NORWALK, Conn.—Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors for Vision Expo East 2025, the trade-only conference and exhibition for eyecare and eyewear professionals, organizers RX and The Vision Council have announced. The event will take place from February 19–22, 2025, at its new home in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., debuting what organizers say is a fresh brand identity that emphasizes innovation, fashion and community. Offering a balance of educational programming and exhibitions, the event offers attendees access to more than 270 hours of accredited continuing education, and 300+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge eyewear, frames, technology, lenses, practice management solutions and more.

“We have a renewed vision for Vision Expo,” said Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows at The Vision Council. “As we continue to invest in the show’s growth, we are listening to the needs of each attendee category to increase overall satisfaction with the event offering and to leave our community with memories to guarantee the next Expo will not be missed. Vision Expo East will feature an exciting mix of show floor and new evening events offsite designed to build relationships and, of course, have fun."

The event relocation from New York City to Orlando is expected to help encourage community building through a better-connected, centralized experience, and distinct enhancements across programming, exhibit spaces and events, organizers stated. Designed to highlight the unique areas of the optical industry, the new show floor is organized into distinct sections: Eyewear, Eyecare, Independent Design, and Tech and Innovation.

 
 
New show floor activations and expanded areas include:

  • Main Stage, featuring daily speaker sessions, panel discussions and fashion shows.

  • Platinum Club, for VIPs including million-dollar practices, media and influencers.

  • OptiCon Hub, presented by the United Opticians Association.

  • Resource Center, featuring The Vision Council in collaboration with associations and charitable partners.

  • OTC Showcase, featuring the industry’s most desired over-the-counter products.

  • Indie Lab Speakeasy, a meeting place with a twist sponsored by leading independent laboratories.

  • NOW Trend Showcase, with a new design and expanded showcase of categories and awards.

  • Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show, a daily showcase of select frames from the NOW Trends Showcase.

  • Dining and Drinks, new V Bar hours, curated lounges, cafes, food trucks and more.
Off the show floor, attendees and exhibitors can mix and mingle with the optical industry each evening at the following events:

  • Opening Night Party, multi-venue featuring a variety of talent including DJs, country music and a live rock band.

  • Friday Pool Party, live entertainment and surprises for a tropical oasis.

  • Daily Happy Hours, poolside networking events.
Vision Expo East 2025 also offers a lineup of new educational sessions led by industry leaders, with the program kicking off on February 19, one day before the exhibit hall opens, and continuing until February 22, organizers stated. The accredited curriculum includes OptiCon @ Vision Expo, presented by the United Opticians Association (UOA), providing opticians with a chance to earn credits while learning about the latest advancements in eyecare.

“Vision Expo East 2025 is a culmination of everything that is new, redefining the Expo of the future," said Beth Casson, group vice president at RX. "The transformation of the event logo, streamlined show design, enhanced programming, and a variety of new features for a vibrant experience, further reflects a commitment to innovation and fashion, while also fostering a stronger community among optical professionals.”

The official hotel block is open, organizers noted, in partnership with Vision Expo’s official provider Connections Housing. Limited rooms are left at directly adjacent hotels, but complimentary shuttles will be provided to other hotel locations. The block reservation deadline is January 19, 2025. Vision Expo registered attendees traveling within the Miami – Orlando area can also receive a 50 percent discount on Brightline SMART Business Class travel, with prices varying by destination.

To assist in planning for Vision Expo East, attendees can explore exhibitors, events, course lists and more by clicking here.