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Experiences and Activations

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.

Experiences and Activations

COLLAB SPACE ENTRY

NeoCon Collab: Half Light

description 7th Floor Exhibit Hall

Designed by Charlie Green Design Studio, NeoCon Collab: 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, Foamcore Architectural Elements, Focal Point, KI, Kriskadecor, Luxxbox, Mohawk Group, Paul Brayton Designs, ROOM (an OFS company), and Simii Design.

Neo Con AWI Entrance 3x2 1

Make the Bold Buildable

description Floor 1, Suite 145

For the first time, experience the bold and integrated portfolio from Armstrong World Industries. See innovation come together in one immersive experience with Turf®, 3form®, Zahner®, Arktura®, BŌK Modern®, Eventscape, Geometrik, Móz™, and Parallel. Discover how the Armstrong portfolio empowers ambitious ideas, enabling creativity to come alive with integrity.

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Art on The Mart Projection by HDR

description 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 grow. To affirm one another. To remember that we belong to something larger than ourselves. To be human is to create with intention and to shape the world.

There is a force within this exchange that cannot be measured, yet is unmistakably real. Like gravity of the spirit, love moves beyond dimension and distance. It connects what is separated and gives meaning to what we choose to create.

At its essence this is our Love Language.

Runs nightly starting June 4, 9-9:30pm

About HDR:
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.

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Artfliting

Neuroaesthetic Art: A Healing Journey to Self-Reflection

description Floor 7, 7-2002

Enter an interactive art experience where ArtLifting’s mission—advancing access to the art market for artists with disabilities—comes to life through artist Eliza Redmann’s neuroaesthetic designs coupled with immersive lighting. As perception shifts, visitors move through wonder into self-reflection—an unforgettable journey revealing how design nurtures how we see, feel, and belong.

Bios Sky View V3 high res

Designing Light That Aligns with Human Biology, Not Just Architecture

description Floor 1, Northeast Corridor

BIOS Lighting’s Blue Sky technology, developed from NASA research and used on the International Space Station, delivers healthy blue sky light, indoors. It supports alertness, productivity, and calm by aligning with human biology, bringing circadian-effective lighting into everyday environments, and advancing a healthier, performance-driven approach to interior lighting design.

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Cisco, the Fourth Utility for Next-Generation Workplaces

description Floor 1, Center Pass-Through

Cisco is the fourth utility for next-generation workplaces, powering data driven environments that are easier to plan, people responsive, and seamless. Explore simplified planning, real-time insights, and technology integrated collaboration spaces. Leverage data to elevate the user experience, optimize real estate, and meet WELL and LEED goals, creating future-proofed workplaces.

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Design in Context: Portuguese Design Shaping Contemporary Spaces

description Floor 7, 7-7046

Curated by Associative Design, this exhibition presents Portuguese design within thoughtfully composed spatial settings. Bringing together designers and brands, it highlights innovation, material quality, and craftsmanship. Through integrated environments, the showcase demonstrates how contemporary Portuguese design shapes functional, aesthetic, and adaptable spaces for today’s evolving interiors market.

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BIFMA Lounge

description 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:

  • LEVEL Certification- Furniture Sustainability and Product Registry. One stop shop.
  • ANSI/BIFMA Test Standards- New and Revised furniture standards. What you need to know.
  • BIFMA Compliant- Registry of products tested to ANSI/BIFMA industry performance standards.
  • Design Firm Direct- Industry CEUs delivered directly into your firm. Supports learning requirements.
  • Classroom Direct- Industry CEUs delivered directly into your classroom. Supports accreditation.
  • BIFMA Membership Benefits- Manufacturers, Suppliers and Service providers. Something for everyone.
  • Coffee Chats- Young professional sign-up for Career Conversations with Industry Leaders.
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Astra Café

description 7th Floor Exhibit Hall

Step into an elevated café experience inspired by celestial patterns, movement, and form. Featuring expressive wall coverings by Spoonflower and furniture by Emeco - defined by sustainable, elegant design. This thoughtfully composed space invites you to recharge, dine, and connect within the energy of the show.

Café Lounge by Armstrong Flooring®

description Floor 7, Center Pass-Through

The Café Lounge by Armstrong Flooring® invites you to step back in time with a novelty, retro-inspired diner experience. While enjoying your snacks and sips you can be diggin' on the floor that will feature our slip-retardant Safety Zone™ that has an embossed surface embedded with proprietary particles for exceptional slip-retardant performance. Plus, notice how it seamlessly transitions with our popular Imperial® Texture VCT, which means it's no longer an outsider and can be featured front and center in spaces that need to be safe.

Once you’re recharged, cruise on over to booth #7-5068 to explore more fab surfaces from AHF / Armstrong Flooring®.

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DesignScene by SANDOW

description 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.

Neo Con 2026 Hero Image Connection Hub

INDEAL Connection Hub

description Floor 10, Suite 1086

Recharge, relax, and explore a curated mix of Brand Partner products in the INDEAL Connection Hub, a thoughtfully designed lounge for NeoCon attendees. Enjoy coffee, happy hour, and massage chairs, plus complimentary bag check and lockers. Reservable meeting areas are available for INDEAL Members and Partners.

Neo Con 2026 Hero Image Ed Pav

Education Pavilion by INDEAL

description Floor 11, Suite 1144

Explore cutting-edge solutions from leading manufacturers of education products in a dynamic, blended setting. The Education Pavilion by INDEAL showcases how thoughtful design meets the evolving needs of learning spaces, supporting education and inspiring innovation at every level.

Paved States x DesignLab at NeoCon Presented by Sixtysix and Haworth

description 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.

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Neo Con Activation Hero Image

KFI Studio’s Pop-Up Lounge

description 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.

Material Bank: Introducing MTag. Samples, Supercharged.

description Throughout The Mart

The physical sample, reimagined. Material Bank is unveiling MTag at NeoCon: NFC technology that transforms physical samples with a single tap. Contact reps, see colorways, find similar, and more. Stop by. Tap. Win prizes.

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Material intelligence destination neocon promo photo

Material Intelligence: Destination NeoCon

description 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.

Metropolis Sustainability Lab

Metropolis Sustainability Lab

description 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.

Project Color Corps Kennedy School 1

Sky Stories

description Floor 10, Suite 1035

Children instinctively turn the sky into a canvas. They spot creatures in clouds, invent worlds overhead, and trust their own interpretations. 

Sky Stories invites NeoCon visitors to step into that instinctive act of imagination. By embracing storytelling, wonder, and open‑ended thinking, Sky Stories affirms Project Color Corps’ belief that creativity and color can reshape communities from the ground up.

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20250610 SERNA Neo Con METROPOLIS KSP6771

NeoCon Podcast Lounge Powered by SURROUND

description 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

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River Park

description 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.

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THE SHOWHOUSE @ THE MART

description 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.

Thinkspace Recovery Chair by Loook1

Club Thinkspace

description Floor 1, North Corridor - Orleans

It’s not just another chair - Recharge in the Recovery Chair featuring neuro-sonic vibration. Or experience the versatility of Hushfree XM for collaboration and focused work. Then head to the Thinkspace showroom on Floor 10 for a complimentary chair massage and beverage. Relax. Focus. Thinkspace.

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A Study in Expression: A Preview

description Floor 1, Kinzie/Wells Entrance

Outdoor spaces, like people, are not defined by a single mood. This installation brings together multiple expressions—from structure and tactile contrast to layered relaxation and natural renewal—revealing how they coexist within one environment. Continue the journey at our showroom 1419 to experience the full composition.

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Turf Elevator Experience

description 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.