Biannual Vision Expo to Unify into a Single Annual Event Starting Next YearBiannual Vision Expo to Unify into a Single Annual Event Starting Next Year
Vision Expo, an optical industry trade show produced by The Vision Council and RX, will consolidate its biannual East and West events into a single annual rotating show beginning March 2026.
June 30, 2025
In response to extensive feedback from exhibitors, attendees, industry partners, and board members, Vision Expo, a biannual trade show and conference for the optical industry, announced that it will be unifying into a single annual event starting in March 2026.
Produced by The Vision Council and RX, the consolidated Vision Expo East and West eyecare and eyewear events will bring together the entire optical community once a year and rotate through major U.S. cities, beginning with Orlando in 2026, followed by Las Vegas in 2027, and New York City in 2028. The 2029 location will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, Vision Expo West 2025 is set to take place September 17-20 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.
The most recent Vision Expo East took place at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) February 19-22 after calling New York’s Javits Center its east coast home for almost four decades.
In 2023, Vision Expo East attracted 446 exhibitors and 14,500 attendees spanning 154,000 square feet at Javits, according to the 2023 TSNN Top Trade Shows list, which ranked the event No. 119. Ranking No. 140 on the 2023 TSNN Top Trade Shows list, Vision Expo West drew in 12,500 attendees and 356 exhibitors across 123,000 square feet when it took place at The Venetian Expo in the fall of that year.
According to Vision Expo officials, the move to combine two regionals into one comprehensive event positions the show as an even more definitive hub for product discovery, education, innovation, and connection.
“By concentrating resources to produce one yearly show, Vision Expo strengthens its position as the can’t-miss optical event in North America,” said April Stackhouse, RX event vice president. “Participation is easier than ever, and the show will be better than ever––we are investing in immersive experiences, curated programming, and exclusive opportunities for product launch and new business that can’t be found anywhere else.”
New Show Format and Key Objectives
Designed to deliver a more impactful show experience that maximizes value, streamlines participation, and reflects the needs of a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace, the show’s new format will include the following:
One comprehensive event for the optical community in eyewear, vision care, and technology to meet, learn, and conduct business
A more robust experience with expanded technology showcases, immersive activations, focused education, and enhanced networking
Room to grow into new show floor categories
Simplified event planning for companies and attendees in a crowded industry events calendar
Strategic timing in March, aligned with product launches, continuing education credit cycles, and key buying seasons
A rotating host city model in top business travel destinations that provide regional access, new experiences, and global appeal
The show will also continue to offer what it has long been known for: top-tier accredited education, dynamic networking opportunities, and ample product discovery, according to show officials.
Positive Audience Response
Exhibitor Jamie Shyer, co-CEO/COO of Zyloware, was enthusiastic about the strategic combination of the two shows into one larger and more comprehensive event.
“Focusing our efforts into one major U.S. event allows us to go bigger, stand out more, and deliver a stronger overall experience,” Shyer said. “It’s the right move for the industry, giving both exhibitors and attendees more value through greater visibility, focus, and impact.”
Attendee Mollie Tavel Kaback, vice president of Dr. Tavel and founder of Alternate View, was also pleased with the decision.
“As a long-time attendee, the industry event calendar can be overwhelming, and choices need to be made based on how to best meet our growing business needs,” Kaback said. “A bigger, better, single Vision Expo event means we can show up, accomplish everything we need to do in one place, and leave energized for the future.”
Future Dates and Locations
Vision Expo 2026 will take place March 12-14 at the OCCC; Vision Expo 2027 is scheduled for March 11-13 at The Venetian Expo; and Vision Expo 2028 will return March 30-April 1 to Javits Center.
“Vision Expo was created to serve the industry, and this move reflects a strategic investment in its future,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “By uniting the industry in one powerful annual moment, we create space for greater innovation, stronger partnerships, and long-term growth.”
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