Norwalk, Conn.—The ophthalmic profession’s leading trade show, International Vision Expo & Conference West concluded on Sept. 19 following four days of exclusive education, exhibits and events serving to showcase the advances of eyecare visionaries and industry leaders, according to show organizers.

As the show wrapped its 27th year, Vision Expo West marked the achievements of the eyecare community with the announcement of its forthcoming campaign for 2016, which will spotlight familiar and rising Visionaries and leverage advertising, video and social media platforms to share unique stories and create a digital experience for year-round engagement.

“The International Vision Expo community comprises the most innovative and driven eyecare professionals and industry leaders in the world,” said Tom Loughran, industry vice president, Reed Exhibitions. “By embracing the achievements of this community, Vision Expo plays a key role in inspiring others and nurturing new ideas. Everyone has a unique story and unique contributions to make. Visionaries is about telling those stories and creating new opportunities for change and progress.”

From following a day in the life of a buyer, to exploring the challenges and opportunities of opening a new practice, the campaign will highlight the stories, experiences and expertise of eyecare visionaries through a series of video interviews and print advertisements.

A hallmark of the campaign, VisionariesCommunity.com, also launched at Vision Expo West as a new social sharing, networking and information hub developed exclusively for the growing Vision Expo community. The online portal encourages the creation, sharing and commenting of valuable content that addresses top-of-mind subject matters and supports professional and business development.

Vision Expo West was home to more than 350 hours of education and 520 exhibiting companies. Much of the activity in the classroom and on the show floor was live-streamed via Periscope. The experience will be extended online after the show through video interviews with attendees and program speakers posted to YouTube and VisionariesCommunity.com.