Preliminary reports indicate strong sales across the show floor and a record amount of social media activity as the industry returns from Vision Expo West 2017 in Las Vegas. Crowded events and buying activity remind exhibitors and attendees alike why Vision Expo is the premier destination for shopping and networking in the eyecare industry.

In addition to over 320 hours of education and over 20 hours of sessions that took place on the show floor, this year’s Vision Expo West offered 182,000 square feet of exhibit space with more than 60 new fashion brands debuting fall lines, accessories and new eyewear trends throughout the high-end fashion pavilions.

“Reports from exhibitors indicate that this year’s show has been their strongest in years, with many reporting record show sales and buyers who are delighted with the latest collections,” said Mitch Barkley, The Vision Council Vice President of Trade Shows and Meetings. “We also saw record attendance at many of the special events taking place in and around the show, including the more than 800 individuals who gathered for the hit ODs on Facebook event at TAO Nightclub and more than 100 young professionals who participated in the YPC Happy Hour at LAVO. The excitement and energy felt across all three days was truly remarkable.”

Highlights from the show include:

• Dry eye and glaucoma courses were of great interest to ODs, with most sessions topping out at 200+ attendees
• The Essilor/Jobson keynote attracted 145 attendees who were looking to learn about forecasted industry trends
• The expanded allied health program provided important clinical information to help opticians and technicians achieve an essential understanding of ocular anatomy, ophthalmic terminology, and clinical scenarios
• The Owners and Managers Essentials Program attracted doctors and key decision makers.

Attendance figures for Vision Expo West will be released upon completion of a third-party audit.

2018’s Vision Expo East will be held at the Javits Center in New York City from March 15–18, and Vision Expo West held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas from September 26–29.