Vision Expo: Q&A with Vision Council CEO Ashley Mills on big changes coming to the meeting

In a bold move, The Vision Council has announced a strategic shift to a single, annual Vision Expo beginning in 2026. Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, shared that this isn’t merely a consolidation; it's a strategic evolution aimed at strengthening the industry’s premier event and delivering even greater value to exhibitors, attendees, and stakeholders.

“We’ve spent years listening to our community and reviewing data. What emerged was a clear desire for 1 powerful, unified event—a true industry touchstone,” said Mills.

The strategy behind the evolution

Vision Expo has long served as a centralized platform where professionals across the optical spectrum gather to see product launches, connect with peers, and access education. In today’s demanding economic and regulatory environment, the Vision Council’s goal is to maximize the value of every minute spent at the event.

Beginning in 2026, Vision Expo will take place annually in Q1, which is a deliberate decision to establish it as the North American launchpad for the entire optical industry. Exhibitors have already committed to holding major product releases for this event, ensuring it becomes the primary showcase for the latest technologies, designs, and initiatives.

Evolving with the industry

The decision aligns with broader changes at The Vision Council itself. Mills highlighted the organization’s efforts to become more inclusive and reflective of where the industry is headed:

• The addition of an Optical Retail Division to better represent patient-facing sectors.
• The inclusion of health care and technology members, acknowledging the industry's convergence with medical and digital innovation.

This more comprehensive representation will be mirrored in the future Vision Expo, ensuring a platform that unites all segments, from manufacturing and retail to tech and clinical care.

Rotating locations to broaden access

Recognizing regional attendance patterns from the former East and West events, the new annual Vision Expo will rotate locations across the US to maintain accessibility:

• 2026: Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida
• 2027: The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada
• 2028: The Javits Center in New York, New York

This rotational model ensures all regions of the country have access to this critical industry event.

More than a trade show

One of the unique elements of Vision Expo is that it directly fuels the mission of The Vision Council. Revenue from the show supports:

• Advocacy efforts in Washington, DC (eg, recent tariff discussions with the White House)
• World-class data and research programs to guide optical businesses
• Consumer awareness campaigns, such as National Sunglasses Day and other public health initiatives

“Vision Expo isn’t just a trade show. It’s the economic engine driving industry-wide growth,” Mills emphasized.

A call for unity

As the optical industry faces increased complexity and opportunity, Vision Expo’s next chapter offers a centralized, future-focused event that fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth.

“This is the time to unify, fortify, and amplify the vision industry," Mills concluded. "We’re proud of what Vision Expo stands for, and we’re ready for what comes next.”