Vision Expo West: No Marchon Party, what is next?

[sharpstick777]

Rumor has it that there will be no Marchon Party this year in Vegas. I know the party had lost its shine many years ago, but it was still a great place to meet friends from all over the country. It was a (tired) staple of Vision Expo West but I have fond memories of parties past (like when one OD took a midnight swim, sans swim suit... at least she was attractive).

I knew that once VSP bought Marchon and the "suits" started watching people having fun, they would cut the party off as soon as they could, I could see it in their eyes.

Are there any other parties or events taking its place Friday? No one scheduled anything for Friday night because they would never compete with Marchon. REM has a great party on Thursday. Labapalooza is Thursday night. But now that Fridays clear what is worth attending? Oakley's parties have been kind of blah. So where are we all going Friday night?

[finefocus]

I got an invitation to a Marchon party a couple of days ago - I threw it away before reading completely, but I'm sure it was for the traditional VE bash.

[acar]

100% there's a Marchon party. There's also an Essilor Eyerock, A&A, OWA, Labapalooza and Doctorfest. This isn't to mention the thousands of private parties and dinners hosted by exhibitors.

Or the 2 Wednesday night opening parties at Blush at the Wynn (free champagne) and LAVO (one hour open bar). Click the link for details.

http://ivew11.mapyourshow.com/5_0/specials.cfm?category=Parties+and+Events&OrderBy=sort

[decm1108]

Marchon is still having their traditional party at the Flamingo Friday night. I think it starts at 9pm. They say to go to the Marchon booth at VE to get your line pass (wristband).

[acar]

Vision Expo

That's right....pick up passes at their booth. At the Flamingo from 9pm to 1am. It is LITERALLY the BIGGEST party in Las Vegas (not just Vision Expo) every year. Over 7000 people go.

[racethe1320]

Wait...I thought you were an Anti VSP anything guy? Yet you'll still gladly look to go to their party? Oh wait, I get it....

[mrmac]

I plan on attending the Marchon party and the REM party, does anyone know of any other parties worth attending?

[sharpstick777]

I only found one mention of the party for this year, on the Optical Vision Site here: http://theopticalvisionsite.com/educ...y-infographic/

The first trade release in April on the Vision Expo West website was taken down, the only mention that remains is in a public relations announcement made in May only to Optometry students. The Club Marchon Party could not be found in the VEW official schedule of events or parties.

The usual pre-party press releases are missing from the web and from the trade magazines. I found a few other events that I copied from and will post in another entry.

[sharpstick777]

Events From the Optical Vision Site: http://theopticalvisionsite.com/educ...y-infographic/

Opening Night Kickoff Party at Blush Boutique Nightclub
Time: 9pm – 11pm
Show your badge for a complimentary glass of champagne.

After Hours Party at LAVO Nightclub
Time: 11pm
Location: LAVO Nightclub
Show your badge or special event pass for free admission and open bar until 12am.

THURSDAY NIGHT
REM Eyewear Reception: at the Pinot Brasserie at the Venetian. Invite needed. 6pm - 8pm.

Labapalooza: Venitian Hotel Ballrooms, 6 pm-9pm. Registration required.

Doctorfest
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Relax in the Medical & Scientific Theater on the show floor and enjoy cocktails while networking with peers.

Nobu – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
If you love Japanese cuisine, sushi, and all around amazing food, then you need to pencil in a trek over to the Hard Rock to eat at Nobu. It’s the Vegas version of the original in New York and it’s truly amazing. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. (Why not treat yourself?) You will definitely need reservations for this one. You can call them at 702.693.5090 to make arrangements, or use their online reservation service here.

N9NE – The Palms Hotel & Casino
This is a great place if you have steak on your mind. N9NE is located at The Palms, so you’re going to have to venture out, but you’ve been on the strip all day. Go for it! It’s a really great restaurant in an awesome set up. Plus, The Palms is an awesome property. Lots to check out over there. Again, you’ll need reservations and you can make them at 702.933.9900 or by booking online here.

TAO Asian Bistro – The Venetian
This is another great spot if you don’t feel like venturing far from the show site. TAO is located at the top of the elevators toward the front of the Venetian. Lots of good food, and if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also a nightclub. But be prepared, this is Vegas, and the nightclub features might not be suited for everyone. Check out the site before you go.

FRIDAY NIGHT:

OWA Networking Reception & Raffle at Valentino
Date: Friday, September 23, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Admission is totally free, and both members and non-members are invited. But, advanced registration is required by September 17 so make sure to register here.

Student Networking Party at Indigo Lounge
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Students are invited to a high end Vegas bar to mix and mingle with peers before heading out on the town. Free passes to Club Marchon will be available.

EyeRock at the Hard Rock Cafe
Time: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Tickets are $65 each and the proceeds will benefit the Kids Vision for Life program. You can purchase tickets here.

Marchon Party of the Year at the Flamingo Hotel
Time: 9:00pm – 1:00am
A huge event, with over 7,000 Vision Expo attendees coming out to party. The party will occupy the entire outdoor property at the Flamingo Hotel. Be sure to pick up your Express Line Pass at the Marchon Booth #16065

[sharpstick777]

Wait...I thought you were an Anti VSP anything guy? Yet you'll still gladly look to go to their party? Oh wait, I get it....

Race, I don't hate VSP. I just hate tax evaders and mega-companies who instead of playing fair hire an army of lawyers to use force and pressure to get what they want, all the while hiding under the guise of a "not-for-profit". VSP's legal bills rival the budgets of some small countries. If VSP doesn't want me to go, they can contact me and I won't go. A lot of people at VSP know me very well.

[charan]

sharpstick great info cheers! i'll be there! hopefully i finish all the business related things in one day and have fun for rest of the trip! ;)

[Johns]

I won't be attending VEW, but if I ever do, the Marchon party will NOT be on my list of events to visit. Having drinks spilled on you, while trying to maneuver around piles of vomit is not my idea of a good time. My boss attended once, and swore it off forever. When I mentioned this event to him, he replied, "Yes, I hope that when I canceled my Marchon account, it didn't adversely affect the amount of booze they were able to pour into the pool."

From what I hear, the Marchon party embodies all the values and ideals (or lack thereof) of the company itself. From the top, all the way down.

[sharpstick777]

New Event! Thursday a few of us from the Northwest are meeting at the Helix Wine Bar in the Palazo Hotel (next to the Venetian) at about 7:00, but everyone is welcome (just wear flannel). I am going a little late myself, but I hope to see you there.

[sharpstick777]

I won't be attending VEW, but if I ever do, the Marchon party will NOT be on my list of events to visit. Having drinks spilled on you, while trying to maneuver around piles of vomit is not my idea of a good time. My boss attended once, and swore it off forever. When I mentioned this event to him, he replied, "Yes, I hope that when I canceled my Marchon account, it didn't adversely affect the amount of booze they were able to pour into the pool."
From what I hear, the Marchon party embodies all the values and ideals (or lack thereof) of the company itself. From the top, all the way down.

That is the way it used to be, but like most of us it has mellowed extensively. Its not as friendly as it used to be either. They don't give away free drinks anymore and that has cut down on the "issues". Boring is its greatest problem now.

[Jana Lewis]

New Event! Thursday a few of us from the Northwest are meeting at the Helix Wine Bar in the Palazo Hotel (next to the Venetian) at about 7:00, but everyone is welcome (just wear flannel). I am going a little late myself, but I hope to see you there.

I'm flying weds. Where is the Helix?