NEW YORK—This year’s Vision Expo is packed full of new experiences, education, activations and more. New spaces and interactive events at this year’s Vision Expo East are designed to help attendees connect, learn and relax to better maximize their time. Read on for some of this year’s new and exciting spots. To ensure you don’t miss a new space, event or experience, here are some highlights of what to look for at this year’s show.

The BRIDGE is an all new destination that links the Galleria and Underground pavilions to the Eyewear + Accessories pavilion. With notable speakers, comfortable seating options, music and complimentary refreshments, the BRIDGE offers attendees a one-stop spot for all their show needs.

With a luxurious atmosphere, the BRIDGE will host trends presentations, buyer panels and more for attendees who want to take advantage of all the learning opportunities available. For an up-to-date schedule on all the events happening in the BRIDGE, check out the Vision Expo Mobile App.

Be sure to stop by the new Career Zone, a new neighborhood designed for relaxation, community and learning. Attendees can meet with corporate optical companies and associations face-to-face, while young professionals are encouraged to participate in the Career Zone passport program. Passports stamped by each vendor in the Career Zone will be entered for the chance to win one $500 and two $200 prizes.

Stop by new neighborhoods, BLOCK and NEXT, for access to on-trend and innovative eyewear designs. Set your sights on the BLOCK for celebrity-influenced and independently designed urban eyewear with featured fashion shows, meet-and-greets and panels. Head over to NEXT to experience the fresh and industrial environment where emerging designers showcase their newest products.

If you’re looking for innovative, original and interactive events, here are some exciting experiences you won’t want to miss.

Sit back, relax and watch the competition unfold at The National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) Student Bowl. This fast-paced quiz competition will put 12 students to the test as they compete to receive a monetary prize, bragging rights and the NFOS College Bowl trophy for their college.

This exciting and interactive event offers attendees a chance to network with all generations of the optical industry and root for their favorite opticianry school. Attendees are encouraged to join the networking reception on March 22 at 5:30 pm until the competition begins at 6 pm.

On March 23, check out the Corporate Optometry panel happening in the NewGradOptometry + CovalentCareers Booth (#C4067) at 4:00 – 5:30 pm for a discussion featuring some of the top industry leaders. Following the panel, enjoy complimentary beverages and networking.

For a deeper look into retailer and vendor partnerships, head over to the Boutique Buyer Panel: The Freedom of Independence at the BRIDGE, 5:00– 6:30 pm.