Lab Leadership Forum with 200+ optical lab professionals successfully concluded
The Vision Council recently concluded the 2026 Lab Leadership Forum, its signature event for optical lab members. The sold-out event was held September 16–18 at the M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, Nevada, and brought together over 200 leaders across the optical laboratory sector for three days of networking, professional development, and industry insights.
The Lab Leadership Forum’s agenda centered on collaboration and leadership development exclusively tailored to the optical laboratory professional. Panel sessions covered a range of relevant topics such as lens design, equipment, and lab management systems, and were hosted by experts in the fields. Attendees met with peers and formed new connections through a number of networking breaks, a welcome reception, and a golf tournament. The Vision Council leadership also provided timely updates on market research and regulatory issues facing the industry.
The 2026 Goodfellow Award was presented to Brandon Butler, Founder and CEO of Artisan Lab Network, during a special dinner on the second evening. The award recognizes an industry professional who has shown outstanding leadership and made a meaningful impact on progress and innovation within the vision community. Butler, who celebrates 25 years in optical, has been a longtime advocate for independent optical laboratories and has greatly contributed to the industry’s growth over the course of his impressive career.
The Vision Council also hosted its 2026 Emerging Optical Leaders (EOL) Retreat in the days prior to the Lab Leadership Forum. The annual retreat was designed to give an opportunity for emerging leaders to connect with peers and strengthen the skills they need to lead with confidence. This year’s participants enjoyed an exclusive networking activity at Red Rock Canyon as well as a leadership development workshop, leaving them with new tools and knowledge to support their professional growth.
“We are honored to once more host two incredibly special, sold-out events that uplift different facets of such a large industry,” said Michael Vitale, Vice President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs at The Vision Council. “Attendees will take the conversations and programming from these gatherings back to their companies and implement changes that will continue to mold our community.”
