NeoCon 2026: People, Products, and Plenty of Pens
NeoCon brought the commercial interiors world back to Chicago June 7–10, and showroom #341 had a busy week. We introduced Vero and Apollo, opened the doors to a refreshed showroom, built an impressive number of pens, and spent four days with the people who help shape the products we make.
This year’s showroom was built around the people behind the projects. Built to Reflect You recognized that every workplace carries the choices, standards, and point of view of the person shaping it. Throughout the space, vignettes inspired by real Watson projects showed how a specific need, constraint, or vision can lead to a solution that feels entirely its own.
A showroom shaped by your point of view
Every workplace reflects the choices made along the way. You see them in the layout, the finish palette, the way people gather, and the details that make the workday run a little better.
That made Built to Reflect You a natural fit for NeoCon. Visitors could see their own projects and priorities reflected throughout the showroom. Instead of presenting one idea of what a workplace should be, the space showed how Watson products can adapt to different ways of working, gathering, and getting things done.
The client vignettes made that idea tangible. Each one was inspired by a real project and showed how a specific vision, need, or constraint shaped a solution that felt thoughtful, useful, and entirely its own.
Vero made its NeoCon debut
One of the biggest moments of the week was introducing Vero and getting to share it in person. Designed for the private office, Vero brings the desk and storage together in a freestanding system that feels straightforward. NeoCon gave us the chance to hear first impressions, explore different applications, and see what caught people’s attention. The response gave us plenty to be excited about.
A Reflection of You
Build Your Pen quickly became a showroom favorite, with visitors mixing colors and pieces to create combinations that felt entirely their own. No two pens came out quite alike, which was exactly the point. It was a playful extension of Built to Reflect You and a small reminder that personal choice can make even the most practical things a little more interesting. We loved seeing everyone’s personality come through, one pen at a time.
Good conversations, all week long
Over the course of the show, over 3,500 people came through our showroom, an increase from last year. We welcomed plenty of new visitors and were especially glad to see so many familiar faces return.
The week gave us a better understanding of what people are working on, what they need from their spaces, and where Watson can help. We left Chicago with new ideas, thoughtful feedback, and a long list of conversations we are glad we had.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by showroom #341, asked a thoughtful question, shared a project, tried our products, or spent a surprisingly long time choosing pen beads. We were glad to have you.
Take another look around
NeoCon may be over, but the showroom is still open virtually. For anyone who missed Chicago, or wants another pass without the crowds, our NeoCon 2026 showroom is ready to explore.