What We’re Not Doing at NeoCon 2025...and What You Should
Every June, the commercial interiors world descends on THE MART for what feels like a sprint and a marathon all rolled into one. There’s inspiration around every corner, but if you’re not careful, you’ll walk 10 miles in impractical shoes, see half of what you meant to, and miss the showroom that could’ve been your favorite.
So instead of adding to the noise, we thought we’d share what we’re not doing this year, and how that might help you get more out of your own NeoCon experience. These are the things we’ve learned the hard way, ditched over time, or just know better than to try. Take what helps. Leave what doesn’t. But whatever you do, wear good shoes.
1. We’re not starting on the third floor.
Seasoned pros know the elevator to 11 is your best friend - once. Start at the top and work your way down through THE MART’s many stairwells. There’s a lot to do in a single day. If you work backwards, you’ll avoid the crowds, have more time (and space) to wander, and skip the elevator shuffle between every floor.
Pro tip: Take a picture of each showroom sign when you go in. It’ll make it easier to organize your photos and track what you saw later.
2. Speaking of stairs…we’re not wearing shoes that seemed like a good idea at 7 a.m.
We love a sculptural look as much as anyone. But unless you’re getting dropped off at every entrance and carried between floors, leave the blister factories at home. NeoCon is a walking show. You won’t make it through the day without serious support.
Pro tip: Sneakers are having a design moment, too. Stylish and sensible is the winning combo. You’ll thank yourself by 2 pm. Looking for a rec? We love these throwback track-and-field Nikes or these classic New Balances
3. We’re not skipping the awards. (We are skipping the extras—but only because we’re busy.)
Yes, the Best of NeoCon awards are early (which actually makes it easier for us to go). Either way, they’re worth it. These recognitions help set the tone for the show. They’re often where innovation, craft, and real problem-solving come together. And sometimes they point you to a showroom or product you wouldn’t have otherwise prioritized.
As for the urban sketching workshop? We’d love to go. But we’ll be in the showroom. Go in our place. Seriously.
Pro tip: Build your day around the award winners or nominees, but add something unexpected: a workshop, a panel, a design talk. NeoCon is more than products—it’s about perspective.
4. We’re not planning every second of the day.
NeoCon is a lot. Ask for a tour when you can. Sit down. Drink water. The best moments are usually the unplanned ones. Make time to explore whether it’s a brand you’ve followed forever or a name you barely recognize. Sometimes the most surprising ideas come from the places you almost didn’t stop into.
Pro tip: Leave room to wander. If something catches your eye, follow it. Give yourself a beat to actually experience the space.
We’ve been to enough NeoCons to know what works, and what just looks like it works. That’s shaped how we design our own showroom experience. The advice above? We follow it ourselves.
But we’re not just thinking about how NeoCon works for us, we’re thinking about how it works for you. What we’re not doing this year is putting on a show that looks great but doesn’t deliver. If you're curious what that looks like in action, you’ll see it in our space.
5. We’re not designing the showroom for photos only.
Yes, it’ll look amazing, but our showroom is built like a working office. Because most of the year, it is. When we plan the space, we think about real flow, not just photo ops. That means products in use, not just on display. The layout has to work, not just look good. You’ll see planning logic, transitions, and a functional space. Because really, what’s style without substance? A showroom should do more than look great in a highlight reel. It should give you real ideas for how work actually happens.
Pro tip: Look for showrooms that go beyond styling. Ask how the products function. The best design stories aren’t always the loudest ones.
6. We’re not pretending sustainability is a finish option.
Green isn’t a color; it’s a commitment. We take responsibility seriously. You’ll see it in our materials, manufacturing, and products built to last. It shows up in the details you don’t always see: waste reduction, water use, sourcing, reclamation. We’re not perfect, but we’re pushing to get better with every product, every process, every year. Plus, we’re now BIFMA LEVEL® 3 certified across all product lines—a formal nod to the sustainability practices we've upheld all along.
Pro tip: Ask about the details. Where materials are sourced. How things are made. Who’s behind the work. The real answers are usually in the process, not the tagline.
7. We’re not releasing something just for the sake of it.
The new things you’ll see from us exist to solve something: a planning challenge, a functionality gap, or a need we’ve seen in real workplaces. If it’s new, it’s because it’s necessary—and it still has to feel like us. That includes our finish palette. We’re not chasing color trends. We’ve refined every material category—powdercoat, laminate, fabric—to offer more options that are fresh and versatile. Think timeless with just enough edge.
Pro tip: Ask why a product exists. The best answer isn’t "it’s new." It’s "it helps."
8. We’re not pretending we’ve got it all figured out.
We love this industry because it keeps evolving. So do we. NeoCon is a chance to talk shop—not just about what’s working, but what still needs work. If you visit our showroom, you’ll see new finishes, prototype previews, and some of our best-loved pieces in a new light.
It’s not a showplace. It’s a workplace. Designed for people, teams, and the realities of how we work today.
Pro tip: Want a deeper look? Book a tour. You’ll get the full story—and a real sense of how it all feels in person.
9. We’re not treating our customers like a checklist.
We’re not walking in cold or tossing out every product in the lineup. We’re making appointments where we can, doing our homework, and showing up ready to talk about what actually matters.
And if you drop in? We’ll be ready for that too. But no matter how the conversation starts, we’re not showing everything; we’re showing what’s right. Because a good showroom visit isn’t about volume. It’s about relevance.
Pro tip: Want to get the most from a tour? Ask the tough questions. Flip things over. Bring up real-world scenarios. We’re here for all of it.
10. We’re not taking this experience for granted
Whether it’s your first NeoCon or your fifteenth, the best advice we’ve got is: have a plan, make space for some serendipity, and know that at the end of the day, we grateful for the opportunity to connect and showcase the work we’re proud of.
Seeing is believing. Book a tour or stop by suite 341 on the third floor.
We’ll show you what’s new, what works, and why it matters.
