Specs of Wood was the Vision Choice best new product winner for the second year in a row. The Vision Council’s Mitchell Barkley (l) and Reed Exhibitions Melissa Ashley (r) flank winner Ian Rubinstein from Specs of Wood.
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NEW YORK—Each year, the Vision Choice Awards distinguish the best products as voted upon by show attendees. The winners of the 2017 Vision Choice Awards are:

• 1st Place: Specs of Wood
• 2nd Place: Lunette USA Inc.
• 3rd Place: Marcolin Eyewear
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“The Product Gallery and Vision Choice Awards perfectly illustrate the strong platform that International Vision Expo provides for brands introducing their design and technological innovations to the industry,” explained Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “The exposure that this show lends to eyecare and eyewear companies is unmatched, and underscores the high-value marketing and buying opportunities that happen here in New York.”

This year’s show brought together exhibitors, attendees and media for more events than ever before, show organizers said. The first Vision Expo Press Preview gathered more than 30 consumer editors and fashion bloggers with 28 exhibitors to give a sneak-peak of the latest trends, garnering 12.7 million impressions for exhibitors before the show floor even opened.

Media were also given a front row seat for a new series of roaming fashion shows, presenting the latest eyewear and sunwear options found right on the show floor from 36 different exhibitors. With a growing number of consumer publications in attendance and media buzz before, during and after the show higher than ever, the latest eyewear and tech products showcased have already begun to hit the pages of leading magazines and social media influencers.

As preliminary numbers roll in, International Vision Expo East 2017 has officially been labeled a success with reports of increased buying activity and media buzz, according to an announcement from show organizers. Validated attendance numbers will be released in May following the show’s official audit.

“We’re thrilled with the feedback that has come in, both during the show and from attendees and exhibitors who have reached out since,” said Melissa Ashley, senior vice president of Reed Exhibitions. “Some exhibitors have noted their strongest sales activity in years, and attendees have indicated strong buying activity as well as positive feedback on the eyewear and lens technology offerings available.”