NeoCon 2021
TheMART, Chicago
October 04 – October 06, 2021

NeoCon is the world’s leading platform and most important event for the commercial interiors industry, held each year at theMART in Chicago. Since launching in 1969, NeoCon has served as the annual gathering place for the commercial design world’s manufacturers, dealers, architects, designers, end-users, design organizations and media. The three-day event showcases game-changing products and services from close to 500 leading and emerging companies – providing unparalleled access to the latest and most innovative solutions. A robust educational program of keynote presentations and CEU sessions offers world-class expertise and insight about today’s most relevant topics as well as the future of commercial design.

This fall, the commercial interiors industry will convene to present and discuss the latest solutions and strategies for the workplace at NeoCon, October 4-6, North America’s most important gathering of commercial interior design experts. Leading into the show, industry leaders are putting the finishing touches on the new product innovations that will impact the offices and other shared spaces of the future. Whether it’s tents and pergolas especially designed for both individual and collaborative work, products for a neurodiverse workforce, flooring that incorporates biophilic patterns, or dynamic furniture systems ideal for flexibility, manufacturers at NeoCon will showcase solutions that contribute to the inclusive, efficient, and user-focused workplaces critical to the well-being of and retention of today’s workforce.

“For more than 50 years, NeoCon has helped launch product solutions that meet, and even anticipate, needs and trends in the workplace and other shared spaces. NeoCon 2021 is no different – architects, designers, and facility managers in attendance will get a first look at thousands of product launches from the best manufacturers in the industry,” remarks, Byron Morton, Vice President of NeoCon. Here are some top workplace trends and products to be featured at NeoCon 2021.

Accounting for Mental Health and Neurodiversity: Employee wellness has been a major consideration in office design for many years, but mental wellbeing is coming into greater focus. According to a recent study, 74% of all workers, including 88% of those ages 18-24, say poor mental health has impacted their productivity (Aetna International’s 2020 Employee Health Study). In addition to reducing anxiety, which is at an all time high due to the pandemic, research indicates the need for workplaces and solutions that accommodate a neurodiverse workforce.

Privacy for Individual Work and Personal Space: Privacy solutions are not only ideal for heads-down, focused work, they can also offer users a sense of security. With its light and airy organic shape, Steelcase’s Work Tent whether outfitted with a desk and chair or lounge seating – is a stylish and safe personal haven within an open floor plan. Pedrali’s functional and efficient Buddyhub seat, designed by Busetti Garuti Redaelli, offers employees an isolated alcove that encourages concentration and ensures acoustic and visual privacy.

Space Utilization and Mobility : Offering a myriad of options and areas for different kinds of work requires space utilization efficiency and mobility. Artome’s M10 portable plug-and-play smart solution for presenting, learning, and videoconferencing, delivers movable and adaptable audiovisual technology whenever and wherever it is needed. Space is maximized with KI’s Tattoo collection, a modular system of screens, storage, seating, and tables that fit spatially and aesthetically within the same footprint, no matter how they are arranged or rearranged.

Elevating the Office Environment : Employee expectations have changed, and workplaces need to not only be safe, socially distant and clean, but also comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Andreu World’s Giro Soft by Alfredo Häberli adds style and sophistication and provides an ideal perch for taking a break in between conference calls or long periods at a desk. Not only does the noho move chair have a comfortable and supportive feel, it’s also made with ECONYL regenerated nylon manufactured by Aquafil – allowing users to feel good about their design choice, too.

The Outdoor Advantage : The movement of the office outdoors is nothing new, but there is no doubt that the pandemic has accelerated and popularized the trend. Taking advantage of the external environment also allows for greater available use of real estate, such as utilizing the square footage between buildings on office campuses. Once thought of mainly for al fresco social gatherings, employees are increasingly seeking outdoor spaces as havens for focused, individual work, as well as collaboration.

more. www.neocon.com