cities.
Oh wow … first, let’s start with the basics.
Some background on these events: For the last 40 years, Vision Expo East (VEE) and Vision Expo West (VEW) have been held as opposing-coast, trade-only conferences and exhibitions combined with medical education—COPE continuing education (CE) and ABO/NCLE—for eyecare professionals.
Each meeting encompasses the latest optical fashion trends, new technologies, and unique access to products and services—all showcased on the Exhibit Hall show floor.
- The ultimate goal: Enhancing overall patient care.
And their respective locations/times?
VEE is typically hosted in February/March, and VEW takes place in September.
Location-wise:
- In 2025: After 38 years in New York City, New York, VEE headed south to Orlando, Florida
- See here for the reasoning behind this relocation
- VEW is hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada
I’m curious — how successful was this Orlando move for VEE?
In a nutshell: Not very successful.
Specifically: While TVC reported success in “attracting increased participation from Florida-based professionals” and attendees from international markets, other reports noted a significant drop in attendance—as well as concerns and criticisms from industry stakeholders.
Hence this new plan?
Indeed. In fact, TVC shared that the decision was made in response to extensive feedback from “exhibitors, attendees, industry partners, and (TVC) board members.”
CEO Ashley Mills noted the move “reflects a strategic investment” in Vision Expo’s future.
So what does the updated Vision Expo schedule look like?
Since this change won’t take effect until 2026, VEW 2025 in Las Vegas will proceed as planned on Sept. 17-20.
Moving forward: Vision Expo will debut at the following locations and dates:
- 2026: March 12-14 in Orlando, Florida (Orange County Convention Center)
- 2027: March 11-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada (The Venetian Expo)
- 2028: March 30-April 1 in New York, New York (The Javits Center)
Take note: Beyond these dates, TVC is still finalizing plans (which may potentially include cities in the Midwest).
Now to the event itself—what’s the goal?
TVC highlighted six key advantages of this new format.
- More robust experiences, including expanded technology showcases, immersive activations, focused education, and enhanced networking
- Simplified event planning for companies and attendees (amid the U.S. industry events calendar)
- Centralized and comprehensive optical industry-targeted event focused on eyewear, vision care, and technology
- Strategic timing (in March) for product launches, CE credit cycles, and key buying seasons
- Rotating host city model based on top business travel destinations, enabling regional access and global appeal for attendees
- Opportunity for expansion into new categories, maintaining status as the leading North America-based optical event
“We are investing in immersive experiences, curated programming and exclusive opportunities for product launch and new business that can’t be found anywhere else,” stated April Stackhouse, RX’s event vice president.
Any industry reaction yet?
According to one Vision Expo exhibitor (Zyloware, an eyewear frame company), it’s the right move.
- “Focusing our efforts into one major U.S. event allows us to go bigger, stand out more, and deliver a stronger overall experience,” stated Jamie Shyer, co-CEO and chief operating officer (COO) of Zyloware. “It’s the right move for the industry, giving both exhibitors and attendees more value through greater visibility, focus, and impact.”
And in response to TVC’s announcement via LinkedIn, Prevent Blindness—which hosts its annual Person of Vision gala during Vision Expo—also shared enthusiasm for the change.
- President and CEO Jeff Todd expressed excitement to continue hosting at the singular event for “years to come!”
Nice! And in the meantime?
With the last-ever VEW kicking off in Las Vegas this September, registration is now open.