NORWALK, Conn.—The Galleria and The Underground at this year’s International Vision Expo East will be relocated and elevated to a new location on Level 3, taking over the south side of the exhibition floor.

According to show organizers, this “show within a show” will be built and designed by third-party companies to deliver an innovative and convenient destination for high-end buyers. The upcoming move will include a special entrance, décor treatments created for the high-end frame pavilions and a new lounge, which will play host to numerous events.



Over the past several years, International Vision Expo has conducted comprehensive research of the high-end boutique buyers who attend the show and primarily shop in The Galleria and The Underground. Since one of the main benefits buyers gain from Vision Expo is the opportunity to build and foster relationships with customers, reps and others within the boutique community, partnerships with the Accessories Council will result in a new Retail Track of education, and a new panel event with the Eyewear Designers of the Council of Fashion Designers (edCFDA), which will bolster the ability for buyers to meet their needs at the show, show organizers said.

The research conducted also revealed that many people felt inconvenienced, by having The Galleria and Underground in a separate location since most buyers wanted to easily shop all high-end frame companies in one destination. By bringing together all of the upscale fashion brands and trends in one location on Level 3, the ultimate shopping experience is created for this community of elite exhibitors and buyers, show organizers said.

Vision Expo East will take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York from March 19 to 22. For more information or to register, visit www.VisionExpoEast.com.