Header: Courtesy of NeoCon
The highly anticipated NeoCon 2025 is set to take place from June 9-11 at THE MART in Chicago, once again positioning itself as the premier event for the commercial interiors industry. With registration opening on February 4, professionals across architecture, design, manufacturing, and facility management will gather to explore the latest advancements in commercial design.
This year’s theme, “Design Ahead,” encapsulates a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and design’s transformative power.
A lineup of visionary keynotes
As part of its world-class conference program, NeoCon 2025 will host three esteemed keynote speakers who will challenge and inspire attendees with their unique perspectives on design’s evolving role in society.
Annie Jean-Baptiste: Designing for global innovation
Kicking off the event on Monday, June 9, is Annie Jean-Baptiste, a pioneering tech executive and author of Building for Everyone. Presented by IIDA, her keynote, “Designing for Global Innovation,” will highlight how inclusive, human-centered design can drive innovation and create meaningful experiences for diverse audiences.
“Bringing a global lens to innovation is key to good design,” says Jean-Baptiste, “and I’m thrilled to be part of this important conversation at NeoCon.”
Alice Rawsthorn: Design as an attitude
On Tuesday, June 10, renowned British design critic and author Alice Rawsthorn will present her keynote, “Design as an Attitude,” in partnership with ASID. Through this thought-provoking session, Rawsthorn will explore design’s role in shaping a more equitable, prosperous, and safe world. “Design is an evolving agent of change that can enrich our lives in countless ways,” she shares, offering insights into its transformative power.
Chris Barton: Bringing impossible ideas to life
Rounding out the keynote lineup on Wednesday, June 11, is Chris Barton, tech entrepreneur and founder of Shazam. His keynote, “Bring Impossible Ideas to Life,” presented by BIFMA, will provide a deep dive into disruptive innovation and overcoming obstacles with creativity and persistence. Reflecting on his journey in developing Shazam, once considered an impossible idea, Barton will inspire attendees with strategies to turn ambitious visions into reality.
A hub for the future of commercial design
Beyond the keynotes, NeoCon 2025 will host a comprehensive lineup of CEU seminars, workshops, featured presentations, and showroom exhibitions, offering invaluable insights into emerging design trends and technologies. The three-day event will showcase over 400 exhibitors, presenting cutting-edge solutions for the built environment, from sustainable materials to smart workplace innovations.
A global platform for design thought leadership
For over five decades, NeoCon has served as a critical hub for industry leaders, manufacturers, designers, and forward-thinkers shaping the commercial design landscape.
“NeoCon is known for being an incubator for groundbreaking ideas and progressive conversations. This year’s lineup of keynote speakers embodies that spirit, inspiring our community to leverage design as a tool for meaningful change.”
Nubia Henderson, Director of Programming
With free registration for all attendees, NeoCon 2025 ensures accessibility to professionals eager to explore the next era of commercial interiors. Keynote sessions will be available for streaming on NeoCon.com, with additional programming registration opening on April 1, 2025.
For real-time updates, follow NeoCon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. To register and learn more, visit www.neocon.com.
