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Mark your calendars, design lovers! NeoCon 2025 is quickly approaching, and this year’s event promises to be an unmatched showcase of commercial interior innovation. As someone who’s walked those showroom floors in years past, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like the buzz of NeoCon—where cutting-edge furniture, materials, and concepts from the world’s top design brands come together under one magnificent roof. The Mart in Chicago transforms into a veritable wonderland of commercial design inspiration from June 9-11, 2025, making it the must-attend industry event of the year.
🛋️ Quick-Glance Highlights
📍 Location: The Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL
📅 Dates: Monday to Wednesday, June 9–11, 2025
⏰ Time:
– June 9–10: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
– June 11: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ Registration: Free to attend; register online at neocon.com/register
🛋️ Exhibitors: 450+ brands showcasing furniture, textiles, lighting, flooring, tech, and finishes
🎤 Programming: Keynotes, CEU seminars, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops
🏆 Awards: Best of NeoCon, People’s Choice, Interior Design HiP Awards
🧾 What to Bring: Business cards, notebook/tablet, water bottle, comfortable shoes, layers
🚫 Don’t Bring: Large bags, outside food/drinks, pets (except service animals)
👗 What to Wear: Business casual with layers and walkable shoes
🚇 Transportation: Take the CTA Brown Line to The Mart station
🛏️ Where to Stay: Book nearby hotels through OnPeak for exclusive rates
Whether you’re a seasoned interior designer, a curious architect, or simply passionate about seeing tomorrow’s workspace trends today, NeoCon 2025 offers something for everyone. With hundreds of exhibitors spanning multiple floors, educational sessions led by industry pioneers, and networking opportunities at every turn, it’s essential to arrive with a game plan. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your NeoCon 2025 experience—from registration to navigating the massive exhibition floors.
The Ultimate NeoCon 2025 Experience: What to Expect
NeoCon 2025 stands as the premier commercial interior design event in North America, if not the world. With over 450 exhibitors spread across more than a million square feet of showroom space, this three-day extravaganza showcases everything from cutting-edge office furniture to revolutionary smart building technologies. What makes NeoCon truly special is its comprehensive nature – you’ll find solutions for every commercial environment imaginable.
The exhibition floors are organized by category, making it easier to focus on your specific interests. Workplace design dominates much of the space, with the latest in ergonomic furniture, flexible workstations, and hybrid office solutions. But you’ll also discover dedicated areas for hospitality design, healthcare environments, educational spaces, and public installations. The modern design styles on display range from minimalist and sustainable to tech-forward and luxurious.
What particularly stands out at NeoCon 2025 is the blend of established industry giants and nimble up-and-coming brands. While Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Knoll showcase their latest collections in permanent showroom spaces, the temporary exhibitions on the 7th floor often reveal tomorrow’s design stars. Make time for both to get the full picture of where commercial design is headed.
Programming & Keynotes: Learning Opportunities at NeoCon 2025
While the product showcases are impressive, the educational programming at NeoCon 2025 offers equally valuable insights. The event features an extensive lineup of CEU-accredited seminars, thought-provoking keynotes, interactive panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. These sessions are led by famous interior designers and industry thought leaders who share their expertise on emerging trends and best practices.
This year’s educational tracks focus on several key themes that are shaping commercial design. Sustainability takes center stage with sessions on zero-waste materials, circular economy principles, and carbon-neutral interiors. Technology integration sessions explore how AI, smart surfaces, and the Internet of Things are revolutionizing built environments. There are also dedicated tracks for color and material trends, business strategy, and specialized design sectors.
A pro tip from a NeoCon veteran: register for your must-attend sessions the minute registration opens through neocon.com. The most popular workshops and limited-capacity sessions fill up weeks in advance, and you don’t want to miss out on learning opportunities that could transform your practice or business. Many sessions also provide valuable CEU credits that help maintain your professional certifications.
Awards to Watch at NeoCon 2025
The recognition programs at NeoCon 2025 highlight the most innovative products and influential people in commercial design. The Best of NeoCon Awards represent the highest honor for product excellence, with a distinguished jury of design professionals, facility managers, and media representatives evaluating entries across numerous categories – from architectural products to workplace technologies.
Don’t miss the People’s Choice Awards, where attendees like you can cast votes for your favorite new products. This democratic approach often reveals which innovations resonate most with the actual users and specifiers. The Interior Design HiP Awards are another highlight, celebrating exceptional industry talents alongside groundbreaking products.
Make a point to visit the award-winning showrooms, which are clearly marked throughout the venue. These spaces often feature the most forward-thinking designs and can give you a concentrated look at what’s driving the industry forward. If you’re considering how to find interior design jobs in 2025, familiarizing yourself with award-winning products and companies can give you a competitive edge in interviews.
NeoCon 2025 Survival Kit: What to Bring (and Not To)
After attending multiple NeoCons, I’ve perfected my event survival strategy. First and foremost, bring plenty of business cards – networking happens constantly, and you’ll want to connect with the designers, manufacturers, and potential clients you meet. A digital solution like a QR code that links to your portfolio can complement traditional cards, but many attendees still appreciate the physical exchange.
Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated (The Mart has filling stations throughout), and don’t forget your tablet or notebook for capturing inspiration and information. Since outlets can be scarce in busy showrooms, a portable charger will save you from the dreaded dead phone battery just when you need to capture that perfect design moment or exchange contact information.
The most important item might be comfortable shoes – you’ll easily walk several miles each day as you explore the massive exhibition spaces. If you’re serious about creating a productive home office environment in 2025, the insights you gather at NeoCon will be invaluable, but only if your feet aren’t killing you by noon!
Leave large bags at your hotel – they’ll quickly become unwieldy as you collect product literature and samples. Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted, but The Mart offers plenty of dining options. And unless they’re service animals, pets should stay home, no matter how design-savvy your furry friend might be.
Dress for Design Success at NeoCon 2025
The unofficial dress code at NeoCon 2025 is business casual with a creative edge. This is one event where your outfit serves as both a professional statement and a conversation starter. The design community appreciates thoughtful personal style, so don’t be afraid to express yourself – though comfort should remain a priority.
Layering is essential, as The Mart’s air conditioning can be surprisingly powerful even in June Chicago weather. A lightweight jacket or cardigan that complements your outfit will come in handy. And about those shoes – while you might want to showcase your favorite designer footwear, prioritize options you can comfortably walk in all day long. Trust me, those gorgeous but punishing heels aren’t worth the pain by day’s end.
Consider your outfit an extension of your design sensibility. Many attendees use NeoCon as an opportunity to network and make connections that could lead to new opportunities. If you’re looking to style your space and launch your design career, making a memorable impression with both your knowledge and presentation can open doors.
Transportation & Logistics for NeoCon 2025
Getting to and around NeoCon 2025 requires a bit of planning. The most stress-free option is taking Chicago’s CTA Brown Line directly to The Mart station – you’ll avoid traffic and walk straight into the venue. If you prefer rideshare services, there are designated drop-off zones near the entrance, though expect some congestion during peak arrival times.
For those driving, several parking garages are located within walking distance of The Mart, but they fill quickly. Plan to arrive early, especially on the first day. Once inside, navigate the massive building using the official NeoCon mobile app, which features interactive maps, exhibitor listings, and your personalized schedule of events.
The Mart itself is a labyrinth of showrooms and temporary exhibitions spread across multiple floors. Take time on your first day to familiarize yourself with the building layout. The permanent showrooms are typically found on floors 3, 10, and 11, while the 7th floor hosts temporary exhibitions. The 1st and 2nd floors contain registration, some programming spaces, and additional exhibitors. Check neocon.com for the most up-to-date floor plan before you arrive.
Where to Stay During NeoCon 2025
Securing the right accommodations can make or break your NeoCon experience. Book your hotel through NeoCon’s official housing partner, OnPeak, to access exclusive discounted rates at properties near The Mart. These partner hotels understand the needs of NeoCon attendees and often provide amenities like early breakfast hours and networking spaces.
Popular options include The Langham for luxury accommodations within walking distance, the Renaissance Downtown for its central location and modern amenities, and the Hyatt River North for its trendy atmosphere and proximity to the venue. Each offers a different price point and experience, but all provide convenient access to The Mart.
It’s crucial to book your accommodations early – ideally six months before the event. The area surrounding The Mart fills quickly during NeoCon, and you’ll find better rates and room availability by planning ahead. Many designers and firms book their accommodations for the next year before they even leave the current event. Visit neocon.com for direct links to the housing portal.
Staying Connected Before, During, and After NeoCon 2025
To maximize your NeoCon 2025 experience, stay connected through official channels. The event’s website (neocon.com) serves as your primary resource for registration, exhibitor information, floor plans, and programming schedules. Bookmark it now and check regularly for updates as the event approaches.
Follow @neocon_shows on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for previews of featured products, speaker announcements, and behind-the-scenes content. The social media channels often reveal exclusive sneak peeks that can help you prioritize which showrooms to visit during the event.
Subscribe to the official NeoCon newsletter for curated updates delivered directly to your inbox. These communications often include information about special events, networking opportunities, and featured exhibitions that might not be prominently displayed elsewhere.
NeoCon 2025 represents the beating heart of commercial design innovation – where tomorrow’s workplaces, hotels, healthcare facilities, and educational environments take shape. The connections you make, the products you discover, and the knowledge you gain will influence your design perspective long after you leave Chicago. With proper planning and this guide in hand, you’ll navigate the event like a seasoned pro, making the most of every moment at this extraordinary design showcase.
