International Vision Expo West Attendance on Par with 2011 Event
September 23, 2012
When Reed Exhibitions’ International Vision Expo West recently closed its doors at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, the unaudited tally of eye care professionals attending the event was 12,077, which show management said was on par with last year’s show.
The education program also delivered 350 hours of education and drew 3,868 attendees during the four-day event.
Final, third-party audited numbers will be available in approximately five weeks.
“International Vision Expo West is a healthy, energetic and vibrant event, and the number of loyal and satisfied visitors in attendance at (the) event was a true testament to that,” said Tom Loughran, vice president for Reed Exhibitions.
He added, “We remain committed to providing the entire ophthalmic community with a convenient location to network, hold meetings and source the best in products, education, innovative solutions and business-building tools for the health of their practice and their patients.”
The showfloor was busy, with nearly 475 exhibitors from around the world showing off more than 600 show specials and 5,000 brands, covering all aspects of eyecare, eyewear and accessories.
“We are ecstatic with the outcome of [International] Vision Expo West. Not only did it exceed our expectations, we hit company goals and achieved record breaking results overall,” said Exhibitor Milena Cavicchioli, vice president of marketing for Luxottica North America.
Cavicchioli added, “Following the success of (International Vision Expo East) earlier in the year, we have continued to see a remarkable increase in the demand for our brands and have kept the momentum going ever since.”
Dick Russo, executive vice president for Safilo, echoed the show’s success for his company.
"The show was very productive for us … those attendees who visited our booth were very engaged and anxious to conduct business, which resulted in extremely productive meetings,” Russo said.
Attendees also gave the show, and particularly the education program, high marks.
“It's not just what you learn at Vision Expo, it’s what you do with it when you get home that matters,” said Jessica Rodriguez, office manager for Weslaco Vision Source in Weslaco, Texas.
Next year, the show will be held in rare October dates in Las Vegas, Oct. 2-5, before returning to its typical September timeframe for the following seven years.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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