Events
There was no shortage of celebratory events at NeoCon 2025. From networking happy hours to annual galas and award ceremonies, this year's schedule sparked collaboration and fostered meaningful connections.
INTERIOR DESIGN's HiP Awards + Party
The Grand Stair, THE MART
Join INTERIOR DESIGN for an unforgettable evening at the 12th annual HiP Awards, where Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen will recognize excellence and innovation in commercial design at NeoCon 2025. Kicking off the show on Sunday, June 8, winning designers and manufacturers will receive their awards at the exclusive ceremony. Watch the live stream on DesignTV by SANDOW
Revel in Design, IIDA's Black-Tie Event
Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago
Revel in Design is hosted by IIDA EVP and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA and features prominent international interior designers and global design manufacturers gathering to celebrate the design industry. The evening of powerhouse networking, delectable dining, and revelry honors the winners of two of the most prestigious design competitions in the interior design profession—the 51st Annual Interior Design Competition and the 32nd Annual Will Ching Design Competition.
Best of NeoCon Awards Presentation
Live Stream at The Grand Stair & neocon.com
Held annually since 1990, Best of NeoCon is the official awards program for NeoCon, honoring outstanding new products from NeoCon exhibiting companies.
Best of NeoCon 2025 will feature entries in 43 product categories evaluated by a diverse jury of leading architects, designers, specifiers and facility managers with expertise spanning commercial, healthcare, institutional and hospitality sectors.
Click here to learn more about the Best of NeoCon.
ASID Illinois NeoCon Luncheon
Floor 14, Suite 1485, THE MART
Join us for an exclusive lunch with ASID Illinois to launch three days of immersive experiences created exclusively for designers who demand more.
Paved States Cocktail Reception
Floor 1, Suite 121, THE MART
Join Sixtysix Magazine for an exclusive cocktail reception celebrating the Paved States exhibition at NeoCon in THE MART.
This emerging designer gallery showcase pays homage to Chicago's brutalist architectural heritage while featuring remarkable works from rising talents including Ia Kutateladze, Hanneke Lorens, Noam Atelier, Anna Stechschulte, Ian Cochran, Cody Norman, Dolly Fox, Lourenz Krassai, and more.
Sip and mingle with the designers, and explore a curated retail space offering distinctive pieces from body fragrances to custom merch and home objects. Experience the intersection of brutalist inspiration and contemporary design while enjoying drinks and music in this vibrant celebration of emerging creativity.
MRL NeoCon AfterHours Party
TREE HOUSE
Join us for the legendary MRL NeoCon AfterHours Party — Monday night at Tree House (149 W. Kinzie St.). This is the event everyone talks about! Wristbands required for entry! This year, we’re switching things up! Instead of grabbing your wristband at the MRL showroom, we’ve partnered with various showrooms throughout THE MART for exclusive wristband drops. You’ll need to stay tuned on the MRL Media App for live updates on when and where wristbands will be handed out! Quantities are limited — and they go FAST — so don’t miss the announcements! Download the MRL Media App now and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the party of the year.
AFTERNOON OASIS
Floors 6 & 14, THE MART
Browse the luxury showrooms on floors 6 & 14 while you clear your mind and get refreshed for the night ahead. Enjoy natural detox juices, sound bath meditation, and a spa vibe amidst endless custom options for your high-end hospitality and office projects.
IIDA Student Design Charette Awards Ceremony
Floor 11, Suite 1147, THE MART
Come join IIDA as we salute the best in student design — created live at NeoCon! Hardworking teams of student designers from across the country will close out a day-long charette with a presentation to the winners, a design exhibit featuring all of the work created during the day, and a celebratory toast. NeoCon attendees are welcome to peek in to see design in progress during the day, and return to congratulate these talented next-gen designers at the reception.
Happy Together Hour
River Park, THE MART
Get together with NeoCon friends and colleagues on THE MART's River Park Tuesday after the show and enjoy complimentary drinks and live music from multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Sam Thousand. All registered attendees welcome! Just wear your badge.
Sponsored by: INDEAL | Media Sponsor: officeinsight
Designing a Better Chicago, a NeoCon After Party
SECRIST | BEACH
Join us for a NeoCon after party at the stunning new venue of Secrist Beach, graciously hosted by the Design Museum of Chicago. Let’s raise a toast to another triumphant year of visionary international design and extended a warm welcome to the recipients of the Designing a Better Chicago Award, an impactful program by NeoCon and the Driehaus Foundation.
BIFMA Breakfast
NeoCon Presentation Studio, THE MART
Wrap up your NeoCon experience with the BIFMA Breakfast—a cherished industry tradition where design leaders gather for networking, meaningful conversations, and forward-thinking presentations. This year’s breakfast will be followed by NeoCon’s Wednesday keynote, Shazam Founder, Chris Barton, presenting “Bring Impossible Ideas to Life”—a celebration of bold perspectives and visionary thinking shaping the future of design. BIFMA Members and NeoCon attendees are welcome to purchase tickets.
