NeoCon returns to Chicago June 11 to 13 for its 44th year with a line-up of show components developed to educate, inspire and engage the design world.

CHICAGO, IL -- NeoCon, North America’s largest contract furnishings trade show, returns June 11 to 13 to Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for its 44th year with an expertly crafted line-up of show components developed to educate, inspire and engage the design world. “With more than 40,000 expected attendees, 120 CEU-accredited seminars, thousands of new products from more than 700 of the world’s top manufacturers, and perhaps the most impressive line-up of keynote speakers to date, NeoCon 2012 promises three days of pure energy bursting with new innovations, resources and networking opportunities,” show organizers say.

Further, organizers of NeoCon say they have lined up four top speakers including Richard M. Daley, former Mayor of the City of Chicago; Primo Orpilla, Principal of Studio O+A; Gary Lee, Principal of Gary Lee Partners; and Ian Schrager of Ian Schrager Company. Keynote programs are free to attend, open to trade professionals only, and merit 0.1 CEU credit.

Continuing education and professional development have always been an integral component of NeoCon. This year’s conference schedule includes 120 CEU-accredited seminars and industry association forums, giving trade professionals the opportunity to discover the newest trends and techniques from some of the top-names in the industry. This year, NeoCon is pleased to offer a full-day workshop that will provide a comprehensive overview of LEED, and is designed to prepare individuals to pass the introductory LEED credentialing exam, LEED Green Associate. The workshop will be presented on Sunday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be presented by Michelle Cottrell, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C, O+M, ID+C, Vice President & Director of Education at Green Education Services, and author ofGuide to the LEED® Green Associate Exam(Wiley, 2010).

For more information and a complete listing of events, educational sessions, tours, association forums, criteria for Best of NeoCon® (BON) submissions, and more, visit:www.neocon.com.