Events
NeoCon offered no shortage of opportunities to celebrate. From networking happy hours to annual galas and award ceremonies, the show’s robust event schedule sparked collaboration and fostered meaningful connections.
2026 Events
INTERIOR DESIGN's HiP Awards + Party
Marshall's Landing, The Mart
INTERIOR DESIGN hosted an unforgettable evening at the 13th annual HiP Awards, where Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen will recognize excellence and innovation in commercial design at NeoCon 2026. Kicking off the show on Sunday evening, winning designers and manufacturers received their awards at the exclusive ceremony. Invite only.
Revel in Design, IIDA's Premier Design Celebration
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Revel in Design was hosted by IIDA EVP and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA and featured prominent international interior designers and global design manufacturers gathering to celebrate the design industry. The evening of powerhouse networking, delectable dining, and revelry honored the winners of two of the most prestigious design competitions in the interior design profession — the esteemed Interior Design Competition and the Will Ching Design Competition — as well as the Best of Chicago Design Week winner.
Best of NeoCon Awards Presentation
Live Stream at the Grand Stair & neocon.com
Held annually since 1990, Best of NeoCon is the official awards program for NeoCon, honoring outstanding new products from NeoCon exhibiting companies.
Best of NeoCon 2026 featured entries in product categories evaluated by a diverse jury of leading architects, designers, specifiers and facility managers with expertise spanning commercial, healthcare, institutional and hospitality sectors.
Monday Morning “Sunrise” Espresso Bar + Pastries
Floor 7, NeoCon Collab
Attendees started the day inside NeoCon Collab: Half-Light with complimentary coffee, pastries, and conversation in a thoughtfully curated environment inspired by the phenomenon of Chicago Henge. Hosted by Mohawk Group, this morning gathering invited attendees to connect, recharge, and experience products in context within the immersive multi-brand space.
Monday Afternoon “Golden Hour” Drinks + Light Bites
Floor 7, NeoCon Collab
Attendees celebrated the energy of NeoCon with an afternoon gathering inspired by the warm glow of “golden hour.” Complimentary drinks and light bites were provided from Focal Point, while experiencing NeoCon Collab: Half-Light — a layered environment where lighting, materiality, and product come together to spark discovery and connection.
Paved States X DesignLab Cocktail Reception
The Mart
Sixtysix Magazine and Haworth hosted an exclusive cocktail reception celebrating the Paved States X Design Lab exhibition at NeoCon in The Mart.
In collaboration with Haworth and Studio Urquiola, Paved States evolved from last year's concept store into a lived-in apartment-style experience anchored by a specially built sound room. Visitors will be invited to browse, touch, and explore a hybrid environment - part gallery, part exhibition, part retail space .
Attendees mingled with designers, discovered curated objects, and experienced the intersection of emerging talent and contemporary design while enjoying drinks and music in a vibrant celebration of creative community.
MRL NeoCon AfterHours Party
Tree House- 149 W Kinzie
Monday night of NeoCon, the MRL NeoCon AfterHours Party returned to Tree House- 149 W Kinzie. Entry required an official MRL wristband. Throughout the day, MRL distributed wristbands at various partner showrooms.
"Start Your Day on 1" Tour
Floor 1, The Mart
Attendees were invited to start their morning with a guided tour of the first-floor showrooms that carry luxury contract grade products!
AFTERNOON OASIS
Floors 6 & 14, The Mart
Attendees were invited to clear their mind and get refreshed for the night ahead. The luxury showrooms on floors 6 & 14 offered natural detox juices, sound bath mediation, and a spa vibe amidst endless custom options for high-end hospitality and office projects.
Tuesday Afternoon “Golden Hour” Drinks + Light Bites
Floor 7, NeoCon Collab
Attendees were invited to unwind with complimentary cocktails and light bites during this relaxed late-afternoon reception hosted by Mohawk Group. Set within the immersive NeoCon Collab: Half-Light installation, the event offered an opportunity to connect with peers while surrounded by a cohesive blend of color, materiality, and design innovation.
Happy Together Hour
River Park, The Mart
Friends and colleagues got together on The Mart's River Park Tuesday after the show and enjoyed complimentary drinks and live music. All NeoCon registrants were welcome!
Sponsored by: INDEAL
Media Partner: officeinsight
Designing a Better Chicago, a NeoCon After Party
Secrist Beach
Designing a Better Chicago celebrated local designers making a difference in communities across Chicago. The Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC), NeoCon, and the Driehaus Foundation hosted an unforgettable awards ceremony that brought together local and national designers to toast another year of visionary design.
Attendees mixed and mingled with fellow innovators and thought-leaders, got an exclusive look at the incredible art in SECRIST | BEACH's transformative gallery space, and joined in the revelry as we announced the recipients of the NeoCon Design Impact Award and Driehaus Built Environment Award.
BIFMA Breakfast
NeoCon Presentation Studio, The Mart
Attendees wrapped up NeoCon at the BIFMA Breakfast—an industry tradition where design leaders gather for networking, meaningful conversations, and forward-thinking presentations. This year’s breakfast was followed by NeoCon’s Wednesday keynote, The Digital Prophet, David "Shingy" Shing. BIFMA Members and NeoCon attendees were welcome to purchase tickets.
