Chicago, Ill. — Registration is now open for the 50th edition of NeoCon, to take place from June 11-13 at The Mart in Chicago, Ill. Since its launch in 1969, the show has served as a launching pad for iconic brands and products in the commercial design world. NeoCon has evolved into an international design hub that brings together more than 50,000 professionals for networking opportunities as well as dynamic and diverse learning experiences. The conference program is at the forefront of thought leadership, delivering distinguished speakers, ideas, and innovations that are shaping the global landscape of workplace, healthcare, hospitality, government, education, and retail. This year’s marquee presentations will feature a series of headliners addressing the future of design and the industry. Special events will include inspiring retrospectives and a festive NeoCon 50 party.
NeoCon partnered with Maiarelli Studio to develop a new campaign and an updated logo that aligns with NeoCon’s design expertise and position as a market leader. It also has launched the NeoCon blog, which will include exclusive one-on-one conversations with industry notables as well as interesting and entertaining history about the people, products, and parties that made up the first 49 years of NeoCon.
Looking back, NeoCon’s future wasn’t always so certain. In 1967 a fire destroyed Chicago’s McCormick Place building, the original site of the first NeoCon, then known as INTERCON I. Recognizing a “vital and compelling need for a truly international contract convocation,” the Merchandise Mart came to the show’s rescue. Held on June 25, 1969, the inaugural edition attracted nearly 10,000 architects and designers who were looking for a merchandising and educational platform.
Byron Morton, vice president of leasing for the Mart, said, “Our foundation is built on the highest standards and on presenting, what W.O Ollman, then Mart General Manager called, ‘the most extensive and representative selection of contract goods ever assembled under one roof.’ He also stressed the importance of programming that will bring ‘outstanding spokesmen from all parts of the world.’ This has been a winning combination since the beginning and is an essential piece of the show’s DNA. NeoCon 50 will celebrate the show’s rich tradition and continue to explore the future of commercial design and business trends.”
Occupying floors 1, 3, 10, 11 and the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall of the Mart, the 50th edition of NeoCon will feature 500 companies, including Herman Miller, Knoll, OFS Brands, Shaw, and Steelcase as well as new showrooms from Scandinavian Spaces and NappaTile. New exhibiting companies on the 7th floor exhibit hall will feature a number of international companies including Narbutas Furniture Company (Lithuania), DeVorm (Netherlands), Polarmoss USA (Finland), Luceplan USA (Italy) and Lovair (UK).
Four marquee presentations include panels, talks and keynotes and will explore hot topics such as the integration of technology and design, as well as the struggles and victories of women in the industry. Further details will be announced in February.
For more information, visit www.neocon.com.
