International Vision Expo East is ready to go!
Tom Loughran, Event Director of International Vision Expo East answers our questions.
* What are the predictions for the upcoming exhibition?
We are excited for International Vision Expo East. We have a completely new look and feel for the show, including a new floor layout that will make the show much easier for attendees to navigate. We also have several new travel programs, including transportation and hotel discounts and our new Affordable and Trendy New York travel guides. These programs and improvements were all put in place to make it an easy decision for eyecare and industry professionals to come to International Vision Expo East.
* What are the expectations in the light of the global crisis that has affected more or less all sectors?
The registration numbers for international Vision Expo East 2009 have reached our expectations in the current economic environment. While our overall registration is down from 2008, we have seen an increase in several key categories. The number of return registrants to the show has increased by seven percentage points from 2008 and six out of every 10 registrants has attended the event before. Our strategic partnerships with the New York State Optometric Association and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association have also helped to encourage registrations. In addition, we’re pleased to have maintained a significant number of international attendees, 15% of the total registration, especially in light of the global economic situation. Audited attendance numbers for International Vision Expo will be available approximately six weeks after the show.
* Can you give us an idea about the square meters and number of exhibitors expected at this edition of Vision Expo East? Do the figures differ greatly from previous editions?
This year the show is 230,000 square feet down approximately 10% from last year.
* How have you coped with the fact that other exhibitions (Shanghai, Milan and Moscow) are taking place in the same period?
The International Vision Expos are the meeting place for the optical industry and eyecare professionals in the United States. Every year we continue to implement new initiatives to attract and retain attendees to our show and conference, such as our Travel Ease programs offering discounts on transportation, hotels and affordable dining and entertainment and over 275 hours of continuing education for all members of the eyecare profession. As in years past, we aim to make the show the best it can be, regardless of the timing of other shows.
* Do you think you’ll change the date in the future?
International Vision Expo East has dates in New York City through 2015 and will be held during the spring (March/April) timeframe as it has been for the last 24 years.
