Inside NeoCon 2024

HOST

GUEST

SYNOPSIS

In this bonus episode of “Culture at Work,” host Tim Carroll is joined by Maria Stevenson and Drew Rash from Working Spaces to discuss their experiences at NeoCon 2024, the premier event for the commercial design industry held in Chicago.

Maria, a seasoned NeoCon attendee, describes the event as the industry’s annual convention, showcasing upcoming trends and innovative products. She highlights key trends such as the prevalence of rounded corners in furniture, touchdown work pods for flexible workspaces, and earthy, muted color palettes that bring a homely feel to office environments.

Drew, attending NeoCon for the first time, shares his initial expectations and how the event exceeded them, especially in terms of relationship-building and innovation. He notes the parallel trends in fashion and furniture, the adaptability of office spaces, and the importance of wellness areas and focus rooms.

The discussion also touches on innovative height-adjustable furniture and the overall immersive experience of NeoCon. Both Maria and Drew reflect on the value of Design Days and the Fulton Market, providing varied and refreshing environments compared to the traditional Merchandise Mart.

The episode concludes with Maria and Drew listing their top three showrooms, highlighting manufacturers like Kimball, JSI, SitOnIt, Davis, and AIS for their exceptional displays and innovative designs.