After nearly 40 years, Vision Expo East has said a final goodbye to Manhattan’s Javits Centre, with the event moving to Orlando, Florida in 2025.
As Optician went to press, visitor numbers had not been released, but organisers, RX (Reed Exhibitions) and the Vision Council said there was an increase in delegate figures compared to 2023. More than 450 exhibitors and vendors were in attendance and registered.
‘We could not be happier to close out our final show in New York City on such a high note,’ said Fran Pennella, vice president, Vision Expo at RX.
‘There’s no doubt that Vision Expo remains the premiere gathering for everything relating to the eye – a reputation that grows year by year and will only be compounded with the highly-anticipated move to Orlando. Vision Expo delivers an unparalleled and multi-dimensional experience that no other industry event can replicate.’
Organiser attention has now turned to next year’s event (February 19-22) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Vision Council CEO Ashley Mills told Optician that the move gave organisers a chance for a ‘reset’ after nearly four decades at the Javits Center.
‘Feedback from exhibitors in recent years was that it was becoming increasingly difficult for them to bring their brand experience to the Javits Center due to union and logistics costs. Orlando gives us the chance to build something new.’