NeoCon 2026 Set to Showcase Over 450 Brands and Cutting-Edge Design Solutions

The event will host over 50,000 design professionals, with new specialty spaces, redesigned exhibit halls, and interactive installations like Collab Space, highlighting innovation in design and lighting.
March 20, 2026
4 min read

Key Highlights

  • Over 450 brands and 50,000 design professionals are expected to attend NeoCon 2026 at The Mart.
  • Several companies are opening new showrooms or expanding existing spaces.
  • Illuminate at NeoCon will debut a dedicated lighting platform with over 50 brands.

NeoCon 2026 will return to The Mart June 8–10, with a preview day on June 7, featuring showroom expansions, new permanent tenants, and a dedicated lighting.

According to NeoCon organizers, the 2026 edition reflects continued leasing momentum and investment from manufacturers expanding their presence at The Mart. The show is expected to host more than 450 brands and approximately 50,000 design professionals.

“Each year we look for ways to support how the industry comes together,” said Byron Morton, vice president & co-head of leasing. “From expanded showrooms to new platforms for collaboration and product discovery, we’re continuing to enhance the NeoCon experience, building fresh opportunities for brands and attendees to connect and exchange ideas.”

Showroom Updates

Several companies are opening new permanent showrooms ahead of the event, including Formica Group (10-120), Nevers Industries (1061), Slalom (10-168), and Workrite Ergonomics (333). The additions expand The Mart’s offerings across surfaces, seating, textiles, and ergonomic solutions.

“As a brand with more than a century of design heritage, Formica Group cares deeply about showing up for the design community, sharing new ideas, and continuing to innovate alongside the industry,” said Meghan Howell, creative and design director, Formica Group North America. “Having a permanent home in The Mart allows us to do that in a more meaningful way, and we’re excited to be part of the energy and creativity that makes NeoCon so special.”

Exhibitor Expansions

Existing exhibitors are also increasing their footprints. Keilhauer and Division Twelve (399) and Calyx by Claridge (1082) are tripling their showroom space, while ClearSpace Design (1040) and HAT Collective (1078) are expanding their showrooms.

“NeoCon has long been the global meeting place for the designers, innovators, and creatives who make our industry great, and there’s no address more iconic than The Mart,” said Mike Keilhauer, CEO, Keilhauer. “With this substantial expansion of our showroom, bringing Keilhauer and Division Twelve together, creating a hub for exploration and inspiration, Keilhauer has established a cornerstone at the heart of the industry.” 

Other brands are relocating to new spaces within The Mart, including CF Stinson and Arc-Com (355), Krug Furniture (373), Mayer Fabrics (335), OM Seating (1012), and Sedia Systems (324A).

In addition, several companies have extended long-term leases at The Mart, including Emeco (318), Schiavello (10-135), and Stance Healthcare (10-139).

NeoCon organizers also announced a series of new specialty spaces and exhibits across the building. The 10th and 11th floors will feature curated showcases, including the return of HBF and HBF Textiles alongside new exhibitors such as Haskell Education, Impact Acoustic, Memo, and ACTIU.

The 7th Floor Exhibit Hall will also be redesigned with a category-based layout featuring more than 200 companies. New exhibitors include Airiia, Emma Hayes, Fenabel, Hanan Sotelo, Lignotrend, Lucca House, Metall Furniture, Revigres, and The Wood Veneer Hub (WVH).

Among the new initiatives is Collab Space, a 2,800-square-foot installation designed by Charlie Greene Studio. The interactive environment brings together brands including Allseating, Kriskadecor, Mohawk Group, Paul Brayton Designs, ROOM, and Simii Design.

“We’re so excited to share an experience that’s quintessentially Chicago with NeoCon attendees: Chicagohenge,” said Jason Hall, founder and creative director of Charlie Greene Studio. “The way the deep, rich color of the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city grid once a year is memorable and fleeting.”

NeoCon will also introduce Illuminate at NeoCon, a dedicated lighting platform featuring more than 50 brands focused on architectural, technical, and decorative lighting. Participating companies include Architectural Lighting Works, Axis Lighting, Axolight, Barn Light Electric, Estiluz, Focal Point, Juniper, Marset, PureEdge Lighting, and USAI Lighting.

The new lighting showcase will include programming, events, and networking opportunities designed to connect lighting manufacturers with architects, designers, and other members of the architecture and design community.

This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.
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