History
The history of NeoCon is an important aspect of today's design community. This nationwide event has evolved into a well known and respected trade show throughout the world. Designers are constantly being kept on their toes to provide the most innovative and creative product ideas in order to accommodate both the public's design needs, as well as their desire for fresh, inspiring products.
When NeoCon, (The National Exposition of Contract Furnishings), debuted in 1969, 750 exhibitors filled the 222,000 square feet of space in The Merchandise Mart. In 2002, over 1,000 exhibiting manufacturers of commercial and residential furnishings flocked to The Merchandise Mart to claim a showroom within the 1 million square feet of available space. In recent years the show has expanded to Baltimore and Canada due to its tremendous success and each year, over 40,000 people come to Chicago to attend NeoCon. The grand scale of this event is what makes it both memorable and successful.
NeoCon is now considered the largest trade show of its kind in North America. Complete with 700 showrooms and exhibits, NeoCon offers a unique combination of residential and commercial furnishings in one convenient location. Professional designers and architects can journey from product seminars and special events to furniture exhibits with ease. A demand for the NeoCon will continue as various emerging commercial industries grow and transform.
