NeoCon kicks off Monday at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. From 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on June 12 and 13 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 14, commercial designers will get a first look at the latest commercial lighting and furniture from the Mart's many manufacturers. But it's not all about commercial design. Residential lighting and furniture manufacturers will be there to show off their latest designs as well.
If you're planning on attending NeoCon, there are all the events you need to know about — and a few parties you won't want to miss.
The Design Center
For residential interior designers, NeoCon might not be a market high on the list of places to visit, but you may be missing out if you skip it. The Design Center (floors 6, 14, 15 and 16), which houses all the custom home lighting and furniture manufacturers, will have plenty going on at market. Designers will find luxury furniture, fabrics, floor and wall coverings, lighting, outdoor and casual furnishings, accessories, antiques, art and much more. Over 2,500 lines and resources will be available on all four floors.
Here are some events to check out.
Wine & Cheese with Summer Classics
- Summer Classics Showroom #1556.
- June 12–13, 3–5 p.m.
Michael Taylor Collections Presents Taylor
- New contemporary line "Taylor" is introduced, espresso and biscotti to celebrate.
- Michael Taylor Collections Suite #1416.
- June 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cowtan & Tout Open House
- New 2017 collection debuts, refreshments to be served.
- Cowtan & Tout Suite #638
- June 12–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Benjamin Moore presents: Behind The Scenes — The Making Of CENTURY: the World’s First Soft Touch Matte Paint
- Learn how Benjamin Moore designed this new paint especially for high-end designers
- Benjamin Moore Suite #6-131
- June 12–13, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Maya Romanoff CEU: “20th and 21st Century Handcrafted Wallcovering” & Open House
- Joyce Romanoff will conduct a CEU on the 14th floor followed by an open house in the Maya Romanoff showroom with refreshments, painting demonstrations, and a reveal of our Spring ’17 collection.
- Maya Romanoff Suite #6-167
- June 12, 11 a.m.
Check out more events at designcenter.com.
Keynotes
Take a moment out of your market tour and listen to these fabulous speakers.
- Arianna Huffington, Founder of the Huffington Post and Founder and CEO of Thrive Global: June 12 at 11:30 a.m., NeoCon Theater, 19th Floor, Live Stream at 2nd floor at the Grand Stair.
- Jessica Green, Founding Director of the Biology and the Built Environment (BioBE) Center and Co-founder and CTO of Phylagen: June 13 at 8:30 a.m., NeoCon Theater, 19th Floor, Live Stream at 2nd floor at the Grand Stair.
- John Ronan, Founding Principal of John Ronan Architects: June 14 at 8:30 a.m., NeoCon Theater, 19th Floor, Live Stream at 2nd floor at the Grand Stair.
All keynote speakers are free to attend, but registration is full for all three events. Check out the live stream at the 2nd floor Grand Stair.
Special Discounts
Two manufacturers are offering special NeoCon Discounts. Check them out:
- Pelican Reef/Panama Jack: Place an order during NeoCon for a 15% discount on Pelican Reef/Panama Jack Outdoor & Sunroom Collections. From June 12-16, Suite 15-117.
- Skyline Design: Place an order during NeoCon and get a 10% discount. Certain restrictions apply. From June 12-16, Suite 15-110.
Showroom Parties
Don't forget to pack your party outfit! You won't want to miss these.
Experience LuxeHome During NeoCon
DATE: Monday, June 12-Wednesday, 14
LOCATION: LuxeHome
Many of the boutiques at LuxeHome, the world’s largest collection of premier boutiques for home building and renovation located on the first floor of The Mart, will host special events during NeoCon. These include cocktail receptions, book signings, chef tastings, product introductions, open houses and much more. For more information on all the events happening at LuxeHome during NeoCon, visit luxehome.com.
Showroom Floor Parties
DATE: Monday, June 12
TIME: 5 – 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Floors 3, 10 and 11
Festivities will be in full swing on Monday night. Attendees can showroom-hop on floors 3, 10 and 11 and network, experience new products, and enjoy food & cocktails.
Booth Parties
DATE: Tuesday, June 13
TIME: 3 - 5 p.m.
LOCATION: Floor 7
Attendees should not miss the cocktails, conversations and contacts that will be offered in the 7th floor exhibit hall.
Black Party @ NeoCon
DATE: Tuesday, June 13
TIME: 5 – 7 p.m.
LOCATION: River Drive, The Mart
TICKETS: $35 online (blockparty17.splashthat.com) or $40 at the door
New this year, Interior Design and The Mart host the Block Party @NeoCon -- the official party of NeoCon 2017. The celebration, held outside The Mart on River Drive, is a stylish toast to NeoCon, bringing the design industry together to revel in another successful year.
For everything NeoCon, visit www.neocon.com. Be sure to follow our coverage of NeoCon on Facebook and Instagram.
