Header: NeoCon
As the industry prepares for the 57th edition of NeoCon, held at THE MART from 8-10 June 2026, the focus is firmly on how we link people, products, and ideas. This year, the event introduces a Preview Day on Sunday, 7 June, giving attendees an early look at the 4.2 million square feet of space before the main doors officially open.
Under the theme “Where Design Connects,” the fair will look at the most pressing shifts in the commercial landscape. From the rise of artificial intelligence to the growing need for adaptive, multi-generational spaces, the event aims to show how technology and culture affect our daily well-being. It is a massive undertaking, spreading across seven exhibition floors and welcoming over 50,000 professionals from sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and workplace design.
Lighting takes the lead with Illuminate
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the launch of Illuminate at NeoCon. Recognising that lighting is a fundamental part of any good interior, the organisers have created this new show-within-a-show on the 7th floor. It is designed to be a dedicated hub for architectural, technical, and decorative lighting.
Instead of just standard displays, Illuminate will feature interactive vignettes and installations that show lighting in real-world settings. This helps designers see exactly how different products change the feel and function of a room. Exhibitors like Astro Lighting, Fluxwerx, and Axolight are already lined up to show off their latest work. This section will also have its own expert-led talks and social events, such as happy hours and meet-and-greets, to help manufacturers and designers chat more easily.
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.
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and 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.
2026 Show Dates
- Sunday, June 7: Preview Day 12 pm-4 pm
- Monday, June 8: 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday, June 9: 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday, June 10: 9 am-3 pm
New in 2026: Preview Day, Sunday, June 7, 12-4 pm
Open to all registered NeoCon attendees.
NeoCon 2026 takes place from 8 to 10 June 2025 at the Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago 60654, Illinois, USA.
