ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council, co-owners of Vision Expo, announced that Vision Expo has been nominated as a Trade Show News Network (TSNN) Awards Best of Show finalist. The award celebrates trade show excellence and innovation. Winners are determined by an online voting system. In the award submission, Vision Expo featured its new partnership with OptiCon which brings the industry’s premier opticianry and contact lens technicianry education program to the largest gathering of eyewear and eyecare professionals, according to statement from both companies. OptiCon @ Vision Expo launched at Vision Expo East 2018 in New York City.

“We are honored to be nominated for this award,” said Melissa Ashley, senior vice president of Reed Exhibitions. “It is particularly exciting to be recognized due to the success of OptiCon @ Vision Expo East, which delivered a new, engaging program for opticians and contact lens practitioners and increased attendance among these important groups.”

"Opticians and contact lens practitioners are a vital part of the optical community," said Mitch Barkley, vice president of Trade Shows at The Vision Council. "By joining forces with OptiCon and combining our resources, we were able to nurture connections with these key audiences and ensure a high quality and affordable Show experience."

Building on the success of Vision Expo East, Vision Expo West OptiCon attendees can expect access to a personalized and value-based experience package, including 15 hours of continuing education, an exclusive general session and welcome party, Exhibit Hall access and the opportunity to take ABO & NCLE review courses and Certification Exams.

In addition, opticians and contact lens practitioners can connect in a dedicated OptiCon @ Vision Expo Hub in the Exhibit Hall, an area for networking with peers and access to key representatives from ABO & NCLE and its partners.

Social Media voting for this year’s TSNN award is now open and will end on June 16. Vote for Vision Expo here.

Vision Expo West will take place at the Sands Expo from Sept. 26 to 29, with education beginning on Sept. 26.