NeoCon East, the commercial furnishings exposition in the Mid-Atlantic region for the architecture and design community, will return to the Baltimore Convention Center for its ninth year with a special focus on showcasing products for the federal design community. More than 7,000 industry professionals will attend the show Nov. 2-3 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

“NeoCon East has grown tremendously since it was launched in 2003, which is an indication of how important the federal government has become to many manufacturers,” said Mark Falanga, president and CEO, MMPI. “This central location in the Mid-Atlantic region is ideal for designers, contractors and government procurement officers to explore new products, meet top manufacturers and glean valuable insights from the expansive educational tracks.”

Attendees at the show can see next generation products and resources in the areas of architectural and building products, furniture, seating, flooring, casegoods, ceramic tile, sustainable products, textiles and technology. Additionally, show organizers have lined up two keynote speakers: Victor Olgyay, AIA, principal architect, Rocky Mountain Institute, and Jhane Barnes, renowned men’s fashion designer for more than 30 years.

A principal architect directing Rocky Mountain Institute’s buildings practice, Olgyay leads an initiative to encourage the widespread adoption of comprehensive building energy retrofits resulting in energy savings of at least 50 percent. He is currently researching ecological restoration and ecosystem services as criteria for green building assessment. His keynote will take place Wed., Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. in the theater on the show floor.

Barnes is a men’s fashion icon whose innovation in contract and interior textiles, carpeting, eyewear, and office furniture have earned her industry-wide recognition. Jhane’s carpets, upholstery, and furniture appear in the offices of such high-profile companies as Google, Delta Air Lines, and SONY. Her presentation will take place Thurs., Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. in the theater on the show floor.

NeoCon East will also offer more than 30 seminars organized into 12 specialty tracks. More than 50 speakers will address a range of important topics in the 12 tracks including: Office Design, Facilities Management, Facilities Construction/Renovation, Green Design, Government Interiors and Services, Healthcare & Senior Housing, Health, Safety & Welfare, Hospitality, Institutional, Lighting, Professional Development and Residential.   

Visit www.neoconeast.com for a complete listing of tours, association forums and special events.