LAS VEGAS—Show organizers had high hopes for healthy attendance here as Vision Expo West kicked off here today with the opening of the show floor and the second day of the continuing education program.

“Heading into the show this year we are feeling very positive,” said Tom Loughran, vice president for Reed Exhibitions. “Our pre-registration figures are up approximately 9 percent over last year and we have over 10,000 additional square feet of exhibit hall space filled with new products and technologies.” This represents almost a 7 percent increase over last year’s square footage figure, according to show organizers.

“We’ve also introduced some 66 new continuing education courses and 13 new speakers. There’s something for everyone at this year’s show,” Loughran concluded.

This year also marks the first time that the OLA Annual Meeting will be co-located at Vision Expo West.

To read a digital version of Today's Vision Expo Show Daily, sponsored by Altair, go to the Vision Monday website. For other Expo-related coverage, including photos of the day's events and an overview of celebs, gifts and giveaways in Today@Expo, visit VisionMonday.com