Chicago has solidified its position as a premier destination for commercial flooring professionals seeking the latest trends, networking opportunities, and product innovations. This June, the Windy City will simultaneously host two major design events: NeoCon's 56th edition at The Mart (June 9-11) and the second annual Fulton Market Design Days (June 10-12) in Chicago's dynamic design district.

The convergence of these events prompted official recognition from the city itself. On May 21, the Chicago City Council released a proclamation declaring the second week of June as Chicago Design Week, formally acknowledging the city's status as an international "design epicenter."

The proclamation represents a victory for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and CEO/EVP Cheryl Durst, who spearheaded the long-term effort to secure this recognition. IIDA plays a central role in both Design Days and NeoCon, which run concurrently across Chicago's River North and Fulton Market districts.

Effective for two years, the mayoral proclamation strategically aligns with the timing of both the established NeoCon trade fair and the emerging Fulton Market Design Days festival, cementing Chicago's June design prominence.

NeoCon 2025: Expanding Beyond Showrooms

NeoCon, the premier exhibition for commercial design, continues its evolution from traditional product showcase to immersive experience. This year's event will welcome over 50,000 attendees to The Mart for a robust program that extends well beyond showroom floors.

For flooring professionals, several exhibits merit special attention. The "Material Intelligence: Destination NeoCon" installation (Booth 7-5067) offers a tactile exploration of innovative materials, finishes, and components—perfect for those seeking cutting-edge flooring solutions with insights on durability and sustainability metrics. The Café Lounge by Armstrong Flooring provides both a stylish respite and demonstration space showcasing functional applications.

Sustainability remains central to the commercial design conversation, with the Metropolis Sustainability Lab on floor 11 highlighting products driving positive environmental change. The ReWritten pop-up (Suite 1130) embraces circularity with repurposed furnishings and materials—a growing movement affecting specification decisions across all product categories, including flooring.

A spectacular addition to this year's event is "Currents of Chicago," a breathtaking Art on The Mart projection created by Perkins & Will, one of Chicago’s oldest and distinguished architecture and design firms, that will illuminate the building's massive 2.5-acre south facade. Debuting June 5, this cinematic display celebrates the visible and invisible forces shaping the city, from water and wind to data, infrastructure, and design, set to Chicago house music by West Side producer Aniko Thomas. The nightly show can be viewed from the Chicago Riverwalk and marks the third consecutive year of alignment between Art on The Mart and NeoCon.

Fulton Market Design Days: Chicago's Rising Design Destination

Running concurrently with NeoCon, the second annual Fulton Market Design Days will transform the neighborhood into a design playground. After drawing 40,000 professionals to its inaugural event last year, FMDD returns with an expanded program featuring pop-ups, exhibits, and activations from over 35 leading design brands.

For flooring professionals, this venue is particularly significant as major manufacturers, including J+J Flooring, Milliken, Mohawk Group, and Tarkett, have established showrooms in the district rather than at The Mart. These industry leaders will be showcasing their latest commercial flooring solutions exclusively at Fulton Market Design Days.

The event organizers have prioritized logistics between venues this year, with complimentary shuttles and rickshaws running between The Mart and the Design Days Welcome Center, making it easier to maximize time at both events.

Bridging Two Design Destinations

 The strategic overlap between these events creates a unique opportunity for flooring professionals to experience the industry's full spectrum in a single trip. While NeoCon offers the efficiency of a centralized exhibition, Fulton Market provides direct access to flooring manufacturers who have chosen to establish their presence in this growing design district.

Making the Most of Chicago Design Week

For flooring professionals planning to attend:

1. Register early: Both events require registration at their respective websites: neocon.com and fultonmarketdesigndays.com
2. Prioritize Fulton Market for flooring: With major flooring brands J+J Flooring, Milliken, Mohawk Group, and Tarkett showcasing exclusively at FMDD, allocate sufficient time for these showrooms
3. Schedule strategically: Use Monday to explore NeoCon, Tuesday to bridge both events, and Wednesday to focus on Fulton Market showrooms
4. Leverage transportation options: Take advantage of the complimentary shuttles between venues to maximize time at both locations

Chicago Design Week has evolved beyond a traditional trade show—it's now a multifaceted exploration of the future of commercial design across multiple venues. For flooring professionals navigating specification decisions in an increasingly complex marketplace, these complementary events offer access to products, insights, and connections that will shape commercial interiors for years to come.