Interactive installations and immersive experiences come alive throughout both the interior and exterior of The Mart during NeoCon. Attendees can engage with cutting-edge designs, take part in hands-on demonstrations, and discover the latest innovations in technology and design. Explore this year’s featured activations below, with additional dynamic experiences to be unveiled soon.
7th Floor Exhibit Hall
Designed by Charlie Green Design Studio, Collab Space: Half Light is a new multibrand, designer-curated environment inspired by the Chicago Henge - a rare moment when sunset aligns perfectly with the city’s architecture. The space invites discovery, connection, and the experience of products in context. Through a thoughtful integration of materiality, color, and product, the environment creates a cohesive setting that showcases each brand within a unified design narrative. Featured brands include:
Allseating, Focal Point Lights, KI, Kriskadecor, Mohawk Group, Paul Brayton Designs, ROOM (an OFS company), and Simii Design.
South Facade, The Mart
LOVE LANGUAGE
Art is our first language, an elemental expression that predates the written word. It begins in personal resonance and expands outward, connecting colleagues, friends, neighbors, cities, and the world beyond. Across distances and differences, we communicate through gestures, forms, and shared curiosity, guided always by purpose. Why? To seek growth, affirmation, and a sense of belonging. To be human is to create with intention and to design with love. At its essence, this is our Love Language.
Runs nightly starting June 4, 9-9:30pm
HDR Firm Bio:
We design to elevate the human spirit and shape environments that ignite possibility, connection, and renewal. By uniting multidisciplinary expertise with research, technology, and bold design thinking, we deliver projects that redefine what architecture can achieve for people, communities, and the planet. Guided by a regenerative ethos, we design places that restore ecological systems, advance human well‑being, and deliver enduring, measurable impact.
Floor 7, 7-10098
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association continues to be the industry source for furniture standards and programs supporting Manufacturers, Suppliers, Specifiers and Buyers. Visit the BIFMA Lounge and meet the team to learn more:
Floor 11, Suite 1120
DesignScene by SANDOW is back for another NeoCon! INTERIOR DESIGN celebrates by bringing their favorite brands and emerging designers together to create immersive, educational, and meaningful experiences. Attendees are able to pop into the space for a sneak peek of INTERIOR DESIGN's Show Daily being produced LIVE and get a glimpse of any number of industry roundtables with top industry leaders and specifying designers attending their first NeoCon discussing the future of design.
Floor 1, East Pass-Through
Step into KFI Studios’ pop-up lounge, designed to inspire curiosity and creative thinking. Explore our new products as the space encourages visitors to pause, reflect, and see how furniture supports connection and playful exploration in workplace design.
Floor 7, 7-5077
Material choices matter. Every successful commercial project begins with selecting materials and components that meet your demands for performance, sustainability, and budget—without sacrificing your design goals. Material Intelligence is curating an experiential, educational installation where you’ll be able to see and handle a wide range of materials, finishes, and components currently used in top commercial projects. You’ll also find answers to your challenges and inspiration for your projects from the materials experts staffing our space.
Floor 11, Suite 1112
The METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab at NeoCon is an immersive exhibit and dynamic hub designed to inspire and empower attendees to drive positive change for people and the planet. This vibrant space showcases the latest innovations, pioneering initiatives, and essential resources to support and elevate sustainable design practices.
Floor 11, Suite 1110
The NeoCon Podcast Lounge is back! A lineup of SURROUND Podcast Network shows were recorded for a live audience throughout the three days of NeoCon. Attendees got to meet the hosts, enjoy exciting giveaways, and take part in exclusive hospitality. Sponsored by: Unika Vaev
Floor 1, Suite 121 and South Lobby
Paved States x Design Lab expands its footprint to take over THE MART lobby with workshops and panels, bringing together emerging designers from North America. Jointly curated by Patricia Urquiola and Chris Force, this year the exhibition evolves into both a retail and apartment-style environment anchored by a listening room, blurring the lines between gallery, exhibition, and concept store.
The Mart
NeoCon attendees can enjoy the outdoors along the Chicago River and connect with colleagues over lunch or drinks from Marshall’s Landing at The Mart's River Park, presented by Haworth.
Floor 1, Suite 137
Open during NeoCon through September 2026, THE SHOWHOUSE @ THE MART brings together a world-class selection of luxury kitchen, bath and fine furnishings. Illustration by Kristine Steiner.
NeoCon Freight Elevators
Turf is once again taking over The Mart's freight elevators on June 8-9 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Take a ride (and a dance break) on Freight 22.
