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NeoCon Podcast Lounge

NeoCon Podcast Lounge Header


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.

2026 Schedule

  • 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
    Founder, Hip Hop Architecture

As interior designers, we’re accustomed to celebrating the end of a project. But what about the people and process behind those designs? Once Upon a Project delves into the stories of creating the spaces that we inhabit with the designers who dreamed them up. Join AJ Paron, EVP and Design Futurist of SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, in unraveling what it takes to bring interior design projects to fruition—from the designer’s inspiration to the setbacks, surprises, and serendipitous events along the way.

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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
    Marketing Manager, Shaw Contract and Shaw Hospitality

  • Caroline Zimbalist
    Artist

As interior designers, we’re accustomed to celebrating the end of a project. But what about the people and process behind those designs? Once Upon a Project delves into the stories of creating the spaces that we inhabit with the designers who dreamed them up. Join AJ Paron, EVP and Design Futurist of SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, in unraveling what it takes to bring interior design projects to fruition—from the designer’s inspiration to the setbacks, surprises, and serendipitous events along the way.

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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

SURROUND Presents explores the untold stories and unique innovations within the design world, offering a fresh perspective for designers, architects, and built environment specialists. Each episode presents diverse themes, giving a platform to showcase best-of and new voices from the SURROUND family, plus opportunities for custom content from industry partners.

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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

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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  • Tuesday, June 9, 12:00 p.m. CDT

Design Nerds Anonymous

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Hosts
  • Amanda Schneider
    President, ThinkLab

Guests
  • Joseph Olivieri
    Project Coordinator I, Corgan

  • Candon Murphy
    Firmwide Materials Resource Manager, HOK

  • Caroline Murphy
    futureGen Engagement Lead, SANDOW

Customers are expecting a seamless B2C user experience in the B2B space. How can manufacturers best combine physical and digital elements to showcase their products in this hybrid era? Welcome to Design Nerds Anonymous, the interiors industry-focused podcast that sparks curiosity at the intersection of business and design, from ThinkLab and SANDOW DESIGN GROUP.

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

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

FUTURE OF XYZ

Future of XYZ IF Podcast Cover Final 2048x2048
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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