Independent / Boutique Show
EYECON
New York, NY, USA
EYECON runs each spring at The Glasshouse in New York, part of a coordinated cluster of independent eyewear events happening in the city the same week.
It's built as a curated discovery showcase — a gallery-style format with panels and networking, aimed at luxury and emerging independent brands rather than a traditional trade-floor layout.
What to Expect on the Floor
EYECON skips the standard convention-hall layout in favor of a gallery-style setup at The Glasshouse in New York. Instead of rows of identical booths, the show is organized as a curated exhibition — a selected roster of brands rather than an open call for anyone willing to pay for space. Panels and networking programming are built directly into the schedule alongside the collections on display.
Who It's Best For
EYECON is aimed squarely at luxury and emerging independent eyewear, not the optical industry at large. A standout detail: recent editions have made first-time-exhibiting brands a visible part of the lineup, with roughly a third of exhibitors showing in the US for the first time at EYECON specifically — a natural stop for buyers hunting for a brand their competitors haven't found yet.
Upcoming Editions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes EYECON different from a typical trade show?
It's curated rather than open-booth — a gallery-style discovery format with panels and networking events, positioned specifically for luxury and emerging independent eyewear brands.
How do I register for EYECON?
Through eyecon.show/registration for industry professionals; exhibitor and partnership inquiries go through the same site.
Is EYECON only for buyers, or can new brands exhibit?
Both — recent editions have specifically highlighted first-time-exhibiting brands alongside established ones, roughly a third of exhibitors showing in the US for the first time.
EYECON, The Frame Affair, or The Eye Ball — how do I choose between the three?
EYECON is a gallery-style showcase in New York built around luxury and emerging independent brands, with a notable share of first-time US exhibitors. The Frame Affair, also in New York the same week, centers specifically on independent designers and artisan craftsmanship. The Eye Ball is a winter show in Palm Springs pairing a showcase floor with continuing education and a social component. If you're set on New York in spring, EYECON and The Frame Affair are the two to compare directly.
Is EYECON a good fit if I want to see a lot of brands quickly?
Not really — EYECON trades floor volume for curation. The lineup is smaller and selected rather than open-enrollment, so plan for fewer brands but more time and context with each one.
More Upcoming Eyewear Shows
January 31, 2026 – February 2, 2026
MIDO
Milan, Italy
February 20–22, 2026
The Eye Ball
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February 25, 2026 – March 1, 2026
SECO International
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February 28, 2026 – March 2, 2026
100% Optical
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The LOFT Eyewear Show
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The Frame Affair
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March 11–14, 2026
Vision Expo
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SIOS — Southern Independent Optical Show
Grand Prairie, USA