NeoCon is a premier destination for interior designers, architects, and industry professionals eager to explore the latest innovations in commercial furnishings. Established in 1969, the National Exposition of Contract Furnishings (NeoCon) has grown into North America’s largest commercial interiors event. Held annually from early to mid-June at Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart, this three-day event has remained a cornerstone of the design industry for over five decades.
More than just a trade show, NeoCon provides a vital platform for designers and manufacturers to connect, discover new trends, and gain insight into the future of interior environments. Each year, thousands of exhibitors and numerous permanent showrooms fill the expansive floors of The Mart, making it a must-attend event for those shaping the built environment.
The Merchandise Mart: NeoCon’s Iconic Venue
Hosting an event of NeoCon’s scale requires a venue as grand as the event itself. The Merchandise Mart, commonly referred to as The Mart, is a historic landmark in downtown Chicago. Constructed in 1930, it once held the title of the largest building in the world, spanning 4 million square feet. To help understand its size, the building had its own zip code until 2008 and has more volume than the 110-story Sears Tower.
Strategically located on the edge of Chicago’s Loop, The Mart has been at the center of commerce and design for nearly a century. Initially built by Marshall Field & Co. to function as a centralized wholesale marketplace, the structure was designed by the renowned architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White, who designed it to be a “city within a city.” The building realized Marshall Field’s dream of having a single wholesale center for the entire nation.
Over the years, The Mart has evolved into a hub for the design industry, housing permanent showrooms for top furniture and interior brands. NeoCon attendees benefit from its expansive space, which provides a seamless and immersive experience for exploring innovations in design.
Exhibitors and Product Categories
NeoCon showcases an extensive range of product categories across multiple vertical markets, including corporate offices, hospitality, healthcare, education, public spaces, and residential design. The event consistently features over 400 leading and emerging brands, unveiling innovative solutions in workplace design, sustainable materials, architectural products, technology integration, textiles, and ergonomic furniture.
Attendees can explore a diverse selection of furnishings and materials, from state-of-the-art office chairs and modular workspaces to cutting-edge lighting solutions, flooring, and wall coverings. The healthcare sector, in particular, benefits from NeoCon’s focus on designing functional, comfortable, and efficient environments, with exhibitors presenting the latest advancements in patient-centered furniture and adaptable healthcare spaces.
Who Attends NeoCon?
Each June, NeoCon draws over 50,000 professionals from various sectors of the design and business world. Interior designers, architects, facility managers, manufacturers’ representatives, buyers, and corporate real estate developers all gather at the event to gain insights into evolving industry trends. Space planners, project managers, press members, and students also take advantage of the networking and learning opportunities NeoCon offers.
Beyond showcasing products, NeoCon provides a collaborative atmosphere where industry professionals can forge new business relationships, exchange creative ideas, and engage with thought leaders who are redefining interior spaces.
Why Attend NeoCon?
For any professional involved in interior design, architecture, or commercial furnishings, NeoCon is an essential event. Beyond the vast showroom floors filled with new products, the event offers a wealth of educational experiences. Attendees can participate in a range of business seminars, keynote presentations, and interactive installations that provide insight into industry advancements.
Students and emerging designers also find immense value in NeoCon. The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) hosts student-focused activities that allow participants to engage with experienced professionals, attend workshops, and compete in live design challenges. The ASID Career Exchange further facilitates networking by connecting students with top designers and potential employers.
For those specializing in healthcare and office design, NeoCon is particularly valuable. Many exhibitors present groundbreaking solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern workplaces and medical environments. It is an excellent opportunity to explore their latest innovations in ergonomic office furniture, adaptable healthcare spaces, and sustainable interior solutions.
Registration and Fees
Attending NeoCon requires registration, which is free for all attendees. There is no longer a distinction between online and on-site registration, meaning visitors can sign up without incurring any fees. However, specific programs and educational sessions, such as Continuing Education Units (CEU) seminars, may require additional fees. Attendees are encouraged to review specific program details to ensure they register for all sessions of interest. Additionally, they should check the official NeoCon website for the latest updates on fees and registration to stay informed about any changes.
Events at NeoCon
NeoCon hosts a diverse lineup of events designed to foster collaboration, celebrate design excellence, and provide enriching experiences for attendees. Among the highlights is the INTERIOR DESIGN’s HiP Awards + Party, which recognizes outstanding achievements in commercial design. The prestigious Revel in Design, IIDA’s black-tie awards celebration, honors the Interior Design Competition winners and the Will Ching Design Competition, bringing together international designers and manufacturers in an elegant setting.
The Best of NeoCon Awards Presentation spotlights outstanding new products from exhibiting companies, evaluated by a jury of architects, designers, and facility managers. Additionally, the BIFMA Breakfast serves as an exclusive gathering for industry professionals, featuring discussions on innovations shaping the commercial interiors landscape.
These events and numerous interactive installations and panel discussions led by design visionaries ensure that NeoCon remains a dynamic and engaging experience. Attendees are encouraged to check the NeoCon website for the latest event schedule so they can plan their visit accordingly.
Dining and Accommodation
Planning accommodations and dining options is essential for attendees visiting downtown Chicago for NeoCon. Visitors who have attended before strongly suggest planning and booking in advance, from the expo to lodging and determining where to eat. There are plenty of restaurants on campus to choose from when it comes to food, but if you are looking forward to a meal elsewhere, it is advisable to book ahead. The neighboring River North area has abundant food options, including many excellent chef-owned restaurants, which provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene.
For accommodation, NeoCon has partnered with onPeak, the official hotel provider for the event, to offer discounted rates at a selection of Chicago hotels. Booking through onPeak provides flexible change and cancellation policies, ensuring a convenient and secure reservation experience. Attendees are encouraged to book early through onPeak for the best selection and prices.
River North and downtown have abundant lodging options. Hotels close to the Mart tend to be more expensive, yet the convenience often far outweighs the financial expense. TripAdvisor is a reliable tool for searching for Chicago hotels. Feedback on the nearby The Langham is unmatched. Holiday Inn is the closest hotel to the Mart – request a room with river views. The Kinzie Hotel and Hyatt Place Chicago are excellent choices within walking distance. There is a riverside walkway along the Chicago River, so it could be a lovely stroll to get to the Mart from hotels that have easy access to that path, including those near where Michigan Avenue intersects the river.
To ensure a seamless experience, attendees are advised to plan and book accommodations well in advance, utilizing NeoCon’s official resources for the most reliable information.
Maximizing Your NeoCon Experience
NeoCon is an intense three-day event that requires strategic planning to make the most of the experience. The show spans multiple floors, so familiarizing yourself with the floor plans beforehand will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Scheduling meetings with exhibitors in advance is also highly recommended. This ensures that attendees receive personalized attention from manufacturers and can engage in meaningful discussions about product applications and design solutions. By proactively reaching out to exhibitors, designers can create connections that align with their project needs.
Visitors should also take advantage of the opportunity to explore beyond major brands. While companies like Herman Miller and Haworth dominate the permanent showrooms, many medium-sized and emerging manufacturers showcase fresh, innovative ideas that are worth discovering.
Since NeoCon is a physically demanding event, taking occasional breaks is essential. Some exhibitors design their showrooms with lounge spaces where attendees can relax and recharge. As the event concludes each day, navigating the crowd while leaving can be challenging. To avoid peak traffic, attendees may choose to either leave slightly earlier or stay longer and attend one of the exhibitor-hosted evening events.
What People Have to Say About NeoCon
NeoCon isn’t your typical market—it’s where design meets innovation at scale. You’ll find contract-grade furniture, textiles, surfaces, and workplace technologies that challenge conventional design thinking. It’s highly curated, well-attended by architects, commercial designers, and major manufacturers, and packed with future-forward product launches and keynote talks. If you’re looking for what’s next in commercial environments, this is where it lives.
That said, NeoCon isn’t for everyone. The offerings may be less relevant if your work leans more toward residential or retail. The layout can also feel a bit fragmented across floors and showrooms, and appointment-only brands may limit casual browsing. Chicago in June can be a great backdrop, but it’s also high season for travel costs and hotel bookings. Go with specific goals in mind, especially if you’re scouting for contract partners or trend research.
Is NeoCon the Right Market for You?
If you’re comparing markets, High Point is still the go-to for residential furnishings and artisan craftsmanship—it’s vast, style-driven, and deeply rooted in the high-end home category. NeoCon, on the other hand, is where the commercial design world converges. It’s ideal for designers working in corporate, hospitality, healthcare, or education sectors—or anyone looking to expand their perspective on the future of materiality, functionality, and workplace design. While High Point immerses you in timeless design and luxury goods, NeoCon exposes you to bold ideas and contract-grade innovation.
In short: go to High Point to source residential excellence. Go to NeoCon to see where commercial design is headed next.
Happy sourcing—may your ideas be big and your suitcase full of samples!
