LAS VEGAS—As show organizers put the finishing touches on preparations for International Vision Expo & Conference, the event is shaping up to be a popular gathering destination and idea-sharing headquarters for eyecare professionals with more than 50 individual events scheduled from Sept. 17 – 20.
Expo West will offer a host of opportunities for the next generation and industry veterans alike to connect. All attendees are invited to gather at the Vision Expo Opening Night Party on Sept. 18 from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am at the Hard Rock Café, where the Bad Habits Eye Docs of Rock will kick-off several days of learning, networking and celebration. The Prevent Blindness Swing Fore Sight golf tournament also returns to Las Vegas for its seventh year on Sept. 17 at the Spanish Trail Country Club.
Other key events to plan for include The Party at Vision Expo West, sponsored by Marchon, VSP Optics Group, Eyefinity and Altair, at the Paris Hotel on Sept. 19 from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. Earlier that same evening, the Accessories Council will induct 20/20 Magazine into its Hall of Fame at a celebration at TAO in the Venetian from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Two appreciation events for buyers will occur daily on Sept. 18 and 19. The Suites’ Buyer Bellini Toast will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the Suites at the Venetian on Levels 35 and 36. A Galleria Appreciation Event will also be held on both days from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Galleria on Level 2.
A number of specialty networking and education events will take place in Las Vegas as well including the following:
Wednesday, September 17:
• The Vision Council Optical Lab Division Director’s Choice and Optical Pioneers Hall of Fame Banquet will be held at The Mirage from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
Thursday, September 18:
• The C&E Vision Breakfast will take place in Club Vision on Level 2 in Booth #31130 from 9:00 to 11:00 am.
A breakfast reception for Brazil Optical Ltda. will take place in the OPTimum Lounge on Level 2 in Booth #18130 between 10:00 and 10:30 am.
• The ADO Buying Group Custom Contact Lens Wet Lab Luncheon is set for 12:00 to 2:30 pm featuring a two-part program with a lecture by Dr. Justine Siergey and a live patient fitting demonstration.
• A book signing by Scott Deming, author of “Powered by Purpose” is scheduled for Booth #LP7113 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
• Women of Vision hosts a two-hour education session, “Women of Vision Presents: Embracing Life’s Shades of Grey” from 2:45 to 4:45 pm followed by a reception from 5:00 to 6:00 pm on Level 1 in room 705.
• The annual ODs on Facebook party will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Opium Room at TAO in the Venetian.
Friday, September 19:
• The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) will host its annual networking reception and raffle from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on Level 1 in room 901.
• Vision Source hosts three events including Practices in Distinction, Vision Source Delivers and a members’ party from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Public House at the Venetian.
• A lunch for IDOC members will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Level 1 in room 904.
Saturday, September 20:
• Breton Communications will host a cocktail reception for Canadian attendees from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Venetian.
• The Young Professionals Club will host its annual members’ party from 8:00 to 10:00 pm at Kahunaville Poolside Lanai Bar, Treasure Island, in conjunction with the annual Optometry Student Party, which welcomes all OD students who attended student education during the Conference.
For the first time, the Society of National Associated Pearle Professionals (SNAPP) will host its annual meeting in conjunction with Vision Expo West on Sept. 18 and 19 at the Encore Resort & Hotel.
Additionally, the University of Houston College of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry and Southern California College of Optometry will host alumni receptions at Vision Expo West. Alumni from all schools can also find each other at the Conference and connect through the Vision Mobile App.
All the action can be followed online through the International Vision Expo & Conference social media channels, and onsite daily meet-ups are encouraged in the #VisionExpo Social Media Zone at Booth #16130.
For more information or to register online, visit
www.visionexpowest.com.