The BIG Vision Expo West Guide

Welcome to LAS VEGAS
GOT IT. AND FLAUNTING IT.

BY EYECARE BUSINESS

Vision Expo West Guide

Welcome to LAS VEGAS

The City in the Sun where entertainment abounds. And, since you may be in town for just a few jam-packed days to attend International Vision Expo West (VEW) at The Sands Expo Center & Convention Center (Education: Sept. 14-17, Exhibition: Sept. 15-17), we put together this show guide for you and your staff.

The goal: to help you plan and navigate the best show—and après show fun.

On these pages you’ll find highlights of the smartest VEW education + CE offerings, the biggest, must-attend show events and parties, plus an enticing roundup of expert-curated Vegas hotspots. From fast, delish, and affordable eats near The Sands Expo to the hottest new shows, restaurants, and wine bars, our guide has you covered.

Wishing you a great show + trip to Vegas!

The EB Team

Educational HIGHLIGHTS

Educational specialty programs abound at Vision Expo West, with new tracks focusing on the latest, trending industry topics. Here, we highlight some of the key sessions. Learn more: west.visionexpo.com/continuing-education

VISION SERIES

Catch the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and get the scoop on the newest clinical innovations. Lunch is provided at all presentations in the new Vision Series program, offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

A focus on business strategies in five key areas: Leadership, Customer Experience, Human Resources, Data, and Profitability & Growth, with courses like “Retail Marketing Strategies that Work.” (Thursday, 2:45-4:45 p.m.)

BEST OF ODs ON FACEBOOK

Optometric Management is the media partner for this sought-after track, which offers three courses based on the industry’s influential online community.

SPECTACLE LENS EXPERT TRACK

Courses from Wednesday through Friday offer optometrists, opticians, and technicians the chance to explore new lens offerings that protect patients from blue light, UV, and digital eye strain.

FRAME BUYER’S CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

EB is the media sponsor of this popular track that delivers the coveted Frame Buyer’s Certification. Complete eight hours (over any time span) within the program focused on managing, monitoring, positioning, and promoting your eyewear inventory to be certified.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

EB is the media partner for VEW’s two must-see keynote sessions:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
7:15-9:15 a.m.
THE RITZ-CARLTON PRESENTS: EXCELLENCE IN THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE
With more than 30 years of hospitality experience, Jennifer Blackmon, corporate director of Cultural Transformation at the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, explores how a service culture leads to a patient-centric practice.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
8:30-9:30 a.m.
THE HOW? BEHIND THE WOW! AT RETAIL
Retail guru Anne Marie Luthro, who has helped clients such as adidas, Athleta, and Oakley, shares how to make your business a profitable retail environment by getting patients into a shopper frame of mind.

—Kerri Ann Raimo

VEGAS APRÈS SHOW GUIDE
An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Las Vegas

BY JESSICA COLLEY CLARKE

When in Las Vegas, you’re always in the center of the action—oysters are freshly shucked a few feet from the casino floor, a finely mixed cocktail is available 24 hours a day, and you may not even need to leave your hotel to see the hottest show in town. Here’s a handy guide for where to go when you’re hungry, thirsty, and in search of entertainment.

Top TABLES

7 Hot Boîtes

Las Vegas is a destination of indulgence.

For a decadent French meal, book a table at BARDOT ($$$, 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd), an attractive brasserie with a 1920s feel in Aria Resort. Chef Michael Mina has crafted a menu full of French classics from duck wings a l’orange to steak frites; fromage fans won’t want to miss the extensive cheese selection.



Dry-aged steaks and refined Italian fare share the table at CARNEVINO ($$$, 3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd), a restaurant by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich in the Palazzo Hotel. This Italian-accented steakhouse has an impressive wine list in addition to steaks and short rib ravioli.



Comfort food is on the menu at CARSON KITCHEN ($$, 124 S. Sixth St) in a sleek space with a hearthstone oven. Dishes here are ideal for sharing, including hearth-baked flatbreads (like the Pepp on Pepp with pepperoni, pepperoncini, and cherry pepper), baked mac and cheese, and beef belly sliders.



For farm-to-table fare on the Strip, settle into HARVEST ($$$, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd) at the Bellagio Hotel where Chef Roy Ellamar allows the market to inspire his dishes. With a diverse menu—from sashimi of the day to steak tartare to Maine lobster—this restaurant is particularly ideal for a group with different dietary restrictions.



Alongside giant tanks of goldfish, BEIJING NOODLE NO. 9 ($$, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd) is set off the casino floor at Caesars Palace. Chefs in the open kitchen hand stretch noodles and prepare other customer-favorite dishes including soup dumplings, salt and pepper shrimp, and slow-braised pork belly.



RAKU ($$$, 5030 W. Spring Mountain Rd) is a charcoal Japanese grill that specializes in small plates, from Kobe beef to Kurobuta pork. A multi-course omakase is also available for adventurous eaters who are happy to put their meal in the hands of the chef.

Carson Kitchen
Photo credit: Peter Harasty

Carnevino
Photo credit: Kelly Campbell

Harvest

Parties & PRESENTATIONS

From rock ‘n’ roll-fueled parties to fast, info-packed pop-up talks, Vision Expo West delivers a full dose of entertainment and education on the show floor and after hours. Here, we turn the spotlight on a few of the events you won’t want to miss. See more at west.visionexpo.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
9:30 a.m.
VOTING BEGINS FOR THE VISION CHOICE AWARDS
Kick off the show by browsing and voting for the best new products. Need some incentive to vote? Casting enters you to win a $500 exhibit hall shopping spree.
Location: Level 2, Product Gallery

12-1:30 p.m.
THE OPTICAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION “GIRL BOSSES” WORKSHOP & LUNCHEON
What does it take to be a #GirlBoss? Nasty Gal founder and ultimate #GirlBoss Sophia Amoruso discusses leadership challenges and more with optical entrepreneur panelists.
Register: opticalwomen.com/events.asp
*Psst…if you can’t attend in person, watch on Periscope at @OWA2016.
Location: Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center, Level 1, Galileo Room 905

3-5 p.m.
THE SUITES’ BUYER BELLINI TOAST
Sip a cocktail and find luxury products your customers can’t score anywhere else. Also held Friday 3-5 p.m.
Location: The Venetian Hotel, Levels 35 & 36, The Suites

4:30-6 p.m.
VISIONARIES TOAST
Celebrate the success of “Think About Your Eyes” in raising awareness of the importance of annual eye exams.
Location: All lounges + multiple pop-ups

Fashion presentation in The Galleria

Bad Habits “Eye Docs of Rock” Party

9 p.m. to midnight
BAD HABITS “EYE DOCS OF ROCK” PARTY
No Vision Expo would be complete without jamming to the Bad Habits, the “Eye Docs of Rock.” Be sure to grab a wristband from a sponsor booth (Vision Source, Costa, Essilor, De Rigo Rem, Marco, Ocuco, RevolutionEHR) by 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Location: Hard Rock Café

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA ZONE
Get social in CooperVision’s “Social Media Zone,” where attendees can snap selfies and more on Friday and Saturday.
Location: Level 2, Lobby

12-1 p.m.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CLUB LUNCH
Dine and chat with peers in a relaxed environment. The YPC offers career resources to practitioners who have been in the industry for five years or less.
Location: The Palazzo Hotel, Grand Lux Café

4 p.m.
VISION CHOICE AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Which innovative products will win the Vision Choice Awards? Find out this plus see if you’re the lucky voter who won the $500 exhibit hall shopping spree.
Location: Level 2, Product Gallery

5:30-7:30 p.m.
OWA NETWORK & RAFFLE EVENT
Step onto the red carpet (non-OWA members welcome!) and enter to win great prizes. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required: opticalwomen.com/events.asp.
Location: Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center, Level 1, Marco Polo Room 701

6-8 p.m.
ODS ON FACEBOOK PARTY
Are you part of the ODs on Facebook group or looking to get more involved with the online network of ECPs founded by Alan Glazier, O.D.? Make that in-person connection here.
Location: The Venetian Hotel, TAO Nightclub

—K.A.R.

VEGAS APRÈS SHOW GUIDE
Fast and UNFUSSY

7 Quick Fixes Near The Sands Expo

In Las Vegas, hunger can strike at any time of the day or night.

To satisfy cravings 24/7, explore FULTON STREET FOOD HALL ($, 3475 S. Las Vegas Blvd) in Harrah’s. This marketplace has elevated the concept of the food court with chef-driven dishes including sushi, bento boxes, and a build-your-own pizza station.



Burger fanatics know all about UMAMI BURGER ($, 2535 S. Las Vegas Blvd), a “Burger of the Year” winner from GQ magazine. In addition to its famous truffle burger, the Las Vegas outpost in the SLS Hotel also has an extensive craft beer selection and a spacious beer garden overlooking The Strip.



When a cocktail is required alongside a quick bite, stop into TOM’S URBAN ($$, 3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd), a buzzing tavern in the New York, New York Hotel. Options include slow-roasted pork carnitas or butter-poached lobster and shrimp tacos; for a snack, choose from the small plates menu with a mini mac-and-cheese pot, honey BBQ wings, or crispy Brussels sprouts.



Another all-night destination for quality eats is THE OYSTER BAR AT PALACE STATION HOTEL ($$, 2411 W. Sahara Ave). One of the only 24/7 seafood options in town, this spot is more than just a raw bar; made-to-order gumbos, chowders, and ciopinno are also available whenever you feel like taking a blackjack break.



For creative comfort food, check out a craft hot dog joint called DOG HAUS ($, 4480 Paradise Rd). Dogs range from indulgent (the Old Town Dog is a smoked-bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños, chipotle aioli, and cotija cheese) to those with a somewhat healthy slant (the Free Bird is a turkey hot dog with avocado and tomato). Try the Angry Bee with soppressata, Calabrian chiles, and honey, or the Zucca, a white pizza with butternut squash, caramelized onions, bacon, and rosemary oil.



For small bites in a slick environment, grab a bar stool at EL DORADO CANTINA ($, 3025 Sammy Davis Jr Dr). Snack on tableside-made guacamole, empanadas stuffed with pulled chicken, or beef taquitos with queso fresco.

­—J.C.C.

The Oyster Bar
Photo credit: Station Casinos

Tom’s Urban
Photo credit: Bryan Hainer

Umami Burger
Photo credit: Ryan Forbes, SLS Las Vegas

PROMOS, PERKS, & GIVEAWAYS

Save time and, more importantly, money (and dial in some serious swag) by keeping tabs on the hottest promos and giveaways coming to the show floor—a Lilly Pulitzer cruiser, anyone? We break it down here:

A&A OPTICAL, Booth 18042
A&A Optical is celebrating 45 years in business with a happy hour on Friday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., where attendees will learn if they’ve won raffle prizes (including cash prizes of $250 and $750).

ADLENS, Booth 20091
Adlens is offering its AdlensRx Focuss adjustable focus glasses at a special rate for the show.

ALTERNATIVE EYEWEAR/PLAN B, Booth G23031
Buy 12 frames from any one collection (or 24 frames from the Vue collection), and you’ll receive a $50 Visa gift card (some conditions may apply).

COBURN TECHNOLOGIES, Booth LP6075 & MS5078
Simply watch an edging or diagnostics system demo (excluding lensmeters) at Coburn Technologies’ booth and gain entry for a chance to win a cruise. Purchasing an edger at the show will get you a free three-month supply of blocks and pads.

COOPERVISION, Booth MS9059
Visit the CooperVision booth and help name its sixth digital eye fatigue mascot to qualify to be fitted with Biofinity Energys contact lenses.

EASTERN STATES EYEWEAR, Booth 17027
All customers placing orders before 11 a.m. at ESE’s booth will receive a VIP Eastern States AMEX gift card. The special applies to Cazal, Jaguar, Diva, Exces, and Été Lunettes.

HILCO, Booth 13107
You’ll save 50% when purchasing Hilco’s new Logic Quick Fix Pro for $55 at VEW (originally $110). Hilco is also offering 20% off the purchase of a dozen Ergo cleaning kits (a $53.88 value for $43.10).

KENMARK, Booth 16031
Swing by the Kenmark booth to enter to win a Lilly Pulitzer cruiser bicycle. Sign-up is open all three days of the show, and Kenmark will announce the winner upon return to the home office.

L’AMY AMERICA, Booth 16043
Buy 12 Specialty Fit frames from L’Amy America (Ann Taylor Petites, Champion Extended Sizes, and Nicole Miller YourFit frames) and you’ll score a 12-piece display with supporting P.O.P. materials.

MCGEE GROUP, Booth 19031
In conjunction with The McGee Group’s Trina Turk launch, enter to win fab Trina Turk prizes with any purchase of Trina Turk eyewear or sunwear on Thursday, Sept. 15, or Friday, Sept. 16.

MODERN OPTICAL, Booth 13026
Win instant cash up to $100 with any size order. If you prebook an appointment and place an order, you’ll win even more, up to $200. New customers can also score by receiving a $250 voucher for a subsequent order when opening a new account at VEW.

NOUVEAU EYEWEAR, Booth 16042
Customers will receive a $25 cash card when they purchase six frames or Rx-ready sunglasses, $50 for 10, or $100 for 16. Attendees who open a new account at VEW will receive 20 free frames or Rx-ready sunglasses of their choice with an opening order of 20 pieces. Schedule an appointment for VEW and get a $10 Starbucks gift card when you arrive. sales@nouveaueyewear.com.

SIGNET ARMORLITE, Booth LP11103
Stop by Signet Armorlite’s KODAK Lens booth to learn about the new KODAK Total Blue Lens, which filters up to 80% of HEV blue light—and test your lenses on the new KODAK Total Blue Lens demo—and you’ll receive a free 3-in-1 mouse pad/cleaning cloth.

SPY OPTIC, Booth 16112
Unwind with cocktails and wine at the bar at the SPY booth from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

WILEY X, Booth 20092
Wiley X offers its best programs of the year at VEW, including specials to earn free product and in-store displays.

—K.A.R.

VEGAS APRÈS SHOW GUIDE
Pull Up A STOOL

7 best places to imbibe

Sin City may have a debaucherous reputation, but there are plenty of places to raise a cocktail without the thump of techno music in the background.

A total of 24 taps pour draught beers at OWL ($$, 3990 W. Russell Rd), a dimly lit watering hole with an additional 120 beers available in cans and an even wider spirits selection; cocktail or cold beer is a tough decision here.



Two sisters are behind VELVETEEN RABBIT ($$, 1218 S. Main St), an intimate craft cocktail bar in the Arts District filled with tufted vintage furniture and local art (plus an outdoor patio for live entertainment). This is a place to trust your bartender and sip a signature drink like the In Vino Veritas with white port, green chile vodka, lime, mint, and peach bitters.



Listen to live music and raise a glass with locals at THE SAND DOLLAR LOUNGE ($, 3355 Spring Mountain Rd), an unfussy bar with a rich history. Originally opened as the Sand Dollar Blues Bar in 1976, this live music venue was a favorite drinking spot of big names such as Mick Jagger; in 2009 a renovation brought it up to date but kept the original spirit.



Another locals’ favorite is TACOS & BEER ($, 3900 Paradise Rd), a T-shirt-friendly, hip bar with 20 rotating beers on draught. Breweries featured on the menu include Evil Twin, Mikkeller, and 21st Amendment.



For cold brews not too far from a casino floor, check out the GOOSE ISLAND PUB ($, 4455 Paradise Rd) in the Hard Rock Hotel. Chicago-based craft brewery Goose Island brought the best of its suds west with this pub; try the Goose Flight to sample small pours of four beers from an IPA to a wheat ale.



For a taste of glamour, check out the ALIBI ULTRA LOUNGE ($$$, 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd) at the Aria Resort. Theater, opulence, and a focus on service capture the cocktail experience here; mixologists shake and stir up the classics alongside forward-thinking concoctions.

—J.C.C.

Alibi Ultra Lounge

Velveteen Rabbit

VEGAS APRÈS SHOW GUIDE
Right Now IN THE ARTS

7 Shows to See

A trip to Vegas wouldn’t be complete without a little spectacle.

A comedy show with a naughty side, ABSINTHE ($$, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd) at Caesars Palace has been one of the most critically acclaimed shows on the Strip in recent years. A mix of acrobatics, cabaret, and R-rated humor completes the adults-only experience.



Take a journey back in musical time with THE BEATLES LOVE ($, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd), an acrobatic tribute to the Fab Four at The Mirage. This show from Cirque du Soleil has dancers, aerialists, and lots of familiar tunes.



One of the most visually impressive shows in Las Vegas is LE RÊVE – THE DREAM ($$$, 3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd) on stage at the Wynn. The aquatic stage has a capacity of 1 million gallons of water and the show features high divers and synchronized swimmers.



A Las Vegas classic for 25 years, BLUE MAN GROUP ($$, 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd) is still a dynamic, multi-sensory experience. Led by a blue-painted cast, this comedy/theater/concert in one keeps the show fresh with new music, design, and technology.



Magic and comedy combine on stage at the Rio with PENN & TELLER ($$, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd), a well-known magic duo that have been performing tricks together since 1975. Their Las Vegas show includes fire-eating and tricks with knives among other gags.



Cirque du Soleil is synonymous with Las Vegas, and O ($$, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd), a water-based show held at the Bellagio, is a favorite. Expect a theatrical production complete with synchronized swimmers, acrobats, divers, and dancers.

—J.C.C.

Jessica Colley Clarke covers cuisine, culture, the arts, and experiential travel. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, The Wall Street Journal Magazine, New York magazine, Departures, Food & Wine, and The San Francisco Chronicle. She is also a Forbes Travel Guide correspondent.

The Beatles Love
Photo Credit: Matt Beard, ©2016 Cirque du Soleil Inc.

Le Rêve
Photo credit: Tomasz Rossa

Le Rêve
Photo credit: Joan Marcus