Know Before You Go: What’s Coming to Vision Expo East 2025
Norwalk, CT (February 13, 2025) – Vision Expo East 2025 is set to transform the eyewear and eyecare experience as it makes its highly anticipated debut in Orlando, Florida, from February 19-22 at the Orange County Convention Center. This year’s show will feature an improved floor layout, enhanced education and events programming, and over 300 leading eyecare and eyewear brands from industry giants to independent designers.
"Our move to Orlando marks an exciting evolution for Vision Expo East, opening new doors for networking and innovation," said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. "Based on member feedback, we've enhanced the show experience to better serve the vision community, fostering creativity, collaboration and discovery. We can’t wait to welcome attendees to our new, sun-filled location and experience firsthand what Orlando has to offer."
What to Expect
Education & Learning
Starting February 19, Vision Expo East will deliver more than 270 hours of accredited continuing education, covering essential clinical, technical and business topics. Sessions are tailored for all types of industry professionals, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, orthoptists and allied professionals.
Exhibiting Brands & Industry Discovery
The exhibition floor opens on February 20, featuring a new layout that distinctly showcases key industry segments—including eyewear, eyecare, technology and innovation, and independent design.
Vision Expo East will be introducing a dedicated space for Independent Labs as well as a continued partnership with the Italian Trade Commission (ICE) and the Italian Optical Manufacturers Association (ANFAO) featuring 16 “made in Italy” eyewear designers in the Italian Pavilion. The NOW Trend Showcase, an attendee favorite, will return in a new, prominent location at the show floor entrance.
Key Destinations to Visit
The redesigned exhibition layout aims to create a more seamless, easy-to-navigate experience for attendees, featuring dynamic exhibits, new activations, and food and beverage offerings throughout the venue.
Resource Center (NEW): Centrally located down the center aisle in the exhibit hall, this area serves as a knowledge hub for career growth and community connections. Featuring The Vision Council, United Opticians Association’s OptiCon Hub, and other industry organizations, this space offers networking opportunities, complimentary headshots and access to the latest industry insights on the Main Stage.
Indie Lab Speakeasy (NEW): A gathering space within the Resource Center for members of the independent lab community to share information about their respective labs, educate the broader vision industry and conduct meetings, sponsored by Artisan Lab Network.
Main Stage: Hosting daily panel discussions and interviews on topics such as AI in eyecare, industry evolution and sustainability. It will also feature two Flaunt the Frame fashion shows, a trends presentation by DONEGER|TOBE, and a keynote interview with tennis legend Venus Williams, in conversation with sports broadcaster Kelly Tilghman.
Launch Pad (NEW): A showcase in the Resource Center featuring eight companies presenting the latest optical innovations.
Platinum Club (NEW): An upgraded VIP area for hosted buyers, members of the media and social media influencers on the show floor in a private space ideal for networking, conducting small meetings and interviews, and to re-energize throughout the day with daily complimentary amenities.
OTC Showcase (NEW): The OTC, or Over-The-Counter Showcase in the Resource Center will offer some of the industry’s best direct-to-consumer brands the opportunity to display their brand and products and allow attendees to engage with this growing profit center.
Networking & Dining Spaces
Conferee Café (NEW): A French-inspired lounge with daily refreshments and a barista, sponsored by HOYA Vision Care.
Independent Design Lounge: This is a destination within the Independent Design zone where buyers and frame makers can connect and relax.
Pearle Vision Zone (NEW): An exciting stop on the show floor with a food truck, arcade games, and more!
V Bar: An enhanced location for networking near the Main Stage session viewing with daily happy hours.
Zeiss German Beer Garden (NEW): Attendees can pick up a branded stein from the Zeiss booth and enjoy complimentary German beer (while supplies last), with pretzels and popcorn available for purchase.
Events & Connection
The event's networking opportunities extend beyond show hours with several signature events, including:
· Opening Night Party & Music Festival will take over multiple bars at restaurants at ‘The Pointe’, located walking distance from the Convention Center, and will offer something for everyone, with a variety of talent including a DJ, country music opener and a live rock band.
· Optical Women's Association Champagne Breakfast celebrating women in leadership
· 17th Annual Vision Monday Summit
· Prevent Blindness 2025 “Person of Vision” dinner
· Tropical Cocktail Reception poolside at the Rosen Centre featuring a live calypso band, exotic birds and other themed activations.
Navigation & Planning
The exhibit hall will be in the West Building of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), conveniently located at 9800 International Drive.
Attendees can take advantage of:
· 50% Brightline ticket discount (a high-speed train for regional Florida travelers)
· Complimentary hotel shuttles to/from the nearby hotels and the OCCC
· Visit Orlando Concierge Desk onsite for dining and local planning
· Attendee resources for show hours and other planning resources.
· Get maps, event schedules and session details by downloading the official mobile app. Find it on device's app store, Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS, by searching “Vision Expo East.”
Industry professionals can register and explore the full schedule of exhibitors, events and courses at east.visionexpo.com.
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Media Contacts:
Paige Heady
Marketing Director
Jen Cullen Williams
Public Relations
About Vision Expo
Vision Expo East and West are trade-only conferences and exhibitions for eyecare and eyewear presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council. Vision Expo is the most comprehensive event for the entire Vision community, built for the industry by the industry. The only balance of conference and exhibition to learn from industry pioneers, explore cutting-edge advancements, and gain a new perspective on the future of eyewear. In the Vision Expo Exhibit Hall, eyecare providers can discover fashion trends, interact with new technologies and access innovative products and services. The Vision Expo education program is driven by the profession, offering content of the highest quality and relevance to enhance overall patient care. For more information on Vision Expo, visit visionexpo.com and follow Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Twitter , Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn .
Vision Expo images can be found HERE and new logo can be found HERE
About The Vision Council
The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence and safety, better vision leads to better lives. Learn more at thevisioncouncil.org.
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organizations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.