NeoCon 2023 showcased groundbreaking products, celebrated design excellence, and fostered industry connections, reaffirming its position as the premier event for the commercial interiors industry in the US.
June 12 – 14—NeoCon 2023 brought together industry professionals, exhibitors and design enthusiasts at THE MART in Chicago for a dynamic showcase of innovation and creativity. The event featured a curated lineup of activations, installations and experiences that aimed to connect the design community, celebrate ideas and unveil the latest trends in the built environment.
Lisa Simonian, Vice President of Marketing for NeoCon, emphasized the immersive experience provided to tens of thousands of industry professionals from around the world who gather each June. Going beyond a mere trade show, NeoCon fostered a vibrant and influential experience for its year-round community this year.
Leading up to the official start of NeoCon, attendees enjoyed a series of exciting events. The DIFFA Chicago Gala: Caribbean CARNIVAL kicked off the buzz, followed by the Interior Design HiP Awards and the IIDA’s Annual Meeting and Revel in Design event. These gatherings set the stage for the main attractions to come.
One of the highlights was the 33rd annual Best of NeoCon Awards, which recognized outstanding products from exhibiting companies. With more than 50 categories, including Gold, Silver, Sustainability, Innovation, Business Impact and the coveted Best of Competition, the awards celebrated unparalleled innovation and design-forward thinking. A distinguished jury evaluated the entries, resulting in a total of 114 awards.
Among the winners, the Flote Lounge collection from Hightower stood out and received the prestigious Best of Competition award. This distinction acknowledged its exceptional design and contribution to the industry. The collection redefines modern lounge furniture with its sleek lines, innovative materials and exceptional comfort. It seamlessly blends style and functionality, creating an inviting space for relaxation and collaboration in various commercial settings. The aesthetics match the “chunky” furniture trend, and the collection is Indoor Advantage Gold Certified and contributes to LEED and WELL.
In addition to the vibrant atmosphere and inspiring events, NeoCon served as a stage for exhibitors to showcase their most innovative products. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout offerings that captivated attendees:
Framery introduced Framery Contact, a virtual meeting pod that provided a true face-to-face experience for remote meetings. The visually and acoustically isolated interior combined with true-to-life projection allowed participants to perceive others in three-dimensional space. Framery Contact rethinks the concept of remote work, enabling quality face-to-face interactions while retaining the convenience of a virtual environment.
Bjelin showcased the Hardened Wood Class 33 range, demonstrating that real wood flooring can withstand heavy traffic without compromising its beauty. With the advanced technology from sister company Välinge Innovation, Bjelin achieved the perfect balance between beauty and durability. The Hardened Wood Class 33 range offered a flawless foundation for various businesses, including hotels, restaurants, cafes and boutiques, without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Teknion‘s office chairs reflected the evolution of ergonomic design and the integration of lounge and residential influences in office spaces. The chairs also serve as a reflection of shifting workplace trends. Embracing collaboration and employee well-being, Teknion’s seating solutions set the stage for enhanced productivity and a harmonious work environment.
KFI Studios unveiled the Vale collection, a line of sustainable chairs made from PET felt and designed by Benjamin Hubert of Layer, combining hospitality and residential aesthetics with modern office functionality. This innovative collection seamlessly blended hospitality and residential aesthetics with modern office functionality. The family of chairs, including the armchair, side chair, lounge chair with ottoman, counter stool, and barstools, catered to the demands of the modern workplace. Responding to the growing need for comfortable and inviting spaces, Vale became an embodiment of sustainability and style.
These remarkable products showcased at NeoCon demonstrated the industry’s commitment to innovation, functionality, and sustainability. They embodied the evolving needs of the modern workplace while offering aesthetically pleasing solutions that elevate the overall design experience.
NeoCon 2023 successfully fulfilled its mission of providing a platform for the design community to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the latest advancements in commercial design. It served as a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit that drives the industry forward. As attendees left the event, they carried with them a wealth of inspiration and newfound knowledge that would undoubtedly shape the future of design in the built environment.
