LAS VEGAS--This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vision Expo West and show organizers and attendees alike will have a lot to celebrate as they step out onto the show floor featuring more than 500 exhibitors and several designated pavilions unique only to this venue. Over the years, Expo West has grown into a key industry event, and this year’s gathering promises to draw more than 13,000 eyecare professionals from more than 100 countries serving the entire ophthalmic community.
Expo West continues to showcase the latest products, services and technologies in eyewear and eyecare. The Lenses & Processing Technology Pavilion highlights companies that handle lenses, lens technology and finishing equipment. Here, eyecare professionals can learn about the latest in eyeglass lenses and lens technology including materials, designs and coatings, finishing equipment technology, lens surfacing technology, lab equipment finance companies and lens and frame processing tools and supplies.
The Medical & Scientific Pavilion and Theater is the first stop for eyecare professionals interested in contact lenses and solutions, pharmaceuticals, medial diagnostic equipment, practice management technology and low vision devices. The Theater is again offering free continuing education courses as well. The Low Vision Pavilion, part of the Medical & Scientific Pavilion, offers eyecare professionals the opportunity to source low vision products and services quickly and efficiently.
The Galleria this year boasts a newly updated look to promote a more fashion-forward feel. Located on the show floor, the Galleria is complete with a variety of high-end fashion frames and cutting-edge eyewear designs. The Suites, located on the 34 and 35 floors of the Venetian offer a special atmosphere where some of the world’s sophisticated high-fashion couture designers offer exclusive, private showings of their latest fashion forward designs. Advance reservations are recommended for The Suites.
Looking for a way to efficiently navigate the exhibit hall floor in order to easily locate companies and products? The International Vision Expo West locator system, You Are Here, allows attendees to search for products by company name, category or pavilion, as well as print maps to booths. Many exhibitors have special International Vision Expo West-only advertisements and promotions running on the locator systems. There are eight locators at the show, so help is always close by.
Many locator systems are placed next to Customer Care Counters, which are manned by knowledgeable staff that can personally assist attendees and exhibitors with any questions. In addition, show management staff will stand out from the crowd in special uniforms. Women will wear a red scarf and men will wear black suits with a red tie. The show management team will also wear ribbons asking “How Can I Help You?” ■
