Every June, Chicago transforms into the global stage for commercial design as THE MART hosts NeoCon, a three-day convergence of architecture, interiors, innovation, and industry culture. With over 450 brands exhibiting, dozens of talks, and thousands of professionals in attendance, NeoCon is a pulse check on where design is headed next.
Here’s your curated guide to the key moments that deserve a spot on your calendar.
Opening Keynote: Annie Jean-Baptiste — Designing for Global Innovation
Monday, June 9 | 10:00–11:00 AM CDT | NeoCon Presentation Studio, Floor 2
The 2025 edition of NeoCon opens with a powerful voice in inclusive design: Annie Jean-Baptiste, tech executive, author of Building for Everyone, and one of the leading global advocates for human-centered innovation. With a career built on scaling products to billions of users, she will share practical strategies for designing with authenticity, empathy, and cultural fluency.
Her keynote, Designing for Global Innovation, invites designers to reimagine their work through a lens of inclusion, not as an afterthought, but as a driver of relevance and growth. Expect real-world case studies, a dose of bold perspective, and an invitation to rethink what inclusive design truly means.
INSIDE DESIGN: Chicago Through a Creative Lens
New for 2025 — Presented in partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago
This year, NeoCon invites you to step outside THE MART and into the city itself with INSIDE DESIGN: a curated series of immersive events celebrating Chicago’s vibrant creative community. Held across multiple venues, these programs offer a fresh perspective on how design, culture, and context intersect in the city’s most inspiring spaces.
Behind the Scenes at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Saturday, June 7 | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM CDT
A curated exploration of design, storytelling, and innovation inside one of the country’s most iconic science museums.
Street Art & Flavor at Kimski
Saturday, June 7 | 12:30 PM–3:30 PM CDT
A one-of-a-kind event hosted by Chef Won Kim, blending urban street art, graffiti culture, and culinary design over lunch.
Ramova Theatre Revival
Sunday, June 8 | 10:00 AM–12:30 PM CDT
Explore the historic restoration of this beloved Chicago landmark—a behind-the-scenes look at its transformation into a community anchor.
You Are Beautiful Studio Tour & Workshop
Sunday, June 8 | 1:30 PM–5:00 PM CDT
Join artist Matthew Hoffman inside his iconic studio for an uplifting, hands-on design experience rooted in public art and positivity.
New Spaces, Bold Conversations
Paved States Cocktail Reception
Monday, June 9 | 5:00–7:00 PM | Floor 1, Suite 121
Hosted by Sixtysix Magazine, this reception celebrates emerging designers inspired by Chicago’s brutalist legacy. Expect installations, drinks, and a fresh take on retail and design fusion.
MRL NeoCon AfterHours Party
Monday, June 9 | 8:00 PM–1:00 AM | Tree House
A NeoCon staple. Wristbands go fast—available via exclusive drops through the MRL Media App.
BIFMA Breakfast + Chris Barton Keynote
Wednesday, June 11 | 7:30–9:00 AM | NeoCon Presentation Studio
Wrap up the week with design leaders over breakfast, followed by a keynote from Shazam founder Chris Barton on bringing big ideas to life.
Learn, Earn, Expand
NeoCon 2025 offers an extensive slate of CEU-accredited programming. With over 60 virtual sessions and dozens on-site, it’s the most robust educational lineup to date.
Featured sessions include:
- Gen Z Designs: June 9, 10:00 AM
- Wellness Real Estate: June 9, 12:00 PM
- Designing with AI: June 10, 2:00 PM
All virtual sessions are available on-demand June 9–October 1.
Activations Across THE MART
Look out for interactive installations and brand experiences throughout the building:
- ART on THE MART: Nightly digital projection by Perkins&Will
- Bright Day Café by Spoonflower: A surrealist pop-up café, Floor 7
- DesignScene by SANDOW: Immersive brand collabs, Floor 11
- Education Pavilion by INDEAL: Future of learning environments
- Project Color Corps Pop-Up: Color, equity, and community design, Suite 101
- Haworth Lobby & DesignLab: Innovation meets artful storytelling
- IIDA Student Charette: National student design challenge
- INDEAL Connection Hub: Coffee, lockers, massage chairs, and more
- KFI Studios Pop-Up: Desk pods meets color theory
Let It End Beautifully
BIFMA Breakfast
Wednesday, June 11 | 7:30 am–9:00 am CDT | NeoCon Presentation Studio, THE MART
Wrap up your NeoCon experience with the BIFMA Breakfast—a cherished industry tradition where design leaders gather for networking, meaningful conversations, and forward-thinking presentations. This year’s breakfast will be followed by NeoCon’s Wednesday keynote, Shazam Founder Chris Barton presenting “Bring Impossible Ideas to Life.” This is a celebration of bold perspectives and visionary thinking shaping the future of design. BIFMA Members and NeoCon attendees are welcome to purchase tickets.
Your NeoCon, Your Way
NeoCon 2025 is many things: a launchpad, a think tank, a networking marathon. This guide offers just a starting point. With so much to experience, from product debuts to surprise pop-ups, there’s no one right way to do NeoCon. Visit neocon.com to build your own itinerary, explore the full exhibitor list, and get the most from your time at THE MART.
Photos courtesy of Neocon
