2012 Keynotes
Every year, NeoCon offers exceptional keynote presentations that will leave you inspired! From famous designers and architects to business leaders, authors and visionaries from across the world, NeoCon keynotes represent the best in the business! Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, all NeoCon Keynotes are FREE to attend.
Click here to register for a NeoCon Keynote Program.
Richard M. Daley
Former Mayor of Chicago and leading innovator in urban development
Monday, June 11
8 a.m.
Fee: None
The longest-serving mayor in Chicago’s history, Richard M. Daley has earned an international reputation as an innovator in urban development, fiscal policy and government stewardship. As mayor, Mr. Daley enhanced Chicago’s quality of life, improved the public school system and infrastructure, strengthened the economy, reduced crime, improved transportation, and made Chicago one of the most environmentally-friendly cities in the world. During his 22-year tenure, Chicago became a prominent player in the 21st century global economy, now ranking among the top economic centers and most influential cities worldwide. Mr. Daley is Of Counsel to the International law firm, Katten Muchin Rosenman, and continues to speak internationally on sustainable urban development and work with global leaders on building the cities of tomorrow.
Sponsored by: |
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Primo Orpilla & Verda Alexander
Founders of Studio O+A and distinguished “Designers of the Year 2011”
Tuesday, June 12
8 a.m.
Fee: None
Primo Orpilla and Verda Alexander co-founded Studio O+A in 1991 because they recognized the need for a design firm in the Bay Area with the ability to respond to dynamic changes in the local tech-based economy. Orpilla and Alexander believe design should always reflect the client’s philosophy, sensibilities and story. With this in mind, the duo focuses on transforming the way people work and live as more successful spaces encourage collaboration, playfulness and inspiration. Their remarkably diverse client roster includes technology and communications firms, financial institutions, government agencies, developers, non-profit entities, and multi-national corporations. Since its inception in 1991, O+A has directed design and construction for millions of square feet of space throughout the United States. Most recently, the duo was named “Designers of the Year” by Contract magazine.
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Gary Lee
Principal of Gary Lee partners and interior design visionary
Tuesday, June 12
1 p.m.
Fee: None
Gary Lee, President of Gary Lee Partners, is an interior design visionary who has earned accolades and rewards including the prestigious Interiors Designer of the Year and membership in the highly selective Interior Design Hall of Fame. With his innate ability to communicate a vision for projects, Lee begins the design process with a sense of how the environment will function for the client’s business, how the space will feel, and in planning that considers rhythm and volume before style. A pillar of the design community, Lee is equally respected by the clients who often return with multiple assignments and by a loyal team of collaborators who have worked closely with him for years. Gary Lee Partners celebrated the opening of Atelier Gary Lee, a new multi-line showroom in Chicago's Merchandise Mart in January 2012, which features his private-label furniture and other classic contemporary pieces.
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Ian Schrager
Renowned creator of the boutique hotel concept
Wednesday, June 13
12 noon
Fee: None
Ian Schrager, creator of the boutique hotel concept, has achieved international recognition for concepts that have revolutionized both the entertainment and hospitality industries. His passionate commitment to the modern lifestyle has been expressed through a series of pioneering concepts: The hotel as home away from home, the hotel as a theater, "cheap chic", "lobby socializing", the indoor/outdoor lobby, the urban resort, and the urban spa. His revolutionary boutique hotel concept has brought him international recognition for his one-of-a-kind “urban resorts” such as the Delano Hotel in Miami, Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood and the newly minted PUBLIC Hotel in Chicago. Schrager’s keen instincts for the mood and feel of popular culture were honed during the70's and 80's, when he and his late business partner, Steve Rubell, created the legendary Studio 54 and Palladium nightclubs. They soon turned their attention to the hotel business opening Morgans Hotel Group in 1984, setting their sights on revolutionizing the hospitality industry. In 2005, Schrager sold Morgans Hotel Group, a company he founded, to create Ian Schrager Company which owns, develops and manages hotels, residential and mixed use projects. He is currently working on launching two new hotel brands in various 24 hour gateway cities around the world.
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