NEW YORK – In what organizers said is an effort to improve attendee and exhibitor satisfaction levels, International Vision Expo East has approved a series of sweeping show floor changes for 2009. A press conference will be held today to unveil the new floor plan.

The new floor plan capitalizes on New York City as the acclaimed fashion destination with new aisles named after the legendary Manhattan avenues and streets. In addition, International Vision Expo will unleash a marketing campaign prior to the show and will create memorable graphics and on-site signage to drive home the message that the show is the premier event for eye care professionals.

The new show floor plan was developed to create an easy-to-navigate show floor for attendees, according to representatives of Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council, partners in International Vision Expo, which, they pointed out, is critical to show satisfaction. In addition, they noted, exhibitors will benefit from the redesigned show floor plans as multiple main aisles will allow for greater access to customers.

Tom Loughran, Reed Exhibitions event director stated, “A navigable show floor is a must-have for any trade. Our attendees are here to do business and our 2009 show floor layout will help them achieve their goals while having a much easier time locating our show pavilions and getting around the show floor.”

Gerard Santinelli, The Vision Council Show Committee chairman, stated, “The current show floor plan contains only one main aisle with space available for approximately 10 percent of exhibitors. After spending years addressing a series of changes to the show’s rules and regulations surrounding designated aisles, booth configurations and pavilion participation, among other topics, International Vision Expo and The Vision Council’s Show Committee has created a fair playing field for all exhibitors at the show. The 2009 show floor plan greatly improves access to the largest audience of customers and prospects.”

Santinelli added, “I’m very proud of the Show Committee and our partners at Reed, as well as our exhibitor base at large for truly putting on their industry hats and creatively developing this floor plan which I believe will add value to both the attendees and the exhibitors for an overall better Vision Expo experience.”

The 2009 International Vision Expo East will be held from March 26 to 29 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.