Chicago—NeoConnect, NeoCon’s digital hub, will continue to connect the community by offering new content and resources through the fall. The hub brought the commercial design industry together throughout the month of June with virtual product launches from NeoCon exhibitors, compelling content from media and community partners and more than 70 online programs and events.
“We are so pleased with the response to NeoConnect,” said Lisa Simonian, VP of marketing for NeoCon. “It was clear that our community did not want to miss the networking, learning and product launches that they have come to expect at NeoCon every June. June programming attendance was consistently high with registrants representing 30 different countries and we’ve seen tremendous traffic on our site and social media channels throughout the month.”
Simonian added that the community came together and shared resources and ideas that will help it work, create and navigate through the year ahead. “Our partners stepped up to the plate to offer important content as well as creative inspiration, and we look forward to continuing to share their contributions with the community for the next several months—until our major focus shifts to NeoCon 2021.”
NeoConnect 2020 June Highlights
In June, NeoConnect showcased the latest introductions from NeoCon exhibitors and original content from its media and association partners. It offered unique virtual moments to connect, network, learn and share within the industry.
Daily webinars were hosted by thought leaders and innovators in their fields, including Primo Orpilla (O+A), Cheryl Durst (IIDA), Paul Makovsky (Contract Magazine), Jane Abernathy (Humanscale) and Bill Bouchey (HOK). Conversations centered around timely topics such as designing for a new era in the workplace, studying the 21st Century classroom, workplace amenities, new innovations in plastic reuse and how to hone creativity in everyday life. If you missed any programs, several were recorded and can be accessed through the NeoConnect hub into the Fall.
In addition, NeoConnect launched “The Silver Lining,” a community-driven blog series that features thoughtful narratives from experts in the industry such as Ken Wilson (Perkins + Will), Susan Chung (ASID), Jennifer Busch and Martin Lesjak (13&9). The ongoing blog series addresses compelling issues such as the impact of COVID-19 on the workplace, design in a post-pandemic world and the power of research in design.
The NeoCon social platforms offered NeoConnect visitors a glimpse at industry leading products, NeoCon exhibitor news and insightful videos including a new Be Well series with #DesignStandsTogether. The venture, organized in partnership with Novità Communications, features design industry heavyweights offering tips and tricks on creative-inspired endeavors and wellness.
Contributors have included Suzanne Tick (Luum Textiles & Suzanne TIck, Inc.), Ghislaine Viñas (Ghislaine Viñas, LLC), Roger Thomas (The Roger Thomas Collection), Royce Epstein (Mohawk Group), Michael Suomi (Suomi Design Works), Mary Jo Miller (HBF Textiles), Doug Wittnebel (Gensler Oakland) and Giona Maiarelli (Maiarelli Studio), with themes ranging from basket weaving, collaging, lap loom production, environmental cleaning, and more.
The much anticipated NeoCon cocktail parties and award shows were also a feature of NeoConnect, with a two-segment HiP Awards ceremony and a virtual celebratory happy hour hosted by the NeoCon team from the bar at Marshall’s Landing.
NeoCon 2021 will run June 14-16, 2021 at theMART in Chicago.