WHAT’S INSIDE:

GET SCHOOLED
Standout CE, in the house

ENTICING EVENTS
Fashion shows, speed dating, celebs!

VEGAS APRÈS
10 must-know undercover hot spots

WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS CITY OF LIGHTS

International Vision Expo West comes to lively Las Vegas Sept. 18-21 at The Sands Expo & Convention Center. To help you get a game plan in place to maximize your time at the show—and in Vegas—the EB team serves up this show guide chock-full of insider intel. On these pages, we reveal the best Vision Expo education, events, and a must-know lineup of Vegas hot spots.

Hope to catch you at the show!

The EB Team

INSIDER TIP: Be sure to download the Vision Expo mobile app on your smart phone so that you can stay connected before, during, and after the show. With the app, you can easily search exhibitors and products, navigate the show floor, view education sessions, and access your My Show account. To download the app, visit your smart phone’s app store and search “Vision Expo West.”

EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS

What’s on tap in the more than 300 hours of educational content at International Vision Expo West? Fresh, interactive tracks and in-depth new series will have you heading home ready to tackle your most pressing practice challenges—and grow professionally.

Here, we share key highlights to keep on your radar. For a full list of courses and access to customized education brochures: west.visionexpo.com/continuing-education/highlights .

CASE CHALLENGES IN OPTOMETRY

Eight optometrists will present cases that highlight imaging technology for a chance to be named the winner. After the competition, attendees will have access to a free imaging workshop.

INNOVATION SERIES

Ten forward-looking courses focus on industry developments like 3D printing and spectacle lens tech, helping your practice propel into the future.

LEADERSHIP FORUM

Influenceology co-founder Roberto Monaco leads three business-focused courses specifically designed for the optical industry that will teach attendees to unlock their leadership potential by communicating effectively and planning efficiently.

MYOPIA TRACK

Following its much-lauded debut at Vision Expo East, the myopia track heads to Las Vegas to help ECPs learn to manage this growing epidemic.

VISION SERIES

This all-new, casual format allows optometrists to grab a bite to eat and continue learning over breakfast or lunch. Insider perk: Two Vision Series attendees will be randomly selected to win $250.

Parties & Presentations
There’s a lot to celebrate at this year’s Vision Expo West

Las Vegas is a party in and of itself, but when Vision Expo West draws more than 15,000 eyecare professionals, buyers, and influencers to the glittering city, it’s truly a spectacle.

Here, we share some of the show’s top parties, presentations, and more, so that your social schedule is set.

For a full list of events: west.visionexpo.com/experiences/special-events .

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

9:30 a.m.
» Vision Choice Awards Voting Begins

Stop by the Product Gallery to cast your vote on the best new eyewear designs. All votes will be entered to win a $500 exhibit hall shopping spree.

Location: Sands Expo, Product Gallery

11-11:30 a.m.
» EB Trends Talk: Eyewear Fashion

EB’s Erinn Morgan leads an engaging talk and model presentation on the hottest eyewear + fashion trends for Fall/Winter.

Location: Sands Expo, BRIDGE

Noon-1:30 p.m.
» OWA Connection Series Luncheon

The Optical Women’s Association hosts Kimberly Davis, TEDx speaker and author of “Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Powerful, and Authentic Self to Get the Results You Need.”

Location: Venetian Level 3, Room 3104

12:30-1:45 p.m.
» OptiCon General Session

OptiCon unpacks a tailored special event + presentation from Rebecca Alexander, the psychotherapist, extreme athlete, activist, and author of “Not Fade Away.”

Location: Sands Expo, BRIDGE

3-4:30 p.m.
» NextGen Speed Dating

EB’s Erinn Morgan co-hosts this independent retailer event, The Next Generation of Retailers: Speed Dating, featuring 10 successful retailers who will serve as mentors to 10 committee-selected individuals who are either new business owners or serious potential owners.

Location: OPTImum Lounge, booth 18130

3:30-4:45 p.m.
» FUBU Panel + Fashion Show

FUBU founders, including Daymond John of “Shark Tank,” take part in a panel discussion and unveil their new FUBU Legends Eyewear line.

Location: Sands Expo, BRIDGE

3:30-5:30 p.m.
» OptiCon Welcome Event

Continue the OptiCon fun (and discuss Rebecca Alexander’s riveting story) with fellow ECPs.

Location: Sands Expo, OptiCon Hub, booth 16102

5-6 p.m.
» Eye2Eye Series Keynote: Courageous Creativity with Piera Gelardi

The executive creative director + co-founder of Refinery29 shares how she channelled courageous creativity to launch a multi-million dollar global business.

Location: Sands Expo, BRIDGE

7:30-11:30 p.m.
» OD Divas Party

The Facebook group OD Divas, which boasts nearly 5,000 members, addresses the female perspective of optometry. Join the Facebook group online to access the party registration page.

Location: SushiSamba, The Palazzo

9-11:55 p.m.
» Vision Expo Opening Night Party

Kick off Vision Expo West with a bash featuring music from Bad Habits: The Official Eyedocs of Rock, as well as the Million Dollar Quartet. Plus, you’ll score free drinks from 9-10 p.m. Grab a wristband at the PentaVision booth, LP5087.

Location: Brooklyn Bowl, 3545 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

4-4:30 p.m.
» Vision Choice Awards Winners Announced

Stop by to see which companies will take home the coveted Vision Choice awards.

Location: Sands Expo, Product Gallery

6-7:30 p.m.
» OWA Networking Reception & Raffle

Enjoy food + drinks at the Optical Women’s Association’s anticipated annual event + raffle. Admission is free and open to all.

Location: Venetian Level 3, Room 3104

For those not in Vegas, the OWA also offers its annual auction on the web, from Sept. 18-20. opticalwomen.com

6-8 p.m.
» ODs on Facebook Party

Take the thought-provoking conversation offline and make an in-person connection with this social media group’s big event.

Location: TAO Nightclub, Venetian Hotel

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Noon-1 p.m.
» Young Leaders in Optometry (YLO) + Defocus Media

YLO and Defocus Media explore the future of optometry, focusing on its opportunities, challenges, and innovations via three pannel discussions.

Location: Sands Expo, BRIDGE

Noon-2 p.m.
» Corporate Optometry Panel & Brunch

Engage with the industry’s thought leaders to discuss the range of business models in which optometrists can practice corporate optometry today.

Location: Sands Expo, Career Zone, booth LP4121

TRENDS ON TAP

EB’s Erinn Morgan teams up with a prominent industry fashion-insider to lead an interactive trend talk at Vision Expo West. Stop by the BRIDGE on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. for informal modeling of the season’s most on-trend eyewear styles.

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

BY JESSICA COLLEY CLARKE

Beyond the casino floor, there are more options than ever for entertainment in Las Vegas. Exclusive restaurants, innovative cocktail bars, and dynamic stage productions all vie for your attention along the Strip. Here’s a handy guide for where to go when hungry, thirsty, and in search of fun.

5 Foodie-Approved Eateries

One of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed chefs, Marc Vetri, brings his Italian cooking prowess to the 56th floor of the Palms with Vetri Cucina ($$$, 4321 W. Flamingo Rd.). Overlooking the Strip, this sleek restaurant is a destination for its Swiss chard gnocchi with brown butter and grilled seafood misto; try to save room for the chocolate polenta soufflé for dessert.

For a quick fix, try the Tijuana-style tacos at Tacos El Gordo ($, 3049 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). Choose between tender meats like spiced pork or grilled beef piled on handmade corn tortillas, and don’t forget the guacamole and fresh salsas.

Chef Roy Choi has transplanted the vibrant flavors of Koreatown in Los Angeles to the Park MGM with Best Friend ($$, 3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). It’s possible to make a hearty meal out of appetizers alone—like spicy Korean wings or pork and ginger dumplings—but don’t miss the bowls like kimchi fried rice topped with a poached egg and the BBQ plates like Kalbi, marinated bone-in short rib.

When a craving for fluffy pancakes or a juicy burger hits, grab a table at the Broken Yolk Cafe ($, 6805 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). Hearty omelets, thick-cut French toast, and saucy enchiladas all offer great value.

VEGAS APRÈS SHOW GUIDE
5 Best Places to Imbibe

Bringing the glamour of the Mad Men era from New York City to Las Vegas, NoMad Bar ($$, 3772 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) is a sleek spot to get comfy on a crimson banquette and order a classic cocktail; jazz fans may want to investigate the Sunday Jazz Brunch.

Before you even take a seat at the luxurious Mr. Coco ($$$, 4321 W. Flamingo Rd.) in the Palms, a visit begins with a cocktail amuse-bouche in the elevator. Industry veteran Francesco Lafranconi pushes boundaries with his cocktail menu, drawing drink enthusiasts seeking the latest and greatest. Live piano music accompanies the experience.

Cocktails featuring rum and mezcal dominate the cocktail list at Electra Cocktail Club ($$, 3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) in the Venetian. This is the place to unashamedly order any frozen drink or daiquiri on the list—master mixologists have updated the common beach beverages into elevated cocktails.

Since the 1970s, the Sand Dollar Lounge ($, 3355 Spring Mountain Rd.) has brought together a mix of locals and out-of-towners with its unfussy atmosphere, live music, billiards tables, and quality drinks from signature cocktails to beer and shot combos. —J.C.C.