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Thousands of manufacturers, dealers, and designers convened at Chicago's THE MART June 10-12 for NeoCon 2024. An estimated 50,000 attendees experienced firsthand the latest trends and innovations influencing the future of shared spaces. From sold-out keynotes and timely featured presentations to exciting activations, product launches, and networking events, this year’s 55th edition proved to be a lively hub of activity and innovation.
The #BestofNeoCon2024 ceremony kicked off the show with 126 awards given to products in 50 categories for Gold, Silver, Sustainability, Innovation, Business Impact, and the coveted Best of Competition –– announced by Bob Beck, Publisher of Officeinsight Magazine, Ken Baker, Regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s North Central Region, Sarah Kuchar, Founder and Creative Director of the boutique design firm Kuchar Studio, and Mark Wilson, Global Design Editor, Fast Company.
Day 1 featured Bob Weis, Global Entertainment Leader at Gensler Design and Former President Walt Disney Imagineering, who opened the show’s keynote series with a powerful presentation on “Leveraging the Power of Storytelling in the Places We Create,” presented by IIDA and sponsored by the Wall Street Journal. Weis spoke on his 30 years of experience leading Walt Disney Imagineering and shared insight into creating communal experiences that inspire and how designers can transform commercial environments into truly memorable experiences that spark emotion and connection.
Day 2 saw attendees immersing themselves in the show floors, engaging with exhibitors and gaining valuable insights into the latest innovations shaping the future of commercial design. Towards the end of the day, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees alike gathered for the Happy Together Hour to savor the sense of camaraderie and community.
Two-time Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter (@therealruthecarter) closed out this year’s lineup of keynotes on Day 3 with her presentation, “Designing Afrofuturism: The Art of Storytelling through Costume Design,” presented by @aiachicago, delving into how the art of storytelling translates in costume design and the building of worlds.
This year not only saw a wide variety of exhibitors and new permanent showrooms, but also featured a robust educational program with CEU sessions offers world-class expertise and insight about today’s most relevant topics as well as the future of commercial design.
Visit www.neocon.com for more information.
