Header: NeoCon
With only one month to go until the design world descends upon Chicago, the final plans for the 57th edition of NeoCon are snapping into place. From 8-10 June 2026, THE MART will transform into a sprawling hub for the commercial design industry, covering 4.2 million square feet of innovation. Under the banner “Where Design Connects,” the event explores the links between people, products, and the ideas that shape our workplaces and public spaces.
A head start with Preview Day
For the first time, the schedule kicks off early. On Sunday, 7 June, a new Preview Day runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, giving visitors a chance to explore the exhibition floors and get a head start on the crowds. This early access is a response to the sheer scale of the event, allowing more time for the 50,000 expected professionals to engage with over 400 exhibitors across seven floors.
Shining a light on innovation
A major addition for 2026 is Illuminate at NeoCon, a specialised show-within-a-show on the 7th floor. It features more than 50 global brands and focuses on the vital role lighting plays in our well-being and productivity. Rather than just looking at fixtures, visitors can explore experiential vignettes and attend talks on the “Spotlight” stage covering topics like circadian health and how digital environments adapt to our needs.
Nearby, a hospitality-focused installation called NeoCon Collab: Half Light offers a massive 2,800-square-foot space to relax. Designed by Charlie Greene Studio, it was inspired by “Chicagohenge”, the moment the sun aligns perfectly with the city’s streets, and brings together ten different brands into one collective experience.
Keynote speakers and new perspectives
The 2026 programme brings together three very different voices to open each day of the show, starting with inventor and entrepreneur Jessica O. Matthews. As the founder of O. Labs, Matthews will deliver a talk titled “Find Your Fight,” where she examines how the most transformative breakthroughs happen when the stakes are personal. Drawing on her experience reimagining energy infrastructure for equity, she will explain how “purpose-driven pressure” can be a tool for innovation, encouraging designers to rethink who they are creating for and how to turn personal motivation into meaningful impact.
The conversation shifts on the second day as Nick Foster, a former Head of Design at Google X and a Royal Designer for Industry, challenges the audience to rethink the future. Through his “Future Mundane” philosophy, Foster argues against seeing the future as a distant or abstract concept, instead reframing it as a direct extension of our current lives. He aims to provide a moment of intentional pause, giving the design community the tools to become better critics and creators who can navigate uncertainty with more clarity and human-focused purpose.
Finally, cultural strategist David “Shingy” Shing will close the event by looking at how we can keep design relevant in a world of rapid-fire change. Formerly known as AOL’s “Digital Prophet,” Shingy will decode the cultural signals that redefine how we live and work alongside exponential technology. His session focuses on building “creative readiness,” helping leaders and designers evolve with new tools while protecting the human core that gives design its actual value.
Immersive experiences across the Mart
The 2026 event is full of interactive moments that go beyond the traditional showroom. On the first floor, the Paved States x DesignLab gallery, curated by Patricia Urquiola and Chris Force, mixes retail and residential styles to show how the lines between home and work are blurring. For those who need a bit of energy, the Turf Elevator Experience returns, turning the building’s freight elevators into a moving party with live DJs.Outside, the building itself becomes art. Art on The Mart will feature a projection called LOVE LANGUAGE on the south facade, exploring how art works as a universal way to communicate. If the weather is fine, the River Park by the water provides a space for outdoor meetings and food throughout the three days.
Learning on the go: Workshops and talks
Beyond the big stage, the fair offers a range of ways to learn. NeoCon Talks, held in partnership with Design Milk, are quick, 20-minute sessions on the 7th floor that offer fast insights from rising leaders. For those who want to get their hands dirty, the on-site workshops offer two hours of interactive, practical learning.
There is also a huge digital side to the event. Many of the CEU (Continuing Education Unit) sessions are being recorded so they can be watched later on the NeoCon Learning Hub. This means if you miss a live talk about sustainability or wellness technology while exploring the showrooms, you can catch up until the end of the year.
Who you’ll meet on the floor
With over 400 companies exhibiting, the variety is wide. You’ll find the latest office furniture, high-performance flooring, and acoustic solutions from both big names and new start-ups. Brands such as Spoonflower and Lintex have previously used the platform to show how even the most functional tools benefit from creative design. The 7th floor remains the place to spot “what’s next,” as it often hosts the smaller, more disruptive brands that eventually become industry staples.
Networking and after-hours
The social side of the industry remains a huge draw. The Sunday evening features the Interior Design HiP Awards and the IIDA Revel in Design celebration. On Monday morning, the Best of NeoCon Awards will be announced, featuring new categories specifically for the lighting brands in the Illuminate section. Tuesday evening offers the Happy Together Hour at River Park, a chance to chat over drinks and live music by the Chicago River.
Event details
Dates: 8–10 June 2026 (Preview Day: 7 June, 12:00–4:00 PM)
Location: THE MART, Chicago, IL
Theme: Where Design Connects
Exhibitors: Over 400 companies across 7 floors
New Features: Illuminate at NeoCon (7th floor), NeoCon Collab: Half Light, and the NeoCon Podcast Lounge (11th floor)
Registration: Full schedule and registration available at NeoCon.com
