Chicago, Ill. -- NeoCon, which was held from June 11 to 13, 2018, at The Mart in Chicago, rang in a historic 50 years as a platform for commercial design, serving as an incubator and catalyst for the future of the industry. Record attendance and increased volume over the duration of the show underscored how important this annual gathering is for members of the industry to come together and share, learn and inspire one another.
Breakthroughs in the fields of sustainability, materiality, integrated technology and acoustical performance were some of the top trends seen throughout the show. An overall commitment to a softer, more comfort-based approach to workspace design was evident. The movement was further solidified by exciting announcements, including Herman Miller’s acquisition of contemporary Danish furniture brand, Hay, and Steelcase and West Elm’s partnership, set to provide a more expansive array of workplace furniture. A marked yet diverse focus on wellbeing in the workplace also took center stage. From privacy solutions to biophilic design, workplace solutions exhibited a people-centric approach.