NeoCon Chicago

Since its founding in 1969, NeoCon (short for National Exposition of Contract Furnishings) has been the leading trade fair for commercial interior design and space planning—a key platform for anyone shaping the future of designed living and working environments. Held annually at the iconic Merchandise Mart in Chicago, it attracts over 50,000 design professionals each year. The event is organized by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., a subsidiary of the real estate firm Vornado Realty Trust. NeoCon brings together professionals from around the world and drives innovation in sustainability, creative spatial concepts, and forward-thinking design.

Recognized globally as a showcase for visionary design, NeoCon covers a wide range of topics—from office and educational spaces to healthcare facilities and public environments. At its core are product innovations, impactful keynote presentations, and in-depth discussions on current trends, emerging technologies, and societal shifts in commercial design. Each year, more than 450 exhibitors—from established market leaders to emerging brands—unveil a diverse array of new products and solutions, including furniture, flooring, textiles, lighting, wall coverings, acoustic systems, smart building technologies, and sustainable materials.

Yet NeoCon is more than just a product exhibition. Its curated conference program transforms it into an interdisciplinary forum for designers, architects, planners, manufacturers, and facility managers. Topics such as inclusive design, neurodiversity-friendly workplaces, sustainable material strategies, and the digital transformation of interiors give the event depth and relevance. A standout feature is the METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab—an immersive experience space that demonstrates how responsible design can empower both people and the planet.

The diversity of NeoCon's attendees reflects the broad spectrum of industries represented. In addition to interior designers and architects, the audience includes key decision-makers from education, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and public administration. The fair offers not only the latest information and solutions but also a unique network for exchange and collaboration.

The Merchandise Mart itself—an architectural landmark on the banks of the Chicago River—is more than just a venue; it is a symbol of the significance of design and innovation in the United States. Centrally located in downtown Chicago, it is easily accessible—whether by public transit, on foot, by bike, or via the city’s major airports, O’Hare and Midway.

Whether seasoned professionals or new trailblazers, NeoCon offers a focused, annual platform for ideas, products, and visions that shape a functional, aesthetic, and future-ready built environment. For anyone aiming not just to design, but to transform commercial spaces, NeoCon is an unmissable event.

The NeoCon will take place on 3 days from Monday, 08. June to Wednesday, 10. June 2026 in Chicago.