WELCOME BACK TO LAS VEGAS.

After a successful Vision Expo East in June, show organizers The Vision Council and RX (previously known as Reed Exhibitions) are making a riveting return to the entertainment capital of the world with Vision Expo West 2021 at the Sands Expo from Sept. 22-25.

“Coming off the heels of Vision Expo East in Orlando, we know the vision community is energized and ready for business,” says Fran Pennella, VP of Vision Expo at RX. “From new show floor destinations and timely education to an exciting lineup of special events, we are excited to offer a vibrant, comprehensive show experience that attendees can tailor to fit their individual goals and business needs.”

We at EB wish you a great show—at the pace you feel most comfortable. We’ve served up key education highlights, events to put on your schedule, and a mix of restaurants, creative cocktail bars, and unfussy food halls all organized by travel-tolerance level—from “still distancing” to “all in.”

Our team is betting on a brilliant return to Vegas. Wishing you a great show! —The EB Team

ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

Vision Expo’s world-class CE is available on demand via VisionEd Direct. The platform provides easy access to documents and test history, direct reporting, and instant certification. In addition, the virtual ShopVISION platform that was launched earlier this year is still accessible to discover the latest products and trends, communicate with suppliers, and more.

EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS

Vision Expo West is serving up hundreds of hours of education for optometrists, opticians, contact lens technicians, and allied ophthalmic professionals, a program known as VisionEd.

“VisionEd’s education program highlights the latest innovations, cutting-edge technology, and insights from the profession’s most renowned experts,” says Mark Dunbar, O.D., co-chairman of the conference advisory board. “Whether it’s a hands-on demonstration, creative competition, or panel of experts, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a rich variety of sessions to curate the show experience that’s right for them.”

Plus, in addition to the in-person educational experience, Vision Expo is offering VisionEd Direct, a virtual CE platform.

Here, we share a few highlights to keep on your radar.

To download the CE brochures in full, head to west.visionexpo.com/en-us/seminars.html .

INNOVATION STAGE

Sit back and relax in The Seen while enjoying complimentary refreshments and free exhibitor-sponsored content for all attendees.

MYOPIA TRACK

Learn practical myopia management for the primary care O.D. with this timely track.

OWNER’S AND MANAGER’S ESSENTIALS PROGRAM

Score strategies for growing your eyecare business with tips on marketing, measuring financial success, staff training, and more.

THE RITZ-CARLTON LEADERSHIP CENTER PRESENTS: BRAND-DIFFERENTIATING SERVICE

The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center returns with opportunities for attendees to learn about customer service excellence.

SCLERAL LENS TRACK

From basic to advanced fitting and scleral lens troubleshooting, this track covers one of the fastest-growing segments of specialty contact lens practice.

VISION SERIES

This casual format allows optometrists to grab a bite to eat and continue learning over breakfast or lunch.

SAFETY FIRST.

Vision Expo organizers have updated the VisionSAFE guidelines, policies based on current CDC guidelines, local public health guidance, and the Venetian Resort and Sands Expo & Convention Center protocols to help support a safe experience amid Covid-19. Access the latest at west.visionexpo.com/en-us/visionsafe.html .

PARTIES & PRESENTATIONS

There is so much to celebrate as the industry reunites at Vision Expo West. Here, we outline a sampling of presentations and events to keep the fun in focus. For the full, finalized lineup of special events, visit west.visionexpo.com/en-us/experiences/special-events.html.

TRENDS ON TAP

EB’s Erinn Morgan leads an interactive eyewear trend presentation at Vision Expo West. Stop by The Seen on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 9:45 a.m. for informal modeling of the season’s most on-trend specs styles.

Vegas Après-Show Guide
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS RIGHT NOW

BY JESSICA COLLEY CLARKE

Travel may look different this year due to Covid-19, but the allure of Las Vegas remains. This year, we’ve rounded up recommendations for exclusive restaurants, creative cocktail bars, and unfussy food halls, all organized by travel-tolerance level.

Whether you’re ready to dive into the Las Vegas spectacle or are still social distancing, we have a recommendation for you.

ALL IN:
Las Vegas with No Restrictions

Experience one of NYC’s hottest tables right in Las Vegas at Carbone ($$$, 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd.), an ode to the pleasures of all things Italian-American. Your table wouldn’t be complete without the spicy rigatoni vodka and lobster fra diavolo; be sure to ask your server about their rum cart, stocked with rare and international rums.

The flavors of Jamaica and New Mexico combine at DW Bistro ($$, 9275 W. Russell Rd.), a bright and cheerful spot known for its jerk chicken wings and green chile mac and cheese. Stop in for a quick sandwich or salad or settle in for a cocktail alongside Jamaican curry or New Mexican red chile pork. Weekend brunch is very popular, so book ahead.

For an epic meal centered on all things carnivorous, reserve a table at Bazaar Meat by José Andrés ($$$, 2535 S. Las Vegas Blvd.), where meat and seafood are cooked over a fire pit. Snack on some croquetas before the main event, such as grilled rib-eye, Iberico pork, or rack of lamb; don’t forget the patatas bravas on the side.

For visitors who are ready to get back into Las Vegas’ famous theaters, there are several productions to choose from, including more intimate shows at the Comedy Cellar Las Vegas ($, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd.) or elaborate, theatrical productions like the water-themed O by Cirque du Soleil ($$, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) at the Bellagio.

STILL DISTANCING:
Where You Can Eat and Drink Outdoors

It’s easy to remain cautious in Las Vegas, with plenty of outdoor eating and drinking options. One of the more elegant places is Mizumi ($$$, 3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.), a modern Japanese restaurant with al fresco tables and even a private table on a floating pagoda (reserve ahead). Sample Chef Min Kim’s creations with dishes like yellowtail Hamachi carpaccio, wild snapper tempura, and Kobe beef dumplings. The menu here skews toward seafood, but there are plenty of noodle dishes and grilled meats as well.

For guacamole and refreshing margaritas on an outdoor patio, look no farther than El Segundo Sol ($$, 3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). Choose from more than 100 specialty tequilas to accompany the menu of enticing and fresh fare including piled-high nachos, a variety of tacos (carne asada, wood-grilled market vegetables, slow-braised pork, and more), and chicken enchiladas.

For a casual night complete with a game of darts or giant Jenga, head to Beer Park ($, 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) on the rooftop at Paris Las Vegas. This open-air venue has beer flights and craft cocktails alongside soft pretzels with fondue, 100% beef brisket burgers, and a crispy chicken sandwich with honey mustard sauce.

TAKEOUT/DELIVERY FOCUSED:
Bringing the Goods to You

Travelers who feel safest dining in their hotel room need not miss out on big flavor. Las Vegas now has more takeout and delivery options than ever before, including several food halls. Indulge in the slow-cooked fare of SoulBelly BBQ ($$, 1327 S. Main St.), available for takeout or delivery. While some foods don’t travel particularly well, the smoked meats like pork spareribs or chipotle cider glazed chicken will arrive at your hotel room with flavor intact; don’t skip the sides like vinegar cucumber salad or mac and cheese.

Options abound at Forum Food Hall ($, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) in Caesar’s Palace, with plenty to choose from for pickup or delivery within the hotel. Choose between DiFara Pizza, street tacos, burgers, or halal.

The Cosmopolitan also has its own market with the Block 16 Urban Food Hall ($-$$, 3708 S. Las Vegas Blvd.), open from breakfast through late night. Choose among a variety of bold flavors and international options including Bang Bar by Momofuku (for rice bowls and flatbread sandwiches), District (for doughnuts and sliders), Ghost Donkey (for nachos and mezcal cocktails), Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (to taste Nashville’s famous hot chicken), or Lardo (a sandwich shop known for its generous portions).

If you’re willing to get off the Strip and are in search of something healthy and flavorful, follow the locals to Every Grain ($, 1430 E. Charleston Blvd.), an unpretentious Taiwanese restaurant with rice bowls, dan dan noodles, and cucumber salad with chili oil. —J.C.C.