About NeoCon
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and the most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. A launch pad for innovation—NeoCon offers ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.
The conference features the industry’s major manufacturers and emerging firms, showcasing new products and services. Design professionals representing all markets flock to Chicago to connect, learn, and do business.
Here is JLA’s take on NeoCon 2024…
“The convergence of so many talented designers and enthusiasts under one roof was incredibly inspiring. The symphony of ideas, dialogues, and encounters illuminated the profound evolution from conventional spatial paradigms to the dynamic possibilities of modular design.”
-Suzi

Suzi Tatikonda, Senior Project Specialist:
NeoCon 2024 has truly been a highlight of my career as a designer.
What struck me significantly was the industry’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, evident in every facet of the convention. Each product line not only showcased innovation but also espoused eco-conscious initiatives, underscoring a collective shift towards greener design practices.
Day One at THE MART provided a stage for awe-inspiring displays from Patcraft and Momentum Commercial Textiles and Wall Coverings. Patcraft’s “WASTE KNOT” product was a testament to ingenious design, where the visual dynamism of the tile belied its tactile resemblance to traditional LVT (luxury vinyl tile), embodying both aesthetic allure and sustainable ethos. Momentum’s showroom, a recipient of multiple accolades, epitomized the transformative power of design. Yinka Ilori, artist and designer, emerged as a central figure this season, reshaping perceptions of professional spaces with his innovative approach. I’m drawn to designers who integrate their cultural heritage into architectural narratives.
Zintra‘s bold demonstration of their acoustic products in a bustling corridor showcased their effectiveness in noise reduction without compromising aesthetic appeal. The introduction of playful mesh baffles hinted at a new trend in design freedom.
Day Two at Fulton Market offered a more relaxed setting, with showrooms like Miller Knoll showcasing legacy furniture reimagined with modern hues and fabrics. HBF Textiles stood out with their vibrant palette, illustrating how colors can breathe life into space.



We explored essential features like phone booths and podcast rooms, now integral in many project briefs. Witnessing lactation/wellness rooms, showed the need for reevaluating comfort standards within code requirements. Break rooms were not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed to encourage users to step away from their desks, pop open a soda, and engage with their surroundings.
Reflecting on NeoCon 2024, I am reminded of materials behaving atypically, LVTs that challenge perceptions, ergonomic furniture innovations, and fabrics that weave compelling narratives. It was an event where creativity flowed freely, fueled by water breaks, maps in hand, and a rush of dopamine.

Emili Spencer, Senior Interior Designer:
NeoCon 2024 was an exhilarating and inspiring experience. I spent Day One exploring the Merchandise Mart and on Tuesday, I headed to Fulton Market for “Design Days” where manufacturers have moved their showrooms. Both venues showcased the latest workplace trends in furniture and architectural walls. I was particularly impressed with the diverse offerings with architectural walls, and the attention to acoustics. I am eager to explore these products more and share them with our clients.
Among the standout features were the innovative lactation/wellness rooms, reflecting a growing emphasis on inclusivity and well-being in workplace design. My personal highlight was the visit to Momentum Commercial Textiles & Wallcovering. Their showroom not only impressed with its design but also garnered numerous awards, showcasing their exceptional collaboration with Yinka Ilori.
NeoCon 2024 was a colorful tapestry of innovation and creativity, offering a taste of the future of design.




Sixto Villegas, Senior Design Architect:
My Neocon 2024 day started with a tour of the newly renovated DIRTT showroom. While I was already familiar with the company, the tour proved enlightening. DIRTT has made impressive advancements in creating a versatile system tailored not only for the medical sector but also for all other users.
After the tour I made my way to Fulton Market Square, where most of the bigger manufacturers have established their showrooms. This tour had a hidden experience as its design prioritizes pedestrian-friendly spaces over vehicular traffic—a concept I’ve been integrating into a few of my masterplans.
The day finished with an exploration of several floors at the Merchandise Mart, where I immersed myself in a multitude of manufacturers’ offerings. The sheer number of products on display was amazing, but admittedly, a little overwhelming.



Overall, NeoCon 2024 resonated deeply with each team member, highlighting sustainability, innovation, and the evolving landscape of workplace design. Our team’s experiences at the conference have not only fueled their passion for design but also broadened their perspective on the possibilities within the industry. NeoCon 2024 was not just a convention; it was a transformative journey into the forefront of design innovation, and we cannot wait to use the experiences to serve our clients.