Independent / Boutique Show
NEOS — North East Optical Show
Rotating, USA
NEOS (North East Optical Show) is a free-to-attend independent optical show built around 80+ independent eyewear collections plus independent labs, tech, and business-service vendors, with classes and workshops alongside the show floor.
It runs roughly twice a year and rotates East Coast cities rather than sticking to one fixed venue — recent and announced editions include Washington, DC (Kellogg Conference Hotel), Providence, RI (WaterFire Arts Center), and Nashville, TN (Musicians Hall of Fame). Check northeastopticalshow.com for the current edition list.
Free Admission, Independent Focus
Unlike most shows in this directory, NEOS is free to attend for industry professionals, with collections on the floor self-selected for independent rather than mass-market eyewear. Beyond the 80+ collections, it brings in independent labs, tech vendors, and business-service providers relevant to running an independent practice, plus classes and workshops — closer to a curated community event than a sprawling convention floor.
A Rotating, Twice-a-Year Format
Rather than a single fixed annual venue, NEOS runs editions in different cities — recent and announced dates include Washington, DC (Kellogg Conference Hotel), Providence, RI (WaterFire Arts Center), and Nashville, TN (Musicians Hall of Fame). That means checking the specific city and date for the edition you're considering rather than assuming it repeats a prior year's location.
Upcoming Editions
October 18, 2026
The Kellogg Conference Hotel, 800 Florida Ave NE, Washington, USA
Official registration →Frequently Asked Questions
Is NEOS free to attend?
Yes — NEOS is free to attend for industry professionals, per the organizer's own site.
Where is NEOS held?
It rotates East Coast cities rather than using a single fixed venue — recent and announced editions have run in Washington, DC, Providence, RI, and Nashville, TN. Check northeastopticalshow.com for the current schedule.
What kind of show is NEOS?
A smaller, independent-focused optical show — 80+ independent eyewear collections plus independent labs, tech, and business-service vendors, with classes and workshops, rather than a large convention-center trade floor.
Why does NEOS move locations each edition?
NEOS runs roughly twice a year and rotates cities rather than using one fixed venue — recent and announced editions have run in Washington DC, Providence RI, and Nashville TN. Always check northeastopticalshow.com for the current edition's city.
What kinds of vendors does NEOS include beyond eyewear brands?
In addition to 80+ independent eyewear collections, NEOS includes independent labs, tech vendors, and business-service providers relevant to running an independent practice, alongside classes and workshops.
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