Editor’s Notebook: Preparing for Chicago Design Week Immersion
Chicago Crowns Design Week A Citywide Celebration
The latest news framing next week’s NeoCon and Design Days is the release of a proclamation by the City of Chicago that officially recognizes the second week of June as “Chicago Design Week.” IIDA and chief executive officer Cheryl Durst have long worked to establish the relationship between Chicago’s design culture and the increasing importance of design work to the health, safety, and well-being to society.
In a signed Resolution, the Mayor and Chicago City Council members formally recognized the history of architectural innovation, interior design, and urban planning exemplified by the City and the representation of IIDA on behalf of the design industry, with its headquarters in Chicago. The proclamation, which identifies Chicago as a “design epicenter,” states that “Chicago believes in the power of design to uplift, affects, and protect humanity within our neighborhoods and communal spaces” and is in effect for two years from the date of execution (May 21, 2025).
Chicago Design Week brings together the interests of NeoCon and Design Days participants, as well as the City’s business interests, as the events have grown in annual attendance and spread from Chicago’s River North to Fulton Market districts—a boon for local hospitality, transportation, and entertainment providers as well.
In a media statement, Durst commented, “I’m proud to be part of an organization that was the catalyst for officially recognizing this week and the designers, manufacturers, showrooms and their clients who truly are the business and the heart of global design.” She continued, “IIDA is purpose built to amplify the invaluable contributions design makes to the world—this is an exciting extension of that mission. We can’t wait to see where Chicago Design Week takes us next!”
Read more about IIDA’s response to the proclamation on the association’s website.
When it comes to supporting industry events, professional associations typically drive a significant amount of educational programming and networking opportunities, and this month’s NeoCon 2025 (June 9–11, 2025)—held concurrently with Fulton Market Design Days—will be no exception. The International Interior Design Association (IIDA), American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and the Business + Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) are some of the organizations that have been working alongside event organizers to curate intentional experiences, informative presentations, and exciting gatherings that help the design community to build and strengthen relationships.
ASID, IIDA, and BIFMA Headline Key Design Discussions
Conference keynotes are the first place I look to get a sense of place, problems, and practical, actionable steps for the market or industry the event serves. Call me a nerd, I accept it as a compliment—I love keynotes!
NeoCon 2025 will feature a morning keynote speaker on each day from June 9–11. And each one has a unique perspective on what the design community needs to adapt and maintain its momentum for a promising future.
Tech entrepreneur and executive Annie Jean-Baptiste will kick off Monday, June 9, delivering a combination of passion and practicality to the idea of merging inclusive and innovative design to the benefit of all in “Designing for Innovation,” presented by IIDA. With her book Building for Everyone bolstering her presentation, Jean-Baptiste will show the audience that it is possible to holistically design products and spaces that resonate with people who have diverse needs, goals, and interests shaping their experience.
The Tuesday, June 10 keynote, presented by ASID, hosts British design critic and author Alice Rawsthorn—also co-founder of the Design Emergency podcast with Paola Antonelli. Rawsthorn will share a vision of “Design as an Attitude”—a reference to the title of her book that describes design as an “evolving agent of change”. Rawsthorn will explore the shifting role of design as a tool that can help society live more equitably, safely, and prosperously by addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges with creative and adaptable solutions.
On Wednesday, June 11, Shazam music-discovery app creator Chris Barton is going to enlighten attendees as to how to “Bring Impossible Ideas to Life.” Barton’s tech story is truly illustrative of this concept, as he was told repeatedly that his creation wouldn’t get off the ground. Now he holds twelve technology patents, and continues to start up, advise, and invest in emerging companies. During his keynote, Barton will challenge attendees to disengage from the comfort of what they already know and inspire them to think ahead of their time.
Learn more about these keynote speakers from the NeoCon website.
I’m locked in on key speaker highlights only here, so be sure to visit the NeoCon 2025 Features & Events listing and Fulton Market Design Days Events page to get need-to-know details on all the social and networking activities during Chicago Design Week.
