Chicago, IL -- NeoCon, held June 11to 13, 2018 at The Mart in Chicago, rang in a historic 50 years as the leading platform for commercial design, serving as an incubator and catalyst for the future of the industry. This year’s event further established itself as a launch pad for innovation and thought-leadership. Record attendance and increased volume over the duration of the show underscored exactly how important this annual gathering is for members of the industry to come together and share, learn and inspire one another.
Breakthroughs in the fields of sustainability, materiality, integrated technology and acoustical performance were some of the top trends seen throughout the show. An overall commitment to a softer, more comfort-based approach to workspace design was evident. The movement was further solidified by exciting announcements including Herman Miller’s acquisition of contemporary Danish furniture brand, Hay and Steelcase and West Elm’s partnership—set to provide a more expansive array of workplace furniture. A marked yet diverse focus on wellbeing in the workplace also took center stage. From privacy solutions to biophilic design, workplace solutions exhibited a people-centric approach.