Applications to Exhibit at The Springs Still Being Accepted
Alexandria, VA – February 22, 2022 – The organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, today share that The Springs , Vision Expo’s neighborhood dedicated to emerging talent from around the globe, is accepting applications for new exhibitors. A bold platform for the next generation of optical icons, The Springs is Vision Expo East’s discovery zone and incubator for new talent in eyewear design and vision innovation. Vision Expo East 2022 marks the first time the neighborhood will be introduced at a Vision Expo in New York City, following a successful debut at Vision Expo East 2021 in Orlando.
Designers interested in exhibiting in The Springs are required to submit an application. The application form and criteria for participation can be accessed here.
To be eligible to exhibit in The Springs, designers need to have been in business for less than five years and have limited early distribution in terms of volume and channels. Additionally, their collections should have unique styling in terms of design aesthetic and craftsmanship.
“With more than 360 domestic and international companies anticipated to exhibit at Vision Expo East, we are looking forward to an energetic, robust Show,” said Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo, at RX. “The Springs is Vision Expo East’s platform for spotlighting the industry’s newest and most innovative designers and is just one of the ways Vision Expo East will highlight the industry’s most exciting trends. From The Atelier, a new neighborhood dedicated to artisanal eyewear and featuring independent designers from around the globe, to NOW by Vision Expo, a new trends showcase featuring curated selections of eyewear that embody the industry’s most vibrant trends, Vision Expo East is celebrating the future of the industry in new and creative ways.”
“As we look forward to Vision Expo’s highly anticipated return to New York City, we are excited to offer The Springs as a springboard for designers to introduce their brands to the industry’s most sought-after audience,” said Mitch Barkley, Vice President of Trade Shows and Events at The Vision Council, co-organizer of Vision Expo. “This neighborhood is a testament to our commitment to leading the industry forward and promoting industry growth. Now more than ever, it’s important to foster young and up-and-coming talent and there is no better way for new designers to showcase their product, network with industry icons and take their businesses to the next level than by exhibiting at Vision Expo East.”
In addition to The Springs, Vision Expo East will feature several Show Floor neighborhoods, including The Atelier, a new and nearly sold-out neighborhood driven by design-led ateliers dedicated to artisanal eyewear and featuring a limited group of highly regarded independent designers from around the globe. Participating designers are also required to go through an application process for admission. The application form and instructions can be accessed here.
The Atelier is designed to serve as an intimate and sophisticated setting for buying and networking. The neighborhood will offer special amenities and curated experiences, from a dedicated welcome concierge and live music to an exclusive lounge area, beverages and canapé food service.
Additional Show Floor neighborhoods include
- The Focus – Representing the foundation of eyecare and offering the key to masterfully servicing patients and customers, The Focus brings together lens and coating technology, lens processing techniques, disease management solutions, contact lens innovations and eyecare practice optimization.
- The Park – Industry icons, ubiquitous brands and prestigious collections unveil their latest styles and offerings in inspired large-scale displays that celebrate the worlds of superior style and exemplary service.
- The Union – The ultimate shopping experience for those seeking the newest in independent design, this energetic showcase offers new collection launches, pop-culture inspired collaborations and “talk-of-the-show” trends.
Also new to Vision Expo East, The Park will house NOW by Vision Expo, an eyewear trends showcase featuring curated selections of eyewear that embody the industry’s most vibrant trends. For its inaugural launch at Vision Expo East, NOW by Vision Expo will feature eyewear from companies exhibiting in The Atelier, The Springs, The Park and The Union. Interested exhibitors are asked to submit their products for consideration here by Friday, February 25. There is no cost associated with participation in the showcase. Exhibitors can submit one frame per brand that they feel best represents one of the themes for this year’s showcase, which can be found here.
In addition to the Show Floor neighborhoods, The Bridge will serve as the Show’s main stage destination for special events, panels and presentations. More information on events taking place in The Bridge will be shared in the coming weeks.
Health and Safety
Vision Expo’s comprehensive set of health and safety guidelines, policies and resources designed to support a safe experience, known as VisionSAFE, have been updated in accordance with New York State and New York City public health requirements as well as the guidelines set in place by the Jacob Javits Center, including vaccine requirements, mask coverings and more. VisionSAFE includes details on all health and safety protocols that will be in place onsite; specific guidelines for exhibitors; travel tips and resources; and frequently asked questions.
To view the VisionSAFE guidelines and resources, click here. VisionSAFE protocols will be updated on a regular basis in accordance with the most up-to-date information from New York State and City as well as the Javits Center. Please note that all restrictions and requirements are subject to change.
For more information on Vision Expo, visit visionexpo.com and follow Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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About Vision Expo
Vision Expo East and West are trade-only conferences and exhibitions for eyecare and eyewear presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council. Vision Expo is the complete event for ophthalmic professionals, where eyecare meets eyewear, and education, fashion and innovation mingle. In the Vision Expo Exhibit Hall, eyecare providers can discover trends, interact with new technologies and access innovative products and services. The Vision Expo education program is driven by the profession, offering content of the highest quality and relevance to enhance overall patient care. For more information, visit VisionExpo.com and follow Vision Expo on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About The Vision Council
As the vision care leader in enabling better vision for better lives, The Vision Council positions its members for success by promoting growth in the vision care industry through education, advocacy, research, consumer outreach, strategic relationship building and industry forums.
About RX
RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com