NeoCon is right around the corner, and there’s no shortage of sights to see, restaurants to try, and architectural inspiration to find in Chicago. To help make the most of your time in the Windy City, we’ve pulled together a must-see guide to what’s hot—both inside THE MART and out! Read on for tips on what to do, where to eat, and what to bring to make the most of your NeoCon 2025 experience.
WHAT TO DO
INSIDE DESIGN Experiences
NEW for 2025, NeoCon, in partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago, gives show attendees behind-the-scenes, insider access to the city’s hot spots through INSIDE DESIGN—a curated series of exclusive, design-driven and cultural experiences. Grab your spot and view the list of events here and below:
Saturday, June 7
8:30 AM–12:30 PM | Behind the Scenes: A Design & Innovation Journey at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—discover how design and innovation power one the country’s most iconic museums.
12:30 PM–3:30 PM | Street Art & Flavor: Graffiti-Inspired Design Over Lunch at Kimski —explore graffiti-inspired design over a delish meal from Chef Won Kim.
Sunday, June 8
10:00 AM–12:30 PM | Ramova Theatre Revival: An Exclusive Tour of Historic Restoration & Design — get an insider tour of this newly restored historic gem
1:30 PM–4:30 PM | You Are Beautiful Studio: Immersive Studio Tour & Hands-On Creative Workshop—visit Matthew Hoffman’s iconic studio for a hands-on creative session and an inspiring look at public art in action
ART on THE MART | June 5-July 6
As the sun sets each evening at 9 PM, ART on THE MART transforms the iconic building’s South facade into a luminous canvas of color and design. Kicking off NeoCon and the summer season, Currents of Chicago, a new moving artwork by acclaimed architecture and design firm Perkins&Will, honors the visible and invisible forces shaping the city—from water and wind to data, infrastructure, and design. Presented in partnership with Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), this immersive cinematic experience weaves together technology, storytelling, and beauty at a must-see massive architectural scale. View the full schedule here.
INSIDER TRAVEL TIPS
Hotels — if you’re a late planner, don’t worry, you can still get a hotel room thanks to THE MART’s travel partner, OnPeak — get the best rates guaranteed and see what’s available here.
NeoCon Badge — you can pick up your badge at the registration desk under the main staircase at the South Facade entrance.
Getting up and down THE MART — skip the elevator line and get some extra steps in by taking the stairs and making use of the escalators between floors 1, 2, and 3. We recommend planning your day by floor, taking the stairs up to 14 in the morning, and working your way down!
Taxis — the best place to grab one during the show is at the corner of W Merchandise Mart Plaza and N Wells Street
The L to the airport — pro tip! You can avoid traffic and save $ by taking the CTA’s Blue Line train, just a 5-minute walk from THE MART at the Clarke/Lake stop, directly to and from O’Hare Airport for just $5!
Bag Storage — if you are flying out but are stopping by the show first, check your bag at the Coat & Luggage Check on the second floor. INDEAL Members and Partners also have access to bag check and personal lockers at The INDEAL Connection Hub, (Suite 1086).
Need a little break or moment to clear your mind? Head to floors 6 and 14 on June 10 from 2-4 PM to enjoy a meditative pause at the first-ever Afternoon Oasis. Visitors can enjoy all-natural detox juices, sound bowl meditation, calming aromatherapy, and a spa vibe amidst endless custom options for your high-end hospitality and office projects. RSVP here.
WHAT TO PACK
A few smart essentials to keep you comfortable and stylish…
Comfortable shoes—trust us, your feet will thank you (insider tip: rotate pairs daily and don’t forget to pack your running shoes for a jog on the nearby lakefront trail).
Business cards—yes, they’re still a thing.
Real ID or Passport—your license will no longer fly.
A light sweater or blazer, a rain jacket, an umbrella, and sunglasses—Chicago weather can be unpredictable!
Portable charger— pack it in your carry-on to avoid TSA confiscation. You can also charge your devices in the NeoCon Talks Lounge on the 7th floor, while you catch some thought-provoking 20-minute conversations (powered by Mockett).
Notebook + pen—for design inspiration!
Headphones—ideal for on-the-go podcast listening and streaming sold-out keynotes and featured presentations on-site.
Refillable water bottle—stay hydrated, sustainably.
Your credit card—you’ll want to shop it up at the new gallery-meets-retail experience, Paved States, featuring goods from emerging artists and designers (Suite 121)
Don't forget your badge if you chose to receive it via mail.
Extra room in your suitcase—the NeoCon SWAG is real!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Chicago is a town for foodies. Whether you’re squeezing in a power lunch, winding down with friends over cocktails, or venturing out after the show, here are some of our favorites by neighborhood.
Bites by the Show
Lunch spots close to the action
In THE MART
Marshall’s Landing - located on the River Park and Floor 2, this sit down and take-away spot has healthy and comforting options in the heart of the action
Beatrix Market – find outposts of this favorite on Floors 3 and 7
Foodstuffs – reliably fresh and delicious on Floor 7
Around the Corner
Lizzano – Focaccia sandwiches and spritzes - a perfect quick lunch spot
Brown Bag Seafood - a take out spot for veggie and protein-packed bowls
HI-VIBE Superfood Juicery - fresh juices and smoothies
Blue Bottle - a fast, beloved option for coffee, breakfast, and light lunch
River North
avec – elevated Mediterranean vibes
Gilt Bar – A+ martinis in a cozy setting
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf – swanky steakhouse with speakeasy flair
Ema–delicious Mediterranean small plates
Vela–fresh, modern Mexican
Zarella – New trendy pizza spot from the team behind Alla Vita
Hawksmoor Chicago - British steakhouse serving sustainable steaks, seafood, and cocktails
Gus’ Sip & Dip - Fine Mixed Drinks and Dipped Sandwiches
West Loop
Momotaro — beloved Japanese hotspot
Monteverde — homemade pasta heaven
Trivoli Tavern - a team favorite for post-show cocktails and elevated bar snacks!
Duck Duck Goat — Stephaie Izar’s bold Chinese-American fusion
El Che - Argentinian Steakhouse
Au Cheval—one of the city’s best burgers
La Scarola – old school Italian spot that’s been open for 25 years
High Five Ramen - Arguably the best Ramen in the city
Inkwell - Amazing Classic Cocktails
Logan Square
Lula Cafe - a must for pastries and breakfast
Meadowlark - rated one of the top bars in the country
Best Intentions - Elevated dive bar. Voted one of the best burgers in America
The Loop
The Chicago Athletic Association – a Chicago classic; check out their multiple spots to dine and imbibe.
Ayayay – new counter service Mexican
Club X Speakeasy – a mysterious bar with small bites
Bistro Monadnock - beloved French bistro
Hyde Park
- Virtue - Hearty Southern food from acclaimed chef Erick Williams
AROUND TOWN
Chicago Architecture Center Boat Tour
Have 90 minutes to spare? Soak in the city’s rich architectural history by water (and breeze by THE MART) on the iconic Architecture Boat tour! Book your spot here.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Home to masterpieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, the Art Institute of Chicago offers inspiration walking distance from THE MART. Plan your visit here.
Chicago Blues Festival | June 5-8
Feel the rhythm at the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park, the world’s largest FREE blues festival. This year’s lineup features legends like Mavis Staples, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, and a B.B. King Centennial Tribute.
Chicago Cubs Game | June 12
If you’re sticking around after the show, head to Wrigley Field to catch the Chicago Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05 PM. Take advantage of special discounted ticket rates for NeoCon attendees by using this link - cubs.com/NeoCon25
Chicago Old Town Art Fair | June 14 and 15
If you decide to stay the weekend (we don't blame you!), check out the Old Town Art Fair in the charming Old Town Triangle Historic District. With 200+ nationally acclaimed artists, a garden walk, live music, and food vendors, you could make a day of it. Gates open Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. More details here.
See you at the show!
