Raising Up Women In The Optical Industry Isn't Boring!
The OWA offers both in-person and virtual events to cultivate connection, inspiration, and leadership. Network with your peers and fuel professional and personal development with the OWA’s versatile events.
Upcoming Events
Thu, Jul 18Zoom MeetingJul 18, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CDTZoom Meeting
Tue, Jul 23Europa Eyewear HeadquartersJul 23, 2024, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM CDTEuropa Eyewear Headquarters, 255 Corporate Woods Pkwy, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USAJul 23, 2024, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM CDTEuropa Eyewear Headquarters, 255 Corporate Woods Pkwy, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USAYou're invited to a private tour of the STATE Optical Co. and AO Eyewear factory in Chicago! This OWA regional event, hosted by Europa Eyewear, offers a great opportunity to learn about frame manufacturing while meeting or catching up with your OWA colleagues.
Thu, Sep 19Las Vegas - Venetian Level 3Sep 19, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PDTLas Vegas - Venetian Level 3, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USASep 19, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PDTLas Vegas - Venetian Level 3, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USAThis year’s Connection Series luncheon will feature guest speaker Amanda Shapiro and focus on leadership strategies that build strong connections, boost resilience, and spark creativity in fast-changing environments.
Fri, Sep 20Las Vegas - Venetian Level 3Sep 20, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM PDTLas Vegas - Venetian Level 3, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USASep 20, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM PDTLas Vegas - Venetian Level 3, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USAThe OWA invites you to their annual Friday reception at Vision Expo West. Join us for the evening's refreshments, and don't miss this exciting opportunity to network, bid on some fabulous auction items, and win a raffle prize or two!
Fri, Oct 18Mount PleasantOct 18, 2024, 4:00 PM EDT – Oct 20, 2024, 11:00 AM EDTMount Pleasant, 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USAOct 18, 2024, 4:00 PM EDT – Oct 20, 2024, 11:00 AM EDTMount Pleasant, 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USAOWA members, you'll want to save the date for the second annual OWA Unplugged retreat! Details will be coming soon, but in the meantime, mark your calendars for October 18-20, 2024. This year's location is the Charleston Harbor Resort in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Champagne Breakfast
Each year the OWA presents awards to individuals who exemplify a passion for promoting the role of women in our industry. The recipients are honored during Vision Expo East at the annual, and highly anticipated, Champagne Breakfast and Star Awards Ceremony. It’s a spectacular opening event to kick off Vision Expo East.
OWA Unplugged
OWA's first-ever retreat was held in San Diego, CA, in 2023. Deliberately limiting attendance to 40 OWA members, the purpose of the retreat is to provide an opportunity to “unplug”, connect, recharge, relax, and be truly present in the moment.
Connection Series
During the annual Connection Series event hosted during Vision Expo West, members and guests can connect on topics that matter, enriching their personal and professional lives. This popular event has become an OWA "signature series" overseen by the OWA Events Committee.
Regional Events
OWA is always on the road holding small regional networking events connecting members and recruiting new women to learn more about the benefits of joining OWA. Interested in hosting an event in your area? Contact the Connection & Enrichment Committee.
OWA Fireside Chats
The bimonthly OWA Fireside Chats allow members to gather, network, and grow— personally and professionally—while also having some fun! These events are a combination of advisory groups and open discussion to allow for greater connection on a personal level. Fireside Chats provide an opportunity for both new and experienced members to join a networking group that encompasses many interests.
Networking Events
During Vision Expo East and Vision Expo West, the OWA Events Committee regularly hosts networking events where OWA members and nonmembers can connect and network. During Vision Expo East, the "Stars, Sips, and Scholarships" event continues the celebration of OWA's annual award honorees and leadership scholarship recipients. During Vision Expo West, the annual OWA Networking Reception and Raffle is the place to connect with colleagues, bid on some fabulous auction items, and win a raffle prize or two!