NEW YORK—Show organizers have announced additional details about The Union, one of three new distinct neighborhoods being unveiled at Vision Expo East 2020 and a key component of the larger reimagination of the signature event by The Vision Council and co-owner of the Show, Reed Exhibitions. “An evolution of the dynamic Galleria, The Union offers the ultimate exhibition and shopping experience for boutique and premium independent brands with a discerning edit of exclusive, hip, and fashion-forward eyewear,” according to the announcement.

Featuring newly designed exhibit spaces that amplify the energy of the stylish neighborhood, The Union is ideally situated next to The Bridge, where several of Vision Expo’s keynote speakers will be presenting, and is also home to Vision Expo’s third neighborhood, The Springs, where 20 of the world’s newest emerging designers will be exhibiting.

New this year, the OPTImum Buyer Lounge will be located in The Union, increasing foot traffic to the neighborhood as the Show’s top buyers take advantage of the lounge as a lunch spot and a destination to network and recharge. The lounge will also be open to general attendees for lunch for a fee.

“The Union is going to be one of the most exciting places to be at Vision Expo East,” said Fran Pennella, event vice president at Reed Exhibitions. “We specifically designed this neighborhood to be one of the focal points of the Show. With The Bridge—a destination for networking, socializing and keynote speakers—close by, and The OPTImum Lounge and The Springs right at the epicenter of The Union, there will be incredible foot traffic and energy here.”

Exhibitors in The Union will include Etnia Barcelona; Studio Optyx; Article One; Cazal; Spectacle Eyeworks; Lafont; Sospiri by Ottica Veneta; Andy Wolf North America; Coco and Breezy; David Spencer; Villa Eyewear; OWP USA; Design Eyewear Group; and Gigi Barcelona. A full list of exhibitors at The Union can be found here. 

“The Union is a fantastic fit for Modo as its independent spirit mirrors one of our core pillars, which also includes design, innovation and social responsibility,” said Rebecca Giefer, CEO of Modo Americas. “Being next to the Bridge, which is host to some of the more forward-thinking influencers in the industry will only add value to The Union. We are looking forward to this refreshing change to Expo and feel buyers and prospects will appreciate the energy as well.”

The Union is also home to Vision Expo’s third new neighborhood, The Springs, showcasing 20 of the newest emerging designers from around the world. Already sold-out, The Springs delivers a bold platform for the next generation of optical icons and serves as Vision Expo’s incubator for international emerging talent in eyewear design and vision innovation. A full list of exhibitors at The Springs can be found here. 

The Springs will also feature the soon-to-be-announced winners of Vision Expo 2020 Talent Search, a new contest supported by the eyewear designers of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (edCFDA) and intended to identify and support emerging designers and foster their talent during the symbolic year for the eyewear industry, 2020. The two winners of the contest will each receive a complimentary booth at The Springs.

Vision Expo East kicks off at The River, one of the three new neighborhoods being introduced at the Show, on March 26, one day before the general Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall is open March 27-29, 2020 and education will take place March 26-29, 2020.

To register for Vision Expo East 2020, visit visionexpoeast.com.