From the Community Blog

Chicago is absolutely no Second City when it comes to world class art, architecture and design-- and to inspiring places to visit. We asked 8 Chicago based design leaders (and partners for this year’s NeoCon) to share their favorite spaces and places to visit in the city. Add these designer-curated stops to your NeoCon 2019 Chicago ‘To-Do’ List! John CzarneckiDeputy Director and Senior Vice President | IIDA "The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park is an oasis of quiet beauty in the city. Just north of downtown—and walking distance to Lake Michigan—this landscape is a wonderful escape. Designed by Caldwell in ...

A designer, urbanist, and social innovator, Liz Ogbu is an expert on sustainable design and spatial innovation in challenged urban environments globally. She is founder and principal of Studio O, a multidisciplinary innovation practice that works within communities in need globally to use the power design to catalyze sustained social impact. Liz’s projects include a design workshop at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, Oakland Museum of California, and Pacific Gas & Electric. In addition to her practice work, Liz has served as an educator at several universities including UC Berkeley, Stanford, and the University of Virginia. She also frequently ...

Ilse Crawford is a designer, academic and creative director who focuses on putting human needs and desires at the center of all that she does. As founder of Studioilse, together with her multi-disciplinary, London-based team, she brings her philosophy to life on projects like Soho House New York, Winterspring in Copenhagen, Ett Hem Hotel in Stockholm, and the Lounge at Plaza 66 in Shanghai. Ilse will be speaking at NeoCon about creating designing furniture and products that support and enhance human behavior and actions in every day live and how brands and businesses can restore human balance. We had the ...

Stephen Alesch and Robin Standeffer founded Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors in 2002. They will be speaking at NeoCon 2019 on balance and experience in design. We had the opportunity to chat with Stephen and Robin about their work, design philosophy, and favorite things about Chicago. How does design impact our culture? Design informs how we live, how we see ourselves and the world we’re in. It is an immovable part of culture that literally dictates how you feel and experience space. La Mercerie Cafe inside of Roman and Williams Guild in SoHo. NY. Image Credit: Adrian Gaut How do you see ...

January and the new year rolled around quickly for us on the NeoCon team... and we're delighted! When we began planning for last year's NeoCon and our 50th edition, we took a long look back at all that our community has shared, experienced and contributed during a half century-- and it's a lot! But more than looking back--we focused on looking forward. Along with our NeoCon partners and constituencies, we have several new ideas in the works that will evolve, extend and elevate the NeoCon experience into the future. A number of initiatives will be launched this year. We hope ...

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Google PlayIn this episode of NeoConversations, we’ll find out what happens when a commercial design brand takes on the design of new headquarters. What are the challenges and opportunities involved in bringing teams from disparate offices together into a unified headquarters? And, what is involved in the design and construction of that project so that it emcompasses the brand’s DNA, supports company culture and sends a strong message to the world about the company’s mission? Plus, how do you do all that and consider LEED and WELL specifications?Sneak peek of the new Interface HQ in ...

Carol Ross Barney gave a fascinating keynote presentation on designing spaces that increase the quality of life for city dwellers. IIDA and ASID hosted student programs for students and recent graduates to give students and recent graduates the tools to prepare for a successful design career. The sun finally came out and attendees and exhibitors alike enjoyed a beautiful Chicago summer day on The Mart South Drive and Riverwalk. Thank you to all that participated in NeoCon 50, and for helping to celebrate 50 years of tomorrow's design! See you next year!

Nicholas Thompson, Editor in Chief of Wired Magazine kicked off day two of NeoCon with a presentation on the Wired Future. We celebrated the 50th edition of NeoCon at The Future is PARTY presented by Mohawk Group, sponsored by Vitra, Buzzispace, and Mayer Fabrics.

Eighty-one awards were distributed in the Best of NeoCon 2018 competition of contract furnishing products during NeoCon at theMART. Eight Innovation Awards, five Editors’ Choice Awards, and a Best of Competition Award were included among the honors. A total of 374 products were entered in 41 product and furnishing categories in the competition, presented by Contract magazine, and sponsored by NeoCon and The McMorrow Reports Facility Management & Design Insights. The Lounge Furniture Collections category took the top prize as the Best of Competition with Untucked, manufactured by Keilhauer, located in Showroom 373. Editors’ Choice Awards were bestowed to: Designtex, Designtex + ...

What a day! Art Gensler and Cheryl Durst kicked off the amazing programming at NeoCon 50, followed by a panel of inspiring women in the commercial design industry hosted by Cindy Allen. New showroom designs were unveiled and many amazing products were launched. We can't wait to see more tomorrow! Be sure to tag us in your photos on Facebook (@neoconshows), Instagram (@neocon_shows) and Twitter (@neocon_shows) and use the hashtag #NeoCon50