NeoCon 2026 concludes its 57th edition with new industry connections, innovation, and growth
NeoCon concluded its 57th edition with attendance rising 9% compared to 2025, reaffirming its status as the leading event for the commercial interiors industry. Guided by the theme “Where Design Connects,” the 2026 edition attracted design professionals from 88 countries for four days of product launches, insightful programming, networking opportunities, and business development.
Featuring 450 brands—including industry leaders, returning exhibitors, first-time participants, and emerging innovators—NeoCon 2026 highlighted the latest advancements shaping commercial spaces while fostering the in-person connections that drive industry growth and collaboration.
NeoCon 2026 introduced several new initiatives designed to elevate the attendee experience and foster meaningful industry connections. Among the highlights was Illuminate at NeoCon, a dedicated lighting pavilion on the 7th floor that exceeded expectations by attracting more than 60 global and emerging lighting brands, surpassing its original target of 50 exhibitors.
Another notable addition was NeoCon Collab: Half-Light, an immersive hospitality-inspired installation created by Charlie Greene Studio, which transformed the 7th floor into a vibrant destination for networking, collaboration, and discovery. The event also launched an early access day on Sunday, June 7, allowing attendees to explore showrooms and exhibits before the official opening and paving the way for deeper engagement throughout the week.
“NeoCon has always been a reflection of where the commercial design industry is headed, and this year there was a real sense of momentum that was felt across every floor,” remarks Byron Morton, Vice President and Co-Head of Leasing at The Mart. “It was evident in the conversations taking place between exhibitors and specifiers, in the investments brands are making in their presence at The Mart, and in the enthusiasm around new ideas and introductions.” Byron added further.
A marketplace for fresh ideas and innovative products
Spanning nearly one million square feet of exhibition space, NeoCon 2026 showcased an extensive range of design-led solutions across workplace, healthcare, hospitality, education, public spaces, materials, technology, lighting, acoustics, and furnishings. From permanent showrooms located on floors 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, and 14 to the bustling 7th Floor Exhibit Hall and its dedicated specialty zones, the event presented innovative product launches and concepts tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern commercial environments and their users.
Burgundy, lavender, and plum tones emerged as a dominant color story. Furniture silhouettes shifted away from rigid geometry, favoring plump curves, cocooning lounge pieces, serpentine seating, and elongated communal tables designed to foster flexibility and ease. Fluted and pleated detailing migrated from architectural elements to table bases, upholstery, and casegoods, while velvet-like textures and layered materials brought a heightened sense of tactility to the floors. Against these softer material cues, bold color blocking and playful tubular accents injected moments of energy and individuality. Collectively, the introductions pointed toward universally-designed environments that pair residential comfort with inclusivity, while remaining purpose-built for the evolving demands of commercial settings—spaces that invite people to gather, focus, restore, and engage.
“That rich mauve. The muted, almost-exhaled palettes appearing independently across showrooms who never compared notes. That’s not a color trend. That’s the industry taking the emotional pulse of the culture. Overstimulated people need color that is an act of care and the floor knew it before anyone wrote the brief,” notes Meena Krenek, Global Sector Director, Interiors, at HKS. “Cognitive research is reshaping design at every scale — seating that invites movement, lighting calibrated to circadian rhythms, natural materials that carry the restorative quality of the outdoors inside, acoustic and sensory elements working together rather than in isolation,” notes Janet Simpson, ASID, IIDA Associate AIA, President, CEO of TVS.
NeoCon 2026 also highlighted strong leasing momentum across The Mart, marked by 22 long-term agreements, new permanent showroom openings, major expansions, and specialty installations. New exhibitors including Formica Group, Haskell Education, Nevers Industries, Slalom, and Workrite established dedicated spaces, while existing brands such as Keilhauer, Division Twelve, and Calyx by Claridge invested in significant showroom enhancements. At the same time, longtime exhibitors including Emeco, Schiavello, and Stance Healthcare reinforced their commitment through renewed leases. Collectively, these developments demonstrated NeoCon’s continued strength as a platform for innovation, brand growth, and year-round industry engagement.
“NeoCon has always been one of the most important gatherings for the commercial design industry, and this year was especially meaningful for the Formica Group,” comments Meghan Howell, North American Design & Creative Director at Formica Corporation. “Opening our new showroom in The Mart gives us a permanent home at the center of the design community and creates new opportunities to engage with architects, designers, and customers throughout the year. We are grateful for the incredible response and excited about what this new chapter means for Formica Group and the customers we serve.” Meghan added further.
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