I Heart NeoCon
Posted by Julie Weber on Mon, Jun 06, 2011
A few years ago, I was discussing NeoCon with a friend who did NOT work in the Architecture, Design or Commercial Furnishings industry. About half way through the conversation she stopped me and said, “Julie, what the heck is this ‘Neo Con’ thing?”
I had to laugh. For those of us in the industry, the term is widely known and referenced. How could I explain NeoCon to an outsider? Even though I had been attending the world’s largest commercial furnishings and finishes trade show every year for about five years, it was still hard to put into non-industry specific terms.
NeoCon. It is a tradeshow, yes. It’s a show where 30,000 + people (mostly from the commercial architecture and interiors industry) flock to Chicago to explore a magical space called: the Merchandise Mart.
The Merchandise Mart is the world’s largest commercial building, wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations. Encompassing 4.2 million gross square feet, The Mart spans two city blocks and rises 25 stories. . It is so large, it even has its own zip code (60654).
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During this three-day show, the commercial showrooms are open to the public, which is normally not the case. There are also two additional floors of temporary booths for show-goers to explore. You can touch, see and feel everything from fabrics to flooring. You can explore any showroom you like, see new products from your favorite designers or manufacturers. There are awards for best showroom, as well as several others for new products…
There are parties every day, promotional giveaways, lunch with client’s and dinner with friends. It’s hard work, and it’s a ton of fun. There is really nothing else like it…
Last week I walked the halls of The Mart, empty except for construction teams and sales reps working on their secret showroom updates. I heard the sound of hammers pounding and drills buzzing. It was thrilling for me to be on the inside for the first time. I will not be just an attendee at NeoCon this year, but a manufacturer getting ready to debut new products in a newly updated showroom.
I heart NeoCon.
I hope you join me this year in showroom 11-117 to see Spacesaver’s latest and greatest products! Click here for more details.
| Click here to schedule an appointment with me and get a free t-shirt!!! |
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~Julie Weber NeoCon Enthusiast