The 55th edition of NeoCon wrapped last week marking another successful year. The show reported a robust attendance of more than 50,000, as architects, designers, specifiers, facility managers, manufacturers, and end-users from across the globe converged at The Mart June 10-12.

Nearly 400 leading companies showcased pioneering new solutions across sectors—from workplace and education, to healthcare and hospitality. Impactful keynote presentations, timely educational sessions, dynamic awards programs, interactive installations, and events enriched the experience, offering opportunities to engage and learn from leaders across a range of industries and sectors.

Overarching Trends

Showcasing some of the prevailing trends that are shaping not only the commercial industry but also reflect the overall needs of the community at large, NeoCon introductions illustrated the importance of designing for a neurodiverse population, as well as underscored the urgent need for circular design and sustainable solutions. There was also a greater emphasis on neuroaesthetics, as brands are taking into account design’s impact on the brain in their product development processes. As a result, vibrant color came back in a big way this year, as did bold patterns, emphasizing a global desire for more warmth and happiness in all aspects of how we live and work. There was also a notable focus on outdoor solutions, highlighting the enduring market demand for spaces that incorporate the outdoors and promote mental and physical well-being. A more detailed overview of this year’s trends can be found in the 2024 Trends Report. 

New Showrooms for 2024

A dozen new showrooms debuted at NeoCon 2024 including ergoCentric, Fōmcore, Nurus, Akouo Acoustics and Nevins. This year was also marked by a strong international presence. Estonian manufacturer Silen OÜ, Belgian brand Bulo, Croatian brand Prostoria, and Swedish company Mizetto unveiled new spaces, all having chosen The Mart for their permanent flagship locations in the U.S. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore several newly expanded showrooms this year, including Kettal, Arcadia, Innovant, and Ghent, a GMi Company.

Seventh Floor: Workplace Solutions

With over 200 exhibitors on the 7th floor alone, there was much to explore. This year there was a strong focus on tech, flexible furniture, sustainable materials, as well as a proliferation of acoustic solutions for the future focused workplace. A great resource for discovering emerging and notable new brands, 7th floor exhibitors included both domestic and international companies. The Climate Positive Solutions Gallery showcased low-carbon and carbon-negative materials and related technologies that meet the demands of commercial specification without sacrificing design, durability or budget. Likewise, interiors + sources’ Climate Connect Corner featured environmentally-responsible products, projects, and continuing education solutions. 

Programming for 2024

On the programming side, Gensler’s Global Entertainment Leader, Bob Weis headlined Monday’s keynote presentation, delving into how designers can transform commercial environments into truly memorable experiences that spark emotion. On Tuesday, attendees enjoyed sitting in on an inspiring “fireside chat” with British-Nigerian Multi-Disciplinary Artist and Designer, Yinka Ilori, in conversation with ASID CEO Khoi Vo and IIDA EVP/CEO Cheryl Durst about how design can celebrate cultural identities and elevate the individual while unifying the masses. On Wednesday, two-time Academy Award-winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter captivated audiences as she shared how she crafts narratives through the building of immersive worlds. Special featured presentations covered specific topics in more detail—from diversity in practice to how generative AI is changing design. On-site and virtual CEUs, tactical workshops and talks rounded out the expansive and diverse educational offering. 

Best of NeoCon

Widely regarded as the leading awards program for the commercial interior design industry, the 34th edition of Best of NeoCon was another highlight of this year’s show. Honoring trailblazing solutions, a total of 126 awards were bestowed upon exhibitors at a festive breakfast gathering on the first day of NeoCon. Selected by a distinguished group of 53 architects, designers, specifiers, enterprise clients, facility managers, and top business media, the winners spanned 50 categories and designations for Gold, Silver, Sustainability, Innovation, Business Impact, and Best of Competition.

• Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering’s colorful collaboration with Yinka Ilori received the coveted distinction of Best of Competition—marking the first time a product in the Wall Treatments and Textiles category took home the top honors.
• The Business Impact awards recognize outstanding solutions from an enterprise-oriented perspective. 
• This year’s winning products were Ally by OFS; Unity Table Collection by Mantra Inspired Furniture; Circon by Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering; Smart Pod Product Family by Framery; Silen Space 1.5 by Silen OÜ; Folding Surfaces Table by HOWE; Vox Community by nienkämper; Edison Workbench by Watson Furniture Group; Ambi by Stylex; and 4SPACE Fronts by Haworth.
• Additional big winners this year were Andreu World with nine awards, and Haworth, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, and Davis Furniture taking home seven awards each. 

Interactive Installations

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore interactive and informative installations, including the “Emerging Design: Sensory Experience Lounge.” Created in partnership with Pratt Institute’s Creative Xchange, the multi-sensory installation featured immersive spaces developed by Pratt Institute students and faculty, directed by Professor and Object Agency (O|A) founder Jon Otis. Metropolis’ Sustainability Lab on the 11th floor provided another opportunity to view sustainable products and engage in meaningful discourse around ethical and sustainable sourcing and production, as did Mindful Materials’ Impact Area on the first floor.

“From our insightful cross-disciplinary conference program to the business being conducted across the show floors, this year’s NeoCon was exceptionally productive and positive,” comments Byron Morton, VP and Co-Head of Leasing at The Mart. “Our layout and amenities, the opportunity to discover exciting new brands, alongside a full schedule of events and education—and all under one roof—is an unparalleled offering. NeoCon allows attendees to accomplish their goals, while also enjoying the invaluable spontaneous connections and moments of inspiration that are sparked at the show.” 

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