WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS

The Entertainment Capital of the World.

And, the week International Vision Expo West comes to town, Vegas will abound with pure eyewear style, optical education, and vision inspiration.

Since you may be in town for just a few action-packed days to attend Vision Expo West at The Sands Expo Center & Convention Center (Education: Sept. 13-16, Exhibition: Sept. 14-16), we put together this show guide for you. On these pages, discover highlights of the best Vision Expo West education and events, and a tantalizing roundup of Las Vegas hot spots.

Wishing you a great show!

The EB Team

EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS

Vision Expo West offers more than 320 hours of education for every role and experience level in the industry. Score a few highlights here, and see more at west.visionexpo.com/continuing-education/highlights .

FRAME BUYER’S CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Need a strategy boost for frame buying? This invaluable track, sponsored by Eyecare Business, allows ECPs to score their Frame Buyer’s Certificate after completing eight hours of education (at one show or several).

One-hour CE Vision Expo West offerings include:

Communicating Value
(Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m. + Sept. 16, 9:45 a.m.)

The Art of Assortment Planning
(Sept. 14, 11 a.m.)

Must-Have Eyewear Trends for 2018
(Sept. 14, 11 a.m. + Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m.)

Which Frame Material Is Right for My Patient?
(Sept. 14, 5 p.m.)

GOOGLE TALKS

Ready to translate Google to biz growth? Check out the compelling series of 20-minute digital marketing talks from Google and Marketing4ECPS—sponsored by Eyecare Business parent company PentaVision—held each show day in the Google Partners Lounge, LP10113. Courses include:

• 10 a.m. The Digital Opportunity for Your Eyecare Business
• 11 a.m. Search Marketing & the Five Tips You Can’t Live Without
• Noon Brand Your Eyecare Business Through Digital Display Campaigns
• 1 p.m. The Unfair Advantage of YouTube
• 2 p.m. Patients on the Go—The Mobile Opportunity
• 3 p.m. Re-Engage Your Patients/Customers With Re-Marketing

GOOGLE PARTNERS CONNECT EVENT

(Sept. 14, 4:30-6 p.m.)

Swing by booth LP10113 before 4 p.m. on Thursday to score tickets to this exclusive VIP Google Connect event. At 4:30 p.m., learn how to capitalize on the digital opportunity in the eyecare industry, with a private cocktail event following the presentation.

PARTIES & PRESENTATIONS

Vision Expo West ups the VIP factor with not-to-miss events, held at some of the most sought-after locales in the City of the Sun.

Here, we break down a taste of what’s in store.

For more, visit: west.visionexpo.com/for-attendees/schedule-of-events .

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

Noon-1:30 p.m.
The OWA Connection Series Presents: Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Eyecare Business editor-in-chief Erinn Morgan moderates the highly anticipated Optical Women’s Association panel, focused on the best-selling book “Emotional Intelligence 2.0.” Learn how to use EQ for recruitment, staffing, and as an optical leader. Registration is required: $35 for OWA members, $40 for nonmembers, includes lunch.

Learn more and purchase tickets at: opticalwomen.com/events.asp .

Location: Sands Expo Center, Room 303

3-5 p.m.
Suites Buyer Bellini Toast

Feast your eyes on the latest luxe products at this invitation-only, VIP event. Also held on Friday, Sept. 15, from 3-5 p.m.

Location: The Venetian Hotel Suites, Floors 35 & 36

7:30-8:15 p.m.
LOFT Presents Viewpoint: Women in Optics

Meet the bold and brilliant women succeeding in the eyewear industry, including EB’s own Erinn Morgan, at this not-to-miss panel hosted by LOFT Eyewear Shows, followed by a party.

Location: Keep Memory Alive Event Center, 888 W. Bonneville Ave.

9 p.m.-midnight
Bad Habits “Eye Docs of Rock” Opening Night Party

Bad Habits, the official Eye Docs of Rock, are rockin’ their 30-year anniversary tour this year. Don’t miss the band’s Vegas gig to kick off Vision Expo West.

Location: Hard Rock Café

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

4:30-6 p.m.
Young Professionals Happy Hour

Score free drinks and hors d’oeuvres while networking with fellow up-and-coming optical leaders, plus folks from HOYA and Transitions Optical, at one of Vegas’ most star-studded locations.

Location: LAVO at the Palazzo

5:30-7 p.m.
OWA Red Carpet Networking and Raffle

Enter raffles to win designer items, the latest sports gear, gift certificates, and so much more to benefit the Optical Women’s Association’s professional development programs. Registration required. Free/open to all.

Location: Sands Expo Center, Room 303

6-8:30 p.m.
ODs on Facebook Party

Check in in-person with members of the popular industry social media group ODs on Facebook (on.fb.me/ODsonFacebook ).

Location: TAO Las Vegas at the Venetian

PROMOS, PERKS, & GIVEAWAYS

Catch some of the best promotions + celebrations happening on the show floor right here.

A&A OPTICAL

BOOTH 18042

Win $1,000 cash, a $500 shopping spree to danielcremieux.com , and Jimmy Crystal New York accessories­—for every 10 frames purchased, receive one raffle ticket. Must be present to win. Raffle drawing will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15.

Celebrate the launch of Cremieux on Sept. 15 with a happy hour, 4-6 p.m.

CLEARVISION OPTICAL

BOOTH 16087

Play “Red’s Journey,” ClearVision’s new mobile game starring Dilli Dalli pediatric eyewear’s mascot. Prizes will be awarded daily to point leaders.

Visit CVO’s in-booth Design Lab to design an Aspire Custom frame for free. ClearVision will build and ship the frame free of charge.

DE RIGO REM

BOOTH 16086

With buy-in levels from 18-100 frames, clients will be compensated with items including Amex Gift Cards, a new Amazon Echo, a Sonos 5 Play Speaker, and/or a 55-inch Samsung Curved Ultra High-Definition TV. The first 20 new accounts to place an order at the show will receive CH Carolina Herrera or John Varvatos sunglasses.

ESSILOR

BOOTH LP11065

Celebrate the launch of Essilor’s Ultimate Lens Package (ULP) on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 4-5 p.m. Watch the debut of the new ULP commercial, hear from company executives, and enjoy cocktails and entertainment.

IMAGEWEAR

BOOTH 16042

Preschedule an appointment and get a Betsey Johnson makeup bag.

Purchase any level of frames from the Betsey Johnson, Callaway, London Fog, Stepper, Revolution, and/or Wildflower collections and receive a marketing allowance in the form of an American Express Gift Cheque. Juniors and sunwear collections not included.

KENMARK EYEWEAR

BOOTH 16031

Stop by the Kenmark booth to enter to win a five-night stay for two at Hotel San Cristobal in Mexico, luggage from Away, and fun travel essentials from Original Penguin and Lilly Pulitzer.

MAD VISION

THE SUITES

Join Mad Vision in the Suites for an exclusive showing and score a free Vinyl Factory vintage speaker. One unit per customer while supplies last.

MOREL

BOOTH G21015

Have your badge scanned here for a chance to win an Amazon Echo or an 18-piece kit complete with P.O.P. from Öga or Koali. No purchase necessary.

NOUVEAU EYEWEAR

BOOTH 16042

All booth visitors will receive a free My Little Pony shopping tote.

The Ninja Turtles make an appearance Friday, Sept. 15, from noon-4 p.m.

Purchase frames from the Realtree, Realtree Girl, Kay Unger, Phoebe, Van Heusen, Van Heusen Studio, Hot Kiss, and/or Cantera collections and receive a marketing allowance in the form of an American Express Gift Cheque. Exceptions apply; see booth for details.

TURA

BOOTH 16021

Get a custom eye design manicure with a minimum purchase of 12 frames (from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday/Friday).

WILEY X

BOOTH 20087

Celebrate Wiley X’s 30th Anniversary with a happy hour on Friday, Sept. 15, from 4-5 p.m. The company will also offer specials to earn free product and in-store displays throughout the show.

Vegas Après Show Guide
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE BEST OF LAS VEGAS

BY JESSICA COLLEY CLARKE

There are more reasons than ever in Las Vegas to tear yourself away from the casino floor. Restaurants from the country’s top chefs, cocktails with a view, and dynamic stage productions all vie for your attention along the Strip. Here’s a handy guide for where to go when you’re hungry, thirsty, and in search of entertainment.

FAST + UNFUSSY:

6 QUICK FIXES NEAR THE SANDS EXPO

For indulgence in the middle of the night, check out The Henry ($, 3708 S. Las Vegas Blvd.), a 24/7 modern diner at the Cosmopolitan. This casual spot serves up a wide range of comfort food from brioche French toast to braised short ribs eggs Benedict to hefty burgers with bacon jam.

Another option for satisfying cravings 24 hours a day is 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.

All the pleasures of a French bakery are on offer at Paris Baguette ($, 3377 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) in the Venetian. Swing by for fresh pastries, sandwiches, or desserts; there is space to relax in the café or take these decadent treats back to your hotel room for an impromptu picnic.

Genuine tastes of New York City are piled high at Carnegie Deli ($, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) in the Mirage. This affordable delicatessen has towering pastrami sandwiches, eggs and omelets served all day, and comfort classics like matzo ball soup.

Inspired by the coal ovens of Brooklyn, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria ($, 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) in the Venetian pulls Neapolitan-style pies from its signature brick ovens. Red-and-white-checkered tablecloths set a casual scene for Caesar salads, pepperoni pizza, and New York-style cheesecake.

Vegas Après Show Guide
TOP TABLES:

6 HOT BOÎTES

The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip hold an allure for many of the country’s most acclaimed chefs.

Chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame brings his signature fare to the Venetian at Bouchon ($$$, 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). This bright bistro tempts with fresh croissants from 7 a.m., an oyster bar in the afternoon, and French classics like steak frites in the evening (don’t miss the truffle fries).

Hailing from the opposite coast, New York-based Chef David Chang now serves his famous steamed buns and ramen in Las Vegas at Momofuku ($$, 3708 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) in the Cosmopolitan. The diverse menu includes small plates like blistered shishito peppers and oysters on the half shell plus hearty main dishes including Korean braised short ribs and spicy noodles with Sichuan sausage.

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 bone-in New York strip steaks.

Seafood and fresh pasta are served overlooking a peaceful lagoon at Costa Di Mare ($$$, 3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.), a coastal Italian restaurant in the Wynn. Mediterranean bites and Italian cocktails are perfect for a pre-dinner bite, or you can settle in for a proper seafood feast—try the spider crab ravioli.

Tortillas are hand-pressed daily at Bandito Latin Kitchen and Cantina ($$, 325 Hughes Center Dr. Suite 100), a popular destination for tacos and agave-based cocktails. Snack on guacamole with fiery roasted Serrano peppers before sampling a variety of tacos including braised octopus, carne asada, or carnitas.

— J.C.C.

Vegas Après Show Guide
RIGHT NOW IN THE ARTS:

6 SHOWS TO SEE

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

The legendary music of Michael Jackson gets the Cirque du Soleil treatment in a show at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil ($$, 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) combines acrobatics, Michael Jackson’s well-known anthems, and dance in one over-the-top production.

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 experience.

One of the most visually impressive shows in Las Vegas is Le Rêve – The Dream ($$$, 3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) onstage at the Wynn. The aquatic stage has a capacity of 1 million gallons of water; liquid features prominently in the show with high divers and synchronized swimmers.

A wide range of Las Vegas classic entertainment combines on one stage at V–The Ultimate Variety Show ($$, 3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) in the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. This family-friendly show features a rotating list of acts including comedians, magicians, aerialists, gymnasts, and jugglers.

To kick off your Las Vegas night with a laugh, check out the popular comedy show Carrot Top: Laugh Until You’re Orange in the Hair ($$, 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) at the Luxor Hotel. From the stages of late-night television (including Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel) to the stages of Sin City, this irreverent comedian is known for his adults-only humor.

—J.C.C.

Vegas Après Show Guide
PULL UP A STOOL:

6 BEST PLACES TO IMBIBE

From glamorous cocktail lounges to all-night dive bars, Las Vegas has a watering hole for every thirst.

In true Sin City over-the-top fashion, 2 million crystals are draped to form a dramatic chandelier at the Cosmopolitan’s The Chandelier ($$, 3708 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) It is spread over three levels, so choose between the ground-floor bar with casino views or the intimate bar and lounge on the upper floors.

Classic cocktails and an emphasis on old-school service set The Dorsey ($$$, 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) apart from other upscale bars on the Strip. Located within the Venetian hotel, this dimly lit bar encourages lingering with its big plush couches and book-lined shelves.

If you’re after views of the Strip, Mandarin Bar ($$$, 3752 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) on the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental offers sparkling views through floor-to-ceiling windows. This see-and-be-seen space is a swanky start or finish to a night on the town (it’s open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).

With a terrace overlooking the famous dancing fountains at the Bellagio, Hyde ($$$, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) delivers one of the most quintessential Las Vegas scenes as a backdrop for a cocktail. Inspired by an Italian villa, Hyde is a sprawling indoor/outdoor venue with plenty of room to explore over a martini.

Espresso cocktails at Bound ($$, 3595 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) may provide just the boost you need to find your second wind in the casino. Located within the Cromwell, this lobby bar also offers live music and seasonal punch bowls that can easily serve a group.

—J.C.C.