Executive Summit 2025 - Resources
The Vision Council’s 2025 Executive Summit brought together nearly 300 optical executives on the scenic Pacific coast in Santa Barbara, California, for three dynamic days of networking, leadership development, and forward-thinking discussions designed to shape the future of the vision industry. Designed to highlight emerging business trends and offer tangible strategies to tackle the evolving challenges of the eyecare and eyewear industry and the economy, the 2025 Executive Summit featured several engaging presentations and opportunities for meaningful networking and relationship building.
2025 Executive Summit Photos
Annual Business Meeting Highlights
The Annual Business Meeting, held on Thursday, January 23, highlighted The Vision Council’s 2024 achievements and outlined strategic priorities for 2025. During the meeting, The Vision Council confirmed its 2025 Board of Directors and approved the following officers to serve an initial term:
- Jamie Rosin, Rosin Eyecare, as Chair
- Jim McGrann, Advancing Eyecare, as Vice Chair
- Scott Shapiro, Europa Eyewear, as Immediate Past Chair
- John Lakey, Hilco Vision, as Secretary/Treasurer
The full list of The Vision Council’s 2025 Board of Directors is available at thevisioncouncil.org/governance.
Main Stage Highlights
The event featured an engaging lineup of speakers and presentations, including:
- Eugene Shatsman, Managing Partner of National Strategic Group, who discussed the evolving artificial intelligence landscape and outlined practical AI measures for day-to-day business operations. Shatsman also conducted an AI note-taking experiment that provided attendees with personalized notes based on their unique preferences and goals.
- Alison Canavan, wellness coach and mindfulness advocate, who delivered an interactive keynote address sharing actionable gratitude practices, breathing techniques, and ways to harness energy to turn curiosity into action.
- Eric O’Neill, author and cybersecurity expert, who recounted his real-life experiences as an FBI operative and offered insights into protecting companies from evolving cyber threats.
- Kim Lear, founder of Inlay Insights, who explored generational differences and how shifting dynamics influence individuals both at home and in the workplace.
- Brian Beaulieu, CEO and Chief Economist of ITR Economics, provided a forward-looking fiscal perspective to help attendees prepare their businesses and personal finances for 2025 and beyond.
Updates from The Vision Council team included discussions on the new Congress, impending tariffs and regulatory changes, and a detailed analysis of the 2024 Market inSights report and the 2025 market forecast. To view the research team's presentation, visit our members only resources here.
Event Highlights
- The summit also featured several unique and engaging activities:
- Networking in Nature Walks: Attendees connected and sparked conversations while enjoying the property’s scenic beauty before and after daily programming.
- Opening Reception and Chairperson’s Dinner: These events provided opportunities to build new relationships and reconnect with familiar faces.
- Fundraiser and Raffle: A special event supporting The Vision Council Foundation’s mission to aid rising opticians from underserved communities.
Eyecare Business Interviews
- Alison- https://www.youtube.com/live/JD7Xc1btpGw?si=j0fMtNzABMebl9YU
- Eric- https://www.youtube.com/live/ae-SGOHpPpI?si=lWHn1yvcVSH3TxeF
- Kim- https://www.youtube.com/live/sKKfpzjtzfo?si=1ybJ-ZSJCyiYQ2f9
- Brian- https://www.youtube.com/live/t2t-sJnxujc?si=WgHbtjeXJGZ0BKlK
Upcoming Executive Summits
2026 Executive Summit
Wednesday, January 28–Friday, January 30, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida.
2027 Executive Summit
Wednesday, January 20-Friday, January 22, at the La Cantera Resort & Spa, San Antonio, Texas