During this time of uncertainty, many organizations have made the difficult decision to either postpone or cancel their industry events. As we continue to support social distancing, alternatives to face-to-face meetings and conferences have started to appear.
In-person meetings have been replaced with video calls, and large conference gatherings have transitioned to online webinars. In late March, leaders and partners within the commercial design industry came to the agreement that NeoCon 2020 was to be cancelled in response to the pandemic and to limit the spread and reduce exposure of COVID-19. Although NeoCon will return in June 2021, Byron Morton, VP of Sales for NeoCon commented “Even though we can’t be together physically this year, it remains important for us to continue to conduct our businesses, share ideas, introduce new product concepts, learn from one another, support our community and celebrate when and where possible."
With the first annual National Exposition of Contract Interior Furnishings hosted in 1969, NeoCon has become an integral pillar of the design community for over 50 years. This drastic shift to an online platform, although an appropriate response, may leave community members feeling disconnected and behind industry trends and new developments. For those who originally planned to attend NeoCon this year, and those who could not make the trip, NeoConnect is a reasonable alternative and unique opportunity. During the month of June, online resources will be available through neocon.com that include design panels, guest bloggers, curated videos, and virtual events.
“For the full month of June, NeoConnect will feature product and company details from NeoCon 2020 tenants and exhibitors as well as a full roster of complimentary NeoCon CEU webinars, online panel discussions and virtual social events.” - NeoCon Press Release
NeoConnect offers you virtual programs and events almost every day in June. From diversity in design to re-imagining the workplace, industry professionals will be hosting must-attend webinars and lectures. Visit neocon.com for a list of all upcoming session, or take a look at our quick list of industry events we suggesting looking into.
Design TV by Interior Design: NeoCon Edition
DesignTV by SANDOW was launched on Facebook Live in late March. The online program allows the design community to connect and learn while working remotely. From June 8th to 15th watch DesignTV between 11am-1pm CDT as they present exclusive content for NeoCon.
Virtual Programs & Events
| Date/Time | Event | Details | Registration |
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Friday, June 5 |
The 21st Century Classroom: a Case Study in Collaboration | Join us as we do a deep dive into a prominent case study focused on a design that combines a multitude of learning spaces all designed to foster student engagement and collaboration. | Register Here |
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Friday, June 5 |
Diversity in Design Panel Discussion | Join us for a panel and open discussion where we will be addressing the diversity problem in our industry. The discussion will first work to clearly define the problems that are facing African Americans both in society and in the industry, and will then focus on paths forward and how everyone can help. | Register Here |
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Wednesday, June 10 |
Ready to Reoccupy? Assessing Workplaces for Ourselves and Our Clients | As we pause and look future forward, we may wonder what return to work will look like. What is your re-entry plan? Join AIA Chicago’s exploration into a post COVID-19 workplace. | Register Here |
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Wednesday, June 17 3:00pm-4:00pm CDT |
How to Talk to Your Clients About Going Green | Join us as we employ evidence-based design, which reveals how materials and products used in interior spaces directly impact health/wellness of people, pets and the environment. | Register Here |
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Thursday, June 18 |
The Next Level of Physical Space - Multi-Sensory Experience Design | How can good design drive experience—by disconnecting us from technology? Our session will provide exciting answers and solutions to this counter intuitive question. | Register Here |
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Monday, June 22 |
Attributes of Contract Furniture | In this session, we will dive into each of eight attributes to explain their influence on the decision-making process for furniture in contract environments. | Register Here |
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Tuesday, June 30 |
The Pandemic is a Portal: Sustainability | In the months before COVID-19 struck, the climate crisis was at the top of our minds, with many organizations making significant commitments to tackle this challenge. How can our learning from the current health crisis help us take the sustainability movement to the next stage? | Register Here |
