Interactive installations and immersive experiences come alive throughout both the interior and exterior of The Mart during NeoCon. Attendees can engage with cutting-edge designs, take part in hands-on demonstrations, and discover the latest innovations in technology and design. Explore this year’s featured activations below, with additional dynamic experiences to be unveiled soon.
7th Floor Exhibit Hall
Designed by Charlie Green Design Studio, Collab Space: Half Light is a new multibrand, designer-curated environment inspired by the Chicago Henge - a rare moment when sunset aligns perfectly with the city’s architecture. The space invites discovery, connection, and the experience of products in context. Through a thoughtful integration of materiality, color, and product, the environment creates a cohesive setting that showcases each brand within a unified design narrative. Featured brands include:
Allseating, Focal Point Lights, KI, Kriskadecor, Mohawk Group, Paul Brayton Designs, ROOM (an OFS company), and Simii Design.
South Facade, The Mart
LOVE LANGUAGE
Art is our first language, an elemental expression that predates the written word. It begins in personal resonance and expands outward, connecting colleagues, friends, neighbors, cities, and the world beyond. Across distances and differences, we communicate through gestures, forms, and shared curiosity, guided always by purpose.
Why? To grow. To affirm one another. To remember that we belong to something larger than ourselves. To be human is to create with intention and to shape the world.
There is a force within this exchange that cannot be measured, yet is unmistakably real. Like gravity of the spirit, love moves beyond dimension and distance. It connects what is separated and gives meaning to what we choose to create.
At its essence this is our Love Language.
Runs nightly starting June 4, 9-9:30pm
About HDR:
We design to elevate the human spirit and shape environments that ignite possibility, connection, and renewal. By uniting multidisciplinary expertise with research, technology, and bold design thinking, we deliver projects that redefine what architecture can achieve for people, communities, and the planet. Guided by a regenerative ethos, we design places that restore ecological systems, advance human well‑being, and deliver enduring, measurable impact.
Floor 1, Suite 145
For the first time, experience the bold and integrated portfolio from Armstrong World Industries. See innovation come together in one immersive experience with Turf®, 3form®, Zahner®, Arktura®, BŌK Modern®, Eventscape, Geometrik, Móz™, and Parallel. Discover how the Armstrong portfolio empowers ambitious ideas, enabling creativity to come alive with integrity.
Curated by Associative Design, this exhibition presents Portuguese design within thoughtfully composed spatial settings. Bringing together designers and brands, it highlights innovation, material quality, and craftsmanship. Through integrated environments, the showcase demonstrates how contemporary Portuguese design shapes functional, aesthetic, and adaptable spaces for today’s evolving interiors market.
Floor 7, 7-10098
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association continues to be the industry source for furniture standards and programs supporting Manufacturers, Suppliers, Specifiers and Buyers. Visit the BIFMA Lounge and meet the team to learn more:
Floor 11, Suite 1120
DesignScene by SANDOW is back for another NeoCon! INTERIOR DESIGN celebrates by bringing their favorite brands and emerging designers together to create immersive, educational, and meaningful experiences. Attendees are able to pop into the space for a sneak peek of INTERIOR DESIGN's Show Daily being produced LIVE and get a glimpse of any number of industry roundtables with top industry leaders and specifying designers attending their first NeoCon discussing the future of design.
Floor 10, Suite 1035
Children instinctively turn the sky into a canvas. They spot creatures in clouds, invent worlds overhead, and trust their own interpretations.
Sky Stories invites NeoCon visitors to step into that instinctive act of imagination. By embracing storytelling, wonder, and open‑ended thinking, Sky Stories affirms Project Color Corps’ belief that creativity and color can reshape communities from the ground up.
Floor 1, East Pass-Through
Step into KFI Studios’ pop-up lounge, designed to inspire curiosity and creative thinking. Explore our new products as the space encourages visitors to pause, reflect, and see how furniture supports connection and playful exploration in workplace design.
Floor 7, 7-5077
Material choices matter. Every successful commercial project begins with selecting materials and components that meet your demands for performance, sustainability, and budget—without sacrificing your design goals. Material Intelligence is curating an experiential, educational installation where you’ll be able to see and handle a wide range of materials, finishes, and components currently used in top commercial projects. You’ll also find answers to your challenges and inspiration for your projects from the materials experts staffing our space.
Floor 11, Suite 1112
The METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab at NeoCon is an immersive exhibit and dynamic hub designed to inspire and empower attendees to drive positive change for people and the planet. This vibrant space showcases the latest innovations, pioneering initiatives, and essential resources to support and elevate sustainable design practices.
Floor 11, Suite 1110
The NeoCon Podcast Lounge is back! A lineup of SURROUND Podcast Network shows were recorded for a live audience throughout the three days of NeoCon. Attendees got to meet the hosts, enjoy exciting giveaways, and take part in exclusive hospitality. Sponsored by: Unika Vaev
Floor 1, Suite 121 and South Lobby
Paved States x Design Lab expands its footprint to take over THE MART lobby with workshops and panels, bringing together emerging designers from North America. Jointly curated by Patricia Urquiola and Chris Force, this year the exhibition evolves into both a retail and apartment-style environment anchored by a listening room, blurring the lines between gallery, exhibition, and concept store.
The Mart
NeoCon attendees can enjoy the outdoors along the Chicago River and connect with colleagues over lunch or drinks from Marshall’s Landing at The Mart's River Park, presented by Haworth.
Floor 1, Suite 137
Open during NeoCon through September 2026, THE SHOWHOUSE @ THE MART brings together a world-class selection of luxury kitchen, bath and fine furnishings. Illustration by Kristine Steiner.
Floor 1, North Corridor - Orleans
It’s not just another chair - Recharge in the Recovery Chair featuring neuro-sonic vibration. Or experience the versatility of Hushfree XM for collaboration and focused work. Then head to the Thinkspace showroom on Floor 10 for a complimentary chair massage and beverage. Relax. Focus. Thinkspace.
NeoCon Freight Elevators
Turf is once again taking over The Mart's freight elevators on June 8-9 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Take a ride (and a dance break) on Freight 22.
