NEW YORK—Insights into technology’s latest wave, “Connectivity,” and the implications for business leaders’ decision-making will be among the ideas explored at the upcoming 9th annual Vision Monday Global Leadership Summit, the one-of-a-kind conference geared to senior-level executives and influential thought leaders in the optical industry and vision care space. The day-long event, featuring speakers from outside and within the industry, will be held March 18 at The Times Center here.

The initial roster of speakers has been set for the program, which is designed to provoke discussion, illustrate new developments and provide unique, face-to-face networking opportunities for attendees. “First came the Internet. Then mobile. Now The Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting machines to machines, machines to people and people to people,” said Marge Axelrad, SVP/editorial director of Vision Monday, about the 2015 Summit program.

Added Andrew Karp, group editor of lenses & technology, “In this 3rd wave of interconnectivity, technology is ubiquitous, smaller, cheaper and more deeply embedded in our lives than ever before. Learn how this new mega trend is influencing virtually all business and social interactions on an unprecedented scale.”

Examining “The Internet of Things and Making Sense of This New Mega Trend” will be opening speaker, Michael Bell, head of the New Devices Group, at Intel. Also enlightening attendees about this fast-emerging platform, which melds technology and real-world interactions in new ways will be Shawn Dubravac, PhD, chief economist and senior director of research at the Consumer Electronics Association, and author of the just-published “Digital Destiny.” Rounding out this session will be Andrew Ranson, FPOV ( FuturePointofView) which works with decisionmakers to manage the impact of digital change on their organizations.

The VM Summit will once again feature an EYE2 session which will examine the fascinating and continually changing realm of “Wearables, Implantables and Virtual Reality,” looking at products and services which are redefining “vision.” Speakers will include Dr. Michael McAlpine, of the Princeton University team, which is expanding the boundaries of 3D printing of bio materials and Professor Steven Prawer of Melbourne University, head of materials development for Bionic Vision Australia.

A session on “Connecting with Customers/Coping With Technology Change,” will include Michael Devlyn, EVP retail of the Devlyn Optical Group of Mexico, Central America and the U.S. and Antoine Amiel, vice chairman of Canada’s New Look Eyewear group. They will also answer questions moderated by FPOV’s Ranson about technology decision-making at their companies.

A session on “Retail and the New Social Engagement Mandate” will look at how new technologies and customer expectations are shaping ideas at retail. This session will include speakers, to be named soon, who will illustrate new mobile and data technology platforms which are influencing traditional definitions of retailing.

Finally, “Leadership in the Era of Connectivity,” will be a special session featuring speaker, James Ledbetter, editor of the award-winning INC Magazine, the multi-platform “source of inspiration, education and connection for owners of growing businesses.”

The Premier sponsors of the 2015 VM Global Leadership Summit include Essilor, Luxottica and Adlens; Signature sponsor, VSP Global; and Supporting sponsors Alcon, CareCredit, DAC Vision and International Vision Expo.

Technically, the VM Summit is sold out, however, to sign up for the waiting list, go to www.VisionMonday.com/Summit.