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NeoCon Podcast Lounge

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The NeoCon Podcast Lounge returns for 2026 in a fresh new home on the 11th floor, Suite 1110. 

Experience a dynamic lineup of SURROUND Podcast Network shows recorded in real time, giving attendees a front-row seat to candid conversations with the industry’s most influential voices.

Join us for an interactive twist with the “Would You Rather” activation, inviting attendees to weigh in on the future of work in a fun, thought-provoking way, brought to you by Momentum - in collaboration with ThinkLab and Design Nerds Anonymous

Plus, don’t miss two special events in the SURROUND Speakeasy, including a Design Nerds Anonymous live audience event hosted by Amanda Schneider and with exclusive giveaways, including coveted Design Nerds hats and copies for Amanda’s new book, Work For What’s Next.

Tues Podcast Lounge JH 6750
Tues Podcast Lounge JH 11887
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2026 Schedule

  • Monday, June 8, 11:30 a.m. CDT

Design Drop

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HOST

  • Caroline Murphy
    futureGen Engagement Lead, SANDOW DESIGN GROUP

GUEST

  • Jessica O. Matthews
    Founder and CEO, Lived Labs

Jessica O. Matthews discusses scaling from invention to infrastructure, exploring how energy, design, and human behavior intersect in the systems we rely on every day.

  • Monday, June 8, 12:00 p.m. CDT

Once Upon a Project

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Host

  • AJ Paron
    EVP + Design Futurist, SANDOW DESIGN GROUP

Guest

  • Michael Ford
    Momentum/Founder of Hip Hop Architecture

Michael Ford, “The Hip Hop Architect,” explores his collaboration with Momentum, blending influences from music, architecture, and community into expressive textile and wallcovering design.

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  • Monday, June 8, 1:00 p.m. CDT

Once Upon a Project

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Host

  • AJ Paron
    EVP + Design Futurist, SANDOW DESIGN GROUP

Guests

  • Shannon Crider Langley
    Director Workplace + Retail Marketing, Shaw Contract

  • Frances Phillips
    Senior Content Manager, Shaw Contract

  • Caroline Zimbalist
    Artist and Designer

Shaw Contract’s marketing leaders and artist Caroline Zimbalist discuss the creative process behind a cross-disciplinary project blending art, design, and brand storytelling.

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  • Tuesday, June 9, 10:00 a.m. CDT

SURROUND Presents

Surround Presents
Host

  • AJ Paron
    EVP + Design Futurist, SANDOW DESIGN GROUP

Guest

  • Wick Wolfe
    President, Unika Vaev

Wick Wolfe shares insights on leadership, legacy, and the evolving role of textiles in shaping modern interior environments.

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  • Tuesday, June 9, 11:00 a.m. CDT

FUTURE OF XYZ

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Host

  • Lisa Gralnek
    US Managing Director, iF DESIGN

Guest

  • Brad Ascalon
    Industrial Designer/Founder, Brad Ascalon Studio

Future of (Not) Fast Furniture - Acclaimed industrial designer Brad Ascalon will speak candidly about craft, brand voice, building for longevity, collaboration, and micro-innovations that are needed to help overcome the rush towards corporate profit and trend fulfillment in an era of techno-overload, climate risk, and economic uncertainty.

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  • Tuesday, June 9, 12:00 p.m. CDT

Design Nerds Anonymous

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Host

  • Amanda Schneider
    President, ThinkLab

Guests

  • Joseph Olivieri
    Project Coordinator I, Corgan

  • Candon Murphy
    Firmwide Materials Resource Manager, HOK

  • Caroline Murphy
    futureGen Engagement Lead, SANDOW

We Tested a Gen Z Advisory Model. Here’s What We Learned.

Learn more

  • Tuesday, June 9, 2:00 p.m. CDT

Barriers to Entry

Barriers to entry
Host

  • Andrew Lane
    Co-founder, Market Lead, House of Digby

Guest

  • Nick Foster, RDI
    Futures Designer, Former Head of Design, Google X

From Google X moonshots to the keynote stage at The Mart, Futures Designer Nick Foster RDI joins Andrew to dive into the challenge how the architecture and design industry thinks about what’s next — and why better questions may matter more than any answer AI can provide.

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  • Wednesday, June 10, 10:00 a.m. CDT

FUTURE OF XYZ

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Host

  • Lisa Gralnek
    US Managing Director, iF DESIGN

Guest

  • Cheryl Durst
    Executive Vice President/CEO. IIDA

An interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we want to go.
Host and creator of the show, Lisa Gralnek, Managing Director of iF Design USA Inc., speaks candidly with visionary leaders and courageous changemakers on the latest trends and innovations in sectors spanning across design, art, science, innovation, culture and creativity.

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  • Wednesday, June 10, 11:15 a.m. CDT

NeoConversations

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Host

  • Nubia Henderson
    Director of Programming, NeoCon

Guest

  • David "Shingy" Shing
    Creative Advisor and Cultural Strategist, Former Digital Prophet, AOL

David “Shingy” Shing joins NeoConversations to discuss the cultural shifts shaping how brands, workplaces, and people connect in a rapidly changing digital world.

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