I started attending
NeoCon 20 years ago this month. Back in 2004, one of my design school professors told us that we needed to go to NeoCon at the Merchandise Mart, and I've been doing that ever since. So much has changed since then. There have been numerous ups and downs, including a recession, a pandemic, and now a big
shift from people working in offices to working from home.
The Merchandise Mart went from being an intimidating fortress of design where you had to be dressed up to be taken seriously by the often snobbish showroom staff to a mixed-use edifice where tech workers in hoodies and sneakers are commingled in common spaces with a new breed of much more laid-back designers and sales reps. Showrooms that seemed like permanent fixtures decamped for the West Loop or office buildings across the street. Showrooms that stayed reinvented themselves and swapped out their once-iconic architectural features for new ones. And the design school where my professors told me about NeoCon went out of business in 2015.
NeoCon has also been the trade show where I've seen the debut of new products and technology that we now take for granted. The first time I saw QR codes and standing desks was at NeoCon. It's been interesting to witness new technologies and products ending up being more harmful than good. QR codes went from
being a cool new innovation to yet another way to spread malware.
Furniture with built-in USB ports is now a way for hackers to get into
our devices. The open plan offices that furniture manufacturers promoted in their showrooms became sites of existential despair for workers around the world.
The past 20 years have been a series of beautiful doors getting slammed in my face. As my professional knowledge has grown, my portfolio of projects has lagged far behind. Opportunities have come in fits and starts, and it often tests my patience. My visit to NeoCon in 2012 was what inspired me to write an open letter to the design firms that wouldn't hire me upon deciding that I would rather work for myself.
Inspiration is what NeoCon has always been about for me, and the 2024 show was no exception. This year, the award-winning Momentum Textiles showroom was my favorite.
They partnered with Nigerian-British designer Yinka Ilori to come up with some fun products that remind the design world what colors look like.
The highly-saturated upholstery fabric also showed up in newcomer Fomcore's showroom. Their seating makes an ideal place for kids to congregate. I could see it in recreational centers, schools, and libraries.
Another showroom I really enjoyed was
Indiana Furniture. "Immerse yourself in the vibe," the text on their wall said. The vibe was moody, sexy jewel tones with dark neutrals.
My favorite booth this year was from
FI Interiors. Their innovative use of their soundproofing panels really impressed me. They built a beautiful, peaceful escape from the bustle of the 8th floor.
I was also excited to have the opportunity to hear Yinka Ilori speak about his work via livestream, and to attend Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter's keynote in person. Both of them were very inspiring.
Here are some other showrooms and products that caught my eye this year.
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Textiles & Coverings Gallery
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Finally, I'd like to close out with my favorite botanical elements from this year's show.
You can see all the photos from this year's show in
this album.
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