NeoCon 2006 Preview

The 2006 NeoCon World's Trade Fair is North America's largest interior design and facilities management conference, with more than 1,200 exhibiting companies and 1.2 million sf of exhibit space in Chicago's 4.2-million-sf Merchandise Mart. The 38th annual NeoCon will take place June 12-14 and offer building design professionals state-of-the-art interior products for office, healthcare, residential, institutional, and government buildings.

"This is the epicenter of the commercial furnishings industry," said Mark Falanga, SVP of Merchandise Mart Properties. "Thousands of cutting-edge furnishings are unveiled here, making it a can't-miss show for any serious design professional."

But finding the right products in such a big show that's held in the world's largest commercial building has been a challenge for attendees in the past. That's why this year, NeoCon is separating its program into seven shows within a show.

The Buildings Show: The latest commercial building products will be featured in The Buildings Show, including products for all phases of building planning, design, construction, management, operations, and renovation.

Office Expo: The latest design trends and developments for the workplace will be on display in the Office Expo, which will also feature a strategy educational track for dealers of office furniture. The Laptop Garage from KI office furniture of Green Bay, Wis., won a Best of NeoCon award at last year's NeoCon and will be one of the featured products in the Office Expo this year.

TechnoCon: TechnoCon collects all the cutting-edge design technology of NeoCon. The latest technological advances affecting the design and management of interiors will be unveiled at this year's TechnoCon.

NEWHospitality: This show features furniture and accessories for a wide range of hospitality environments, including hotels, time-shares, clubs, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and medical centers.

Fine Design Residential Furnishings Show: The best in luxury residential furnishings will be on display at Fine Design. The Merchandise Mart Design Center's permanent showrooms on floors 6, 16, 17, and 18, as well as the LuxeHome stores on the first floor, will house more than 140 showrooms dedicated to residential furnishings. The residential design track of educational programs is also contained within the Fine Design Residential Furnishings Show.

Products for Sustainable Environments: This show comprises an exhibit area designed by TVS Interiors of Chicago and Atlanta, plus presentations and educational programming highlighting the best in green design.

Architectural Stone and Ceramic Tile Exposition: This show will add a pavilion of natural stone and ceramic tile from leading manufacturers worldwide, with applications for marble, granite, limestone, and porcelain tile.