Experiences and Activations

Launching during NeoCon, ART on THE MART will present a new immersive commission by the British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, in partnership with Momentum Textiles + Wallcovering, exploring memories and mindfulness. During NeoCon, Ilori will also debut a new line of textiles together with Momentum Textiles + Wallcovering as well as serve as the Tuesday Keynote. The projection runs at 9pm and 9:30pm nightly, starting June 6.

The Climate Positive Solutions Gallery showcases low-carbon and carbon-negative materials and related technologies that meet the demands of commercial specification without sacrificing design, durability or budgets. Journalist and CEU content creator Kenn Busch has invited leading suppliers to NeoCon to share their latest innovations and expertise with specifiers working to truly move the needle on climate change and sustainability. Guided tours of the gallery will be available on request. Come anytime! Curated by Material Intelligence and Climate Positive NOW. Learn more

DesignScene by SANDOW is back for another NeoCon! Interior Design will be celebrating by bringing our favorite brands and emerging designers together to create immersive, educational, and meaningful experiences. 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.

Take part of the best scene that is all about community and celebrating what we do best!

NeoCon will be presenting a new installation spotlighting emerging designers and curated by Jon Otis, Pratt Institute professor and Principal & Creative Director of Object Agency (OIA). Emerging Design will showcase the perspectives of student designers, ensuring the future of design is both celebrated and nurtured. Stay tuned as details unfold!

Haworth is sponsoring the lobby at THE MART again this year, with more products on display than ever before. It is designed as a third place, complete with ancillary furnishings that demonstrate the broad range of our portfolio and brands. Inspiration came from the lobby of the new Six Senses hotel in Rome, designed by Patricia Urquiola. The inviting space is filled with plants for a biophilic effect that draws people in.

Immerse yourself in the inviting ambiance of the KFI Studios lounge, a perfect place for conversations with colleagues or a quiet moment of downtime. Experience our new Dotti lounge and Conversa modular collections, along with the Juna outdoor collection. For even more KFI Studios, visit our 3rd floor showroom.

Embark on a transformative journey at METROPOLIS's Sustainability Lab during NeoCon – an immersive exhibit and hub dedicated to empowering you to make a positive impact on both people and the planet. Dive into the latest innovations, explore cutting-edge initiatives, and access valuable resources to advance your work in sustainable design. Immerse yourself in captivating installations and enlightening workshops that will keep you on the leading edge of sustainable design practices. Your journey towards a more sustainable future begins here – seize the opportunity to make a difference with us!

As a designer, you wield immense influence over environments, behaviors, and the world we inhabit. Every material you select has a ripple effect - ensure it’s positive. Visit mindful MATERIALS’ activation, made possible by Material Bank, on the Mart’s first floor to discover sustainable products and a common framework to evaluate them.

Elevate your NeoCon experience and visit My Resource Library’s showroom. From top-tier manufacturers fused with innovative designs, we’ve curated an inspiring space just for you. Take a break from the hustle and bustle, recharge your creativity and explore the latest MRL has to offer. From manufacturers to design students, MRL is the ultimate destination for fresh ideas and industry connections.

NeoCon will once again host a live podcast studio, in partnership with SURROUND, a podcast network from SANDOW Design Group, featuring the best architecture and design-driven shows. A lineup of shows will be recorded on the first floor of THE MART for all attendees to see throughout the three days of NeoCon. Visit the Podcast Studio and meet podcast hosts and participate in exciting giveaways and hospitality throughout the show.

This Podcast Studio is sponsored by SnapCab.

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.

SnapCab’s pod systems empower designers by giving them back control with unlocked designs. Every workspace is unique, and ensuring every inch is optimized is key to effective space use. Our made-to-order pod systems are a collaborative effort, ensuring seamless integration into a space and alignment with the designer’s vision and the needs of its users. Come see for yourself at our 7th-floor booth (7-5086) and at our unveiling of the winning design from our “Space To Be You” pod design contest on the 1st floor. There, you can also witness industry leaders discussing cutting-edge ideas in Sandow’s Surround Podcast network recording pod.

Experience the dramatic 20’ Ocean Master MEGA MAX Voilare parasol, featuring an intricate design of strength and grace that is as majestic beneath the canopy as it is from afar. Continue the journey of wonder into Tuuci’s showroom, #1419, to explore new, innovative designs in parasols, cabanas, furniture and space-making accessories.

Get inspired at the Textile & Coverings Gallery! Discover something new in an imaginative showcase featuring a selection of textiles & wallcoverings from showrooms at THE MART. With hundreds of brands and thousands of styles throughout the building, an exhibit of what’s new and vibrant together in one place ensures you won’t miss a thing. Display tags easily direct to the showroom source. Located in Suite 1054A.