International Vision Expo show management released audited attendance and demographic figures for International Vision Expo West, which took place in Las Vegas from Oct. 3 to 6, 2007. This year’s total show attendance, which includes exhibit hall visitors and conference attendees, totaled 13,210.

“International Vision Expo continues to grow and thrive as the single most relevant event for the entire ophthalmic community,” said Tom Loughran, event director for show manager Reed Exhibitions. “And, specifically, the attendance growth in the continuing education program solidifies the Vision Expo position as the largest CE provider in the U.S.”

In 2007, the final audited figures show 4,471 conference participants and 8,681 exhibit hall attendees. The overall attendance of 13,210 represents a slight increase over the 2006 total of 13,180.

“While the switch to early October dates provided challenges on some fronts, overall we are pleased with the solid attendance.” said Deborah Malakoff, vice president trade shows, Vision Council of America. “Vision Expo West will be in this new time frame for the 2008 and 2009 events. We are committed to Las Vegas and are working with our partners to strengthen the event for both attendees and exhibitors.”

The audit revealed that 38 percent of attendance represents the Pacific region; and 15 percent is from the Mountain region—followed closely by 13 percent of overall attendance from outside the U.S. The remainder, 34 percent, represents the eastern and Midwestern sections of the U.S.

The full audit report for International Vision Expo West is available online at www.visionexpowest.com.