With the claim of being the most important event of the year for the commercial interior design industry, NeoCon 2023 is here as the world’s leading platform to launch ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.
Like every year since its inception, NeoCon 2023 is set to take place at The Mart in Chicago, Illinois between the 12th and 14th of June this year. Now in its 54th year, it will showcase revolutionary ideas and cutting-edge innovations in the field of commercial design.
The theme for 2023: Together We Design
With the theme ‘Together We Design’, all attendees and participants will be exposed to exhibitors, keynote speakers, professionals and industry leaders delivering presentations, discussions, podcasts, educational programs, workshops and design tours. Their varied backgrounds and expertise, encompassing music, poetry and tech, will converge to delve into the ways we can construct a future that is more sustainable, equitable and filled with optimism.
One location, 400+ exhibitors
Spanning nearly 1 million square feet of exhibition space, this unparalleled event offers unrivalled access to over 400 leading companies, emerging players as well as industry partners from categories including Furniture, Fabrics, Flooring, Interior Building Products, Interior Finishes and Technology.
Metropolis’s Sustainability Lab makes a return to NeoCon 2023 edition, comprising 17 exhibits that highlight the progress made by design manufacturers in moving towards a circular, regenerative, and healthy future.
Being the foremost platform for commercial interiors, NeoCon 2023 exhibitors are poised to present the most cutting-edge and exceptional products that prioritise human-centric design. These innovative solutions are anticipated to find their way into workplaces worldwide, enhancing the well-being and experience of individuals.
After witnessing Pedrali’s Back to Nature focus at Salone del Mobile, we hope to once again catch glimpses of the cosy Jeff sofa and Nari outdoor chair on 3rd floor at suite 330. Those who missed attending 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen can sneak a whiff of the latest in Danish design with Normann Copenhagen’s display at the Morlen Sinoway Showroom. Elm Surfaces and Allsteel showrooms will, too, flaunt some pieces from the brand.
To witness Steelcase’s High Performance seating, Karman and hybrid work solutions such as Ocular first-hand visitors will have to take in a little effort and book an appointment. If you ask us, the experience shall be worth it. In the same space – specifically at Steelcase WorkCafe – Viccarbe’s novelties, Funda Bold, Zoco and Foro will contribute towards a chic, contemporary ambience.
On Stand 7-8038 at the 7th floor, HushOffice will launch the hushFree collection, which is a slew of booths perfected for meetings that require solitude. From controlling light intensity to acoustic comfort, these pods aim at perfecting requirements of a noise-free collaborative environment. We’d say watch out for hushFree.Access.M!
Normann Copenhagen’s Programme; Karman Chair and Ocular Table from Steelcase; Zoco and Funda Bold from Viccarbe; HushOffice’s latest range hushFree
Andreu World will host designer genius Philippe Starck and contemporary furniture star Patricia Urquiola at their showroom in Merchandise Mart (Suite 10-132) on 12th June and 13th June respectively. Pieces such as Olena chair and Bao Occasional Table from the designers will also be presented at the venue. Do forget to relish at the crisp detailing!
In tandem with their rampant ‘Project of Living’ collection, Arper at NeoCon 2023 will embody the beauty of life. An exhibit highlighting the concept, ‘Life Is Beautiful’ shall house the modular Ralik sofa and Semiton storage units at The Merchandise Mart in Suite 346 on Floor 3. Clean, concise and revelling in multiple tones, these products are exemplary resimmercial furniture. A backdrop of white textile cohorting with chromatic accents will propel Arper’s pillar’s of success – imbibing sustainability, foraging materials and devising state-of-the-art techniques.
Boss Design at NeoCon 2023 is ready to shine. The brand will be seen commemorating 40 years of Furniture Making, with the launch of the Sia Task Chair – their most sustainable (and colourful) task chair to date. The Ola Tub chair (latest addition to the Ola range) concocted with famed German designer Wolfgang CR Mezger, and the earthy and sensual Kato club chair will also be a part of their venue at The Mart on Floor 3, Showroom 359.
Andreu World’s exciting line-up featuring Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola; Arper’s Ralik Sofa and Semiton Storage; Sia Task Chair, Ola Tub Chair and Kato Chair
Serving their signature Light Bulb cocktails at Suite 1112 in Merchandise Mart, Allermuir will hold a soiree with revered designer Pearson Lloyd. The star of the evening will address their collections – Famiglia by Allermuir and CoLab by Senator in his talk between 2 to 4 pm on 12th June. Those interested can RSVP at [email protected].
Shaw Contract is set to debut their Cultura Collection, for which artistic creations in Oaxaca have served as a muse on the 10th floor in Suite 1014. On the other hand, a PVC-free and bio-based resilient, inspired by the play of light in nature called Dappled Light will also be privy to visitors’ sights. In collaboration with Mike Ford, the brand has also introduced a little ‘Hip-Hop’ to their portfolio. The mastermind in question will also spearhead a KeyNote address at NeoCon 2023. The New Path collection, with a new and innovative backing called EcoWorx S is also set to stun flooring aficionados.
On the 11th floor in suite 1197, Caimi’s stand ‘Snowsound’ will enthral with visitors will new acoustic solutions that accelerate well-being considerations of space. Whether it be offices, showrooms, hotels, or even homes – Caimi has something for everything.
Famiglia Collection from Allermuir; CoLab System from Senator; Cultura and Dappled Light Collections from Shaw Contract, Mike Ford’s Collaboration with Shaw Contract, New Path Collection from Shaw Contract; Caimi’s Snowsound
To those who enjoy incentives (most of us), Kriskadecor has arranged a Gift Basket Raffle along with a Spanish and Californian wine tasting experience. We aren’t fortune-tellers, but we can predict a hoot at this NeoCon Wine-Down with Kriskadecor and Roca Tiles! The Feel-Free System (yes, you don’t need a ceiling for Kriskadecor accents anymore) will also be displayed at the premises.
Although Porcelanosa is not participating in NeoCon 2023, their showroom doors are open for a Large Format Slab CEU Presentation on the 12th and 13th June. On 13th June, they will also host a Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm.
Kriskadecor’s Feel Free System
Fulton Market Design Days 2023
MillerKnoll, was one of the first manufacturers to move from the historical Merchandise Mart to the brand new, spanking Fulton Market. Continuing their gusto, the brand has a lot in store, including 30+ product launches and activations from Herman Miller, Knoll, Knoll Textiles, Maharam, Geiger, DatesWeiser, Muuto, NaughtOne and Design Within Reach.
Christened ’MillerKnoll Design Days’, the brand is motivated to bare to their loyal consumers how the conglomerate operates across their range of brands. From the spaces they develop for welfare to manufacturing processes and how products are marketed, packaged and exported – foragers are in for a treat.
Here are the two Fulton Market locations – a few blocks away from each with succinct nomenclature and signage:
- 811 W. Fulton Market, featuring Knoll, Muuto, KnollTextiles, and Spinneybeck | FilzFelt
- 1100 W. Fulton Market, featuring Herman Miller, Geiger, Datesweiser, Maharam, HAY, and DWR, as well as a special exhibit of NaughtOne products in the pavilion and a space dedicated to MillerKnoll Healthcare clinical solutions
- NaughtOne, Edelman Leather, and Holly Hunt have showrooms in the Merchandise Mart that will be part of NeoCon 2023
Herman Miller at Fulton Market
Reflecting the effect of pandemic on the corporate world, Humanscale is hosting a pop-up exhibit called Hybrid Life, which showcases new solutions and design studies addressing the future of work post-pandemic. The exhibit will highlight the importance of diverse work modes . The products on display were designed with inclusivity in mind, and feature different zones, including “Hybrid Conferencing,” which showcases Smart Conference, a seating solution designed for hybrid meetings. Another zone, “Pro-Grade Workstations,” displays premium-tier technology and screen displays along with the sustainable Liberty Ocean chair.
The Ocean Collection, overall, is made from discarded fishing nets, demonstrates Humanscale’s commitment to sustainability. Additional zones include “Elevated Huddle,” “Active Meeting,” “Meeting Collection,” “Premium WFH,” and “Work Lounge,” offering various design studies and product previews. A webinar with Humanscale’s Creative Director and architect Suchi Reddy will explore the relationship between design and well-being. Humanscale’s permanent showroom will open later this year in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. In the meanwhile, from 9 am to 6 pm, the Hybrid Life exhibit will be showcased at the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market District at 345 N Morgan St on the fifth floor. For more details, visit the link here.
Teasing their followers with the soft launch of what looks like an acoustic desk partition called Hoodie, Teknion has kept us on our toes. Not just Hoodie, we are also excited about the North 56 Table that seems close to bringing our hybrid table ambitions true. At the Fulton Market, 311 N Green St on the 7th Floor, the brand will also depict ‘how the chair has been a consummate sign of both disruption and innovation.’
Basking in the after-glow of (in our opinion) a super series of events at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023, Interface is yet again, buckling up for Fulton Market Design Days 2023 at an impressive pace. Impact Acoustics is, too, gearing up to create an…impact. Through Fulton Market Design Days 2023, the team is proudly presenting their mission to sustainable acoustics. Mariusz Polski, one of their experienced product designers with a keen eye for detail. Their programme includes displaying prototypes and hosting guests, Todd Heiser, Managing Director at Gensler and Jeff Shapack for a talk on sustainability. The future looks bright, doesn’ t it?
Hoodie and North 56 Table from Teknion; Impact Acoustics gearing up for Fulton Market Design Days
Discuss, evaluate and explore at NeoCon 2023
In today’s ever-evolving world, where change is constant, there is an abundance of topics to explore. NeoCon 2023 presents an engaging line-up of informational sessions led by renowned architects and design experts. The keynote sessions from this year draw inspiration from the power of community and will be delivered by A&D professionals alongside specialists from the music, poetry and tech industry.
Speakers include renowned futurist and tech leader, Amy Webb (Founder & CEO of the Future Today Institute) and highly regarded architect, designer, writer and educator, Michael Murphy, the co-founder of award-winning architecture and design collaborative MASS Design Group. The third keynote will be delivered by an interesting duo: award-winning architect and academic Michael Ford also known as the ‘Hip-Hop Architect’ and Grammy award-winning rapper Wasalu Jaco, professionally known as Lupe Fiasco.
During the afternoon sessions, seven captivating featured presentations will explore a range of subjects from reimagining the notion of occupancy in a transformed work environment to the influential role of design in promoting social justice and positive change. Boasting proud partnerships with the best organisations in the industry, there will be featured presentations by members from IIDA (International Interior Design Association), BIFMA (Business & Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) and ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). There will also be a feature presentation by Designing a Better Chicago, an initiative that showcases individuals and organisations, public art and programmes across the city, inviting residents and visitors to consider the many ways design improves civic life.
Unparalleled learning opportunities
NeoCon remains at the forefront of delivering exceptional programming that targets aspiring designers, students, fresh graduates as well as seasoned professionals to cover a diverse range of educational subjects and categories. More than 50 virtual and on-site CEU-accredited programs feature world-class experts who provide invaluable insights into the most relevant topics of today. Hands-on workshops at NeoCon 2023 will advise and train attendees with a business-oriented focus on designing their personal brand and using product intelligence to support clients with their ever-changing requirements. Design tours will feature guided tours inside Salesforce’s next-generation workplace known as Design 2.0, hosted by Salesforce and their design partner IA Interior Architects.
Honoring the crème de la crème of NeoCon 2023
Best of NeoCon is the official awards program honouring outstanding new products from exhibiting companies across a wide range of verticals. For the 33rd edition, a diverse jury of leading architects, designers, specifiers and facility managers with expertise spanning commercial, healthcare, education and hospitality sectors will conduct an on-site evaluation of the superlative products in 56 different categories. As an exciting addition this year the esteemed Best of NeoCon jury will also consider all entries for a Business Impact Award that acknowledges outstanding solutions from an enterprise-oriented perspective. These nominees will also be evaluated in person by journalists representing prominent business publications.
Best of NeoCon 2021 Award Trophy
Live from NeoCon 2023: Podcasts
New this year, NeoCon will host a dynamic live podcast studio powered by SURROUND a podcast network by SANDOW. Get ready for an engaging array of shows centred around architecture and interior design, all recorded on the lively first floor of THE MART.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the hosts and witness the podcasts being recorded live at NeoCon 2023. As a bonus, you’ll have a chance to win a special pair of headphones from Master & Dynamic, the official headphones of SURROUND.
Step up your NeoCon 2023 experience by catching exciting events and installations. These include a special design-oriented ART on THE MART projection by Gensler, the Armstrong Flooring Café Lounge, a floor-wide champagne reception Toast To Fine Design showcasing the most innovative and inspirational selection of products and the Happy (Together) Hour at the River Park.
NeoCon serves as the hub for the commercial design community, bringing together designers, architects, end-users, manufacturers, dealers, service providers, associations, educators and students. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what awaits us at NeoCon 2023! For registration and full NeoCon 2023 programming and events listing, head to neocon.com.
