May 20, 2021 — Vision Expo organizers, The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, have announced the launch of Vision Expo+, a free digital extension of Vision Expo East (which is slated for June 2-5 in Orlando, FL).
Vision Expo+ will take place June 3–5 in conjunction with the trade show through ShopVISION, a new global sourcing platform created in partnership with Balluun. Vision Expo+ is designed as a one-stop virtual marketplace and year-round global hub for buyers to connect with suppliers and source vision care products and services.
“Given the current restrictions on international travel, Vision Expo+ is our solution to reaching the global audience that Vision Expo typically attracts. Vision Expo+ will serve as an extension of Vision Expo East in the digital space,” says Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows and events at The Vision Council, co-owner of Vision Expo. “We are thrilled to bring our show content online and offer many of the product discovery experiences that attendees expect at the in-person show to a worldwide digital audience that far surpasses the attendance at any of our shows, even during normal times.”
Vision Expo+ will offer a variety of virtual experiences, including online showrooms from the show’s 200-plus exhibitors and livestreamed content from the show floor. In addition, all events taking place at The Seen, a new main stage destination hosting educational events including the EYE2EYE discussions, will be simulcast live on the ShopVISION platform. Recorded sessions will be able to view starting on Monday, June 7 via ShopVISION. To view the schedule of planned events at The Seen:
- June 3: Schedule of Events at The Seen
- June 4: Schedule of Events at The Seen
- June 5: Schedule of Events at The Seen
ShopVISION and Vision Expo+ are being offered on a complimentary basis to all eyecare providers, buyers, and Vision Expo East 2021 exhibitors. For access to all Vision Expo+ offerings, register for ShopVISION here.
“Vision Expo has accelerated our digital investment plans to support the vision community in every way we can. Designed to thoughtfully complement our in-person trade shows, ShopVISION extends our sourcing offerings and introduces a content-focused resource that amplifies the marketplace’s value,” says Fran Pennella, vice president, Vision Expo at Reed Exhibitions. “ShopVISION will live side-by-side with Vision Expo, providing a modern and global way to conduct business year-round and on-demand.”
ShopVISION will also have an in-person presence at Vision Expo East 2021 via the ShopVISION Lounge @ Vision Expo, serving as a discovery zone for attendees and exhibitors to learn about and demo the ShopVISION platform.
On Friday, May 21, EB editor-in-chief Erinn Morgan will sit down with Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, to hear about updates for Vision Expo East 2021—including info on Vision Expo+. To watch the livestream interview, head to EB’s Facebook page or YouTube channel.