NeoCon 2025, the commercial design industry's premier trade show, concluded its 56th edition at The Mart in Chicago on June 11, drawing nearly 50,000 design professionals from around the world over three days, a slight decrease from 2024's attendance of more than 50,000.

The event featured more than 450 exhibiting brands showcasing solutions across workplace, education, healthcare, retail, and hospitality sectors. The Mart saw significant growth with over 175,000 square feet of new leasing activity, including major showroom expansions and new permanent installations.

This year's show emphasized human-centered innovation with particular attention to circularity, neuro-inclusion, biophilia, and smart sustainability. Notable trends included soft organic forms, soothing color palettes (including a return of seafoam green), and emotionally intelligent design elements.

The 35th annual Best of NeoCon Awards recognized 96 products across 40+ categories. 

Standing-room-only keynotes featured Annie Jean-Baptiste on global inclusive design, Alice Rawsthorn on design as social progress, and Shazam founder Chris Barton on bringing impossible ideas to life. CEU credits were available both on-site and virtually.

The 57th edition of NeoCon is scheduled for June 8-10, 2026, at The Mart in Chicago. Virtual CEU sessions and keynote recordings remain available through October 1 at neocon.com.

The event reinforced Chicago's position as a global hub for commercial design innovation, with industry leaders praising the show's energy, networking opportunities, and showcase of cutting-edge solutions addressing modern workplace challenges.