AUGUST 2018 RETAILOBSERVER.COM
35
50
T H
NeoCon Reaches
Milestone Mark
50
T H
Leading platform is an incubator and
catalyst for the future of design
N
eoCon, held June 11–13 at The Mart in Chicago, rang in a historic
50 years as the leading platform for commercial design, serving as
an incubator and catalyst for the future of the industry. This year's
event further established itself as a launchpad for innovation and thought
leadership. Record attendance and increased volume over the duration of the
show underscored exactly how important this annual gathering is for members
of the industry to come together to share, learn, and inspire one another.
Breakthroughs in the fields of sustainability, materiality, integrated
technology, and acoustical performance were some of the top trends seen
throughout the show. An overall commitment to a softer, more comfort-based
approach to workspace design was evident. The movement was further
solidified by exciting announcements, including Herman Miller's acquisition
of contemporary Danish furniture brand, Hay, and the Steelcase and West
Elm partnership—set to provide a more expansive array of workplace furniture.
A marked yet diverse focus on wellbeing in the workplace also took center
stage. From privacy solutions to biophilic design, workplace solutions
exhibited a people-centric approach.
