NORWALK, Conn.—Show organizers are putting the finishing touches on preparations for International Vision Expo & Conference which is shaping up to be a one-stop destination for eyecare professionals and industry visionaries to meet, network and share ideas. With more than 50 events, Vision Expo East 2015 will offer plenty of opportunities for attendees to connect and network.

To celebrate the relocation and redesign of the Galleria and Underground Pavilions on Level 3, International Vision Expo will host the Eyewear Designers of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (edCFDA) “Speaking of Design” panel discussion from 5:00 - 5:45 pm on Friday, March 20 in The Galleria followed by a cocktail reception with the participating eyewear designers until 6:30 pm.

Following are some other highlights to look for at Vision Expo East, which kicks off next week on March 19 as the education portion of the Conference gets underway:

Vision Monday Eye² Zone participants will deliver free Tech Talks throughout the day on Sunday, March 22, providing a platform for live demonstrations and access to direct Q&As with the manufacturer’s representatives.

A number of celebrities will make appearances at this year’s show, including Bobbie Thomas, Style Editor for NBC's Today Show, who will be the celebrity guest emcee of Safilo USA’s Spring/Summer 2015 fashion shows, musician Lisa Loeb, soccer star Mia Hamm and Cynthia Bailey-Thomas of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

The networking opportunities expand beyond those held in the Javits Center. On Friday, March 20, the iconic B.B. King Blues Club will host four parties throughout the night. Organization members are invited to attend their respective parties, including the ODs on Facebook Party, the Think About Your Eyes Premium Member Party and the Vision Source Party, all held from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. Immediately following, all attendees with a wristband from a sponsor’s booth are welcome to attend the Vision Expo Opening Night Party with a performance by the Bad Habits “Eye Docs of Rock” from 9:00 pm – Midnight.

Other parties to plan for include EyeRock: Rockin’ for New Eyes on Saturday, March 21 at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. Earlier that night, the Optometry Student Party will take place at the Sky Room for all OD students who attended student education during the Conference.

Additionally, the Young Professionals Club Member Reception will be held at Lucky Strike Manhattan Bowling Lanes on Friday, March 20.

For more information and a full list of events, visit www.VisionExpoEast.com.