NORWALK, Conn.—International Vision Expo & Conference has announced what it describes as a “re-imagined concept” for Vision Expo East 2015 with the relocation of The Galleria and The Underground pavilions to the Level 3 exhibition hall in the Jacob Javits Center in New York, one which “will seamlessly bring together all fashion and luxury frames, sunwear and accessories.“

Vision Expo East will be held March 20 through 22 in 2015, with continuing education starting March 19 through 22.

The decision, organizers said, to move the pavilions from their current location in the North Hall resulted from extensive attendee and exhibitor research incorporating focus groups, in-depth conversations and surveys. The completion of renovations at the Javits Center following this year’s Expo and Conference makes the change possible in 2015.

“The number one priority for fashion buyers is convenience in an upscale atmosphere,” said Valerie Scott, vice president of Reed Exhibitions. “We had to remain flexible to accommodate the renovations while still providing a quality experience; and we heard that the separation of select high-end fashion exhibits made it difficult for buyers to maximize their limited time for appointments due to the walking distance between eyewear pavilions.”

To spearhead the new initiative, a task force of key stakeholders is being created to assist in designing and defining the new luxury destination. Vision Expo’s management team is currently in the process of reviewing proposals from third party professional decorators to create a new look and feel which will ultimately be based on task force recommendations. Exclusive entertainment and luxury amenities will add to the overall ambiance.

“It's exciting to learn that my feedback contributed to the forthcoming changes," said Kristen Collins, ABOC, FNAO, and manager of Optique of Denver. "I can spend more time in booths shopping and connecting with my vendors which I can only accomplish at Vision Expo.” Added Ray Khalil, president of Lafont, “This is a terrific improvement and one that will significantly help us in addressing our customers’ priorities. Vision Expo East is one of the most important venues to meet with customers and showcase our products. Anything that improves traffic and benefits our clients is advantageous for everyone.”

The change is one of several that visitors will notice in 2015, a year which Scott is calling “transformative.” In addition to re-locating The Underground and The Galleria to Level 3, a new subway station at 34th Street and Eleventh Avenue will offer a convenient transportation alternative for visitors as well as feed directly into the newly expanded Level 3 exhibit hall.

“2015 is poised to be a year in which we begin to reimagine Vision Expo,” added Deborah Castor, vice president of shows and meetings of The Vision Council.  “We worked with our partners at Reed Exhibitions to disrupt our traditional model. The changes next year reflect that we’ve listened and learned from our customers; and acted to provide a much more efficient and exciting way to experience what only Vision Expo East can offer. This is just the beginning of anticipated changes that will reinforce the position of International Vision Expo as the global Expo and Conference leader for eyecare and eyewear products and solutions.”