Design Center @ NeoCon
Monday, June 11th – Wednesday, June 13th

Location: Design Center, Floors 6 & 14

Come see all the Design Center has to offer for the contract market, including luxury fabrics, wall coverings, floor coverings, furniture, outdoor furnishings, accessories art and much more. Many products on display are fully customizable.

Design Center @ NeoCon: Toast to Fine Design

Tuesday, June 12 – 3:00pm – 5:00pm – Design Center 6th & 14th Floor
Be inspired as you step off the elevators on 6 and 14 to an oasis of fine design. Enjoy a glass of bubbly, live musi throughout the hallways and relax with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in showrooms. More information about Toast to Fine Deisgn and individual showroom events during Tuesday, July 12th from 3-5pm, please click HERE.

Showroom Programming & CEUs

The Design Process
6/12/2018 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Innovations | 6-130
When does design begin? Join a discussion on conceptual design with Innovations executive Michael Freedman, who will explore his experience channeling inspiration into reality.

Home Sweet Office: Creating Work Life Bliss
6/12/2018 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
The Bright Group | 6-166
There has been a blurring of the lines between home and office. Companies are embracing more relaxed, residential-style work spaces that spark creativity and collaboration. With amenities that allow employees to wine, dine, and unwind, corporate lobbies are no longer made just for waiting. The office is the new home away from home and designers are bridging the gap. Join THE BRIGHT GROUP for an engaging panel moderated by Jen Renzi with Interior Design magazine. Together with panelists Eric Gannon of Gensler and Mick McConnell of WeWork, they will explore the possibilities, the pitfalls and the process of transforming work places into work spaces.

The Guide to Area Rugs – CEU
6/12/2018 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Surya | 619
Experience a fascinating journey through thousands of years of area rug history from around the world. A comprehensive review of materials, fabrication and application practices will enable participants to provide the best rug recommendations for clients.

The Art of Tibetan Hand-knotted Rug Making – CEU
6/12/2018 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Scott Group Studio | 14-129
The Art of Tibetan Hand-knotted Rug Making is a comprehensive exploration and step-by-step journey of making Tibetan hand-knotted rugs. Learn about the materials and process, understand how custom hand-knotted rugs are made, discern key design considerations and gain expertise in successfully designing

Tom Stringer Book Signing
6/12/2018 | 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Holly Hunt | Suite 1428
Holly Hunt Invites you to celebrate NeoCon and Tom Stringer’s Book, “An Adventurous Life: Global Interiors by Tom Stringer” with a book signing and a reception.

Events & Happenings

Welcome to the world of Donghia Contract & Hospitality
6/11/2018 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Donghia | 631
Donghia presents new contract & hospitality product from not only Donghia, Rubelli, Sahco and Hinson but also, Studioart, Boyd Lighting, Aesthetics Wallcoverings and Lark Fontaine.

Product Preview Breakfast
6/11/2018 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Edelman Leather | 6-128
Private preview of our new Hospitality/Contract leathers; a collection of Edelman quality showcasing our capabilities to develop and source durable, cleanable, and livable custom products that align to specific project needs. Donuts and mimosa’s to celebrate!

Contract Showcase
6/11/2018 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Quadrille Wallpapaers and Fabrics | 6-127A
Commercial hand printing options feature showcase. Will be offering light refreshments while you browse our sampling of wallpaper, trevira and outdoor prints with commercial specification options.

Join Us for Lunch
6/11/2018 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Moore & Giles | 1424A
Need a break during NeoCon? Come enjoy a quiet moment in the Moore & Giles showroom located in Suite 1424A. Lunch served every day, June 11-13.

Launch of the New Sunbrella  Architexture Collection
6/11/2018 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pindler | 618
Stop by the Pindler showroom to view Sunbrella’s Architexture Collection by acclaimed designer Richard Frinier. Architexture echoes architectural design elements represented in building facades and the materials used to construct them. ***the first 50 people will receive limited edition Architexture toiletry bags*

Afternoon Early Bird Cocktails
6/11/2018 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tai Ping / Edward Fields / Manufacture Cogolin | 635
Preview of Tai Ping Contract offering with our sociable sales team.

Experience CENTURY: Through the Eyes of a Designer
6/11/2018 | 3:00 PM
Benjamin Moore | 6-131
CENTURY, the first-ever Soft-Touch Matte finish, is Benjamin Moore’s latest innovation in paint. Available in 75 brand new colors, CENTURY is already making an impact in the realm of luxurious and dimensional interiors. Join us to learn how industry experts have been using CENTURY – from where they spec it to where they don’t, and how they pair it with other products and colors. Refreshments will be served.

Nonstop to Brazil
6/11/2018 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sossego | Modern Brazilian Design | 1445
Travel to Sossego’s Relaxation Lounge and experience modern Brazilian designs for workspaces, lobbies, and hospitality. Taste Brazlian drinks and bites.

Welcome to the world of Donghia Contract & Hospitality
6/12/2018 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Donghia | 631
Donghia presents new contract & hospitality product from not only Donghia, Rubelli, Sahco and Hinson but also, Studioart, Boyd Lighting, Aesthetics Wallcoverings and Lark Fontaine.

Product Preview Breakfast
6/12/2018 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Edelman Leather | 6-129
Private preview of our new Hospitality/Contract leathers; a collection of Edelman quality showcasing our capabilities to develop and source durable, cleanable, and livable custom products that align to specific project needs. Donuts and mimosa’s to celebrate!

Phillip Jeffries Trunk Show
6/12/2018 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Holly Hunt | 1428
Come to view the latest wallcovering collection “Arboretum” from Phillip Jeffries. Todd Huckabone, national sales manager, will take you through each unique pattern & design while sharing the inspiration for the collection.

Bloody Mary Bar
6/12/2018 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Michael-Cleary | 6-102
Please join us for our Michael-Cleary Bloody Mary Bar from 9am to 11am Tuesday and Wednesday of NeoCon.

Francis Chapin (1899-1965)
6/12/2018 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Richard Norton Gallery | 612
A retrospective of the work of artist Francis Chapin, considered the Dean of Chicago painters. Chapin was a well known and respected instructor at the Art Institute of Chicago, known best for painting views of Chicago and for his collection, spanning three decades.

Couture and Coffee with Lori Weitzner
6/12/2018 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Samuel & Sons Passementerie | 6-168
Join us in the showroom for coffee, mimosas, and pastries to celebrate the launch of Lori Weitzner’s new Couture collection for Spring.

Experience CENTURY: Through the Eyes of a Designer
6/12/2018 | 3:00 PM
Benjamin Moore | 6-131
CENTURY, the first-ever Soft-Touch Matte finish, is Benjamin Moore’s latest innovation in paint. Available in 75 brand new colors, CENTURY is already making an impact in the realm of luxurious and dimensional interiors. Join us to learn how industry experts have been using CENTURY – from where they spec it to where they don’t, and how they pair it with other products and colors. Refreshments will be served.

Join Us for Lunch
6/12/2018 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Moore & Giles | 1424A
Need a break during NeoCon? Come enjoy a quiet moment in the Moore & Giles showroom located in Suite 1424A. Lunch served every day, June 11-13.

Crypton Performace Leathers
6/13/2018 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CAI Designs | 1495
Join us for Wine and Cheese while you learn about Crypton performance leathers.

Bloody Mary Bar
6/13/2018 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Michael-Cleary | 6-102
Please join us for our Michael-Cleary Bloody Mary Bar from 9am to 11am Tuesday and Wednesday of NeoCon.

Contract Showcase
6/13/2018 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Quadrille Wallpapaers and Fabrics | 6-127A
Commercial hand printing options feature showcase. Will be offering light refreshments while you browse our sampling of wallpaper, trevira and outdoor prints with commercial specification options.

Join Us at NeoCon for Lunch
6/13/2018 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Moore & Giles | 1424A
Need a break during NeoCon? Come enjoy a quiet moment in the Moore & Giles showroom located in Suite 1424A. Lunch served every day, June 11-13.

NeoCon Seminars: Residential & Hospitality Design Track

DESIGN’S ROLE IN THE HEALTHY HOME MOVEMENT [M113]
Monday, June 11 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in creating homes that contribute to the well-being of their families. To do so, they rely on designers and other professionals for advice in navigating the complex maze of product choices and design decisions. This presentation will focus on paint technologies you can specify to help improve the quality of your client’s home, specifically with respect to indoor air quality, odors, mold and mildew and disease-causing bacteria on painted surfaces. Attendees will also learn strategies to incorporate natural elements with biophilic design theory, as well as to confidently recommend third party-certified paints and coatings to clients.
Speaker: Sue Wadden, director of color marketing, Sherwin-Williams, New York, NY

COLOR: THE MEETING OF LIGHT AND SUBSTANCE   [M120]
Monday, June 11 • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

While color is a frequently used term, in the design process it takes on many shades of meaning. In this interactive workshop, we’ll investigate the scientific bases for color and how these findings underpin the challenges of new LED lighting. Our speaker will detail how, to use one scientific example: it is not a red apple, it is light that makes an apple red. Our common understanding of an object’s color is rooted in its appearance under daylight or conventional light bulbs. But new efficient light sources, specifically LED sources, illuminate most spaces we occupy today. While scientists have strived to make these new LED sources look like traditional ones, the underlying spectral characteristics are quite different, often resulting in disappointment. Our workshop will offer attendees demonstrations that will illustrate these phenomena and the importance of considering the qualities of light and new color metrics when designing spaces, materials and lighting.
Speaker: Dan Weinreber, IALD, LC, partner, KGM Architectural Lighting, El Segundo, CA

WINNING BACK THE AIRBNB GENERATION: IS INTERIOR DESIGN THE SECRET WEAPON?  [M127]
Monday, June 11 • 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

For many years, the hotel industry drove hospitality trends. Now, with the advent of Airbnb and similar platforms, guests have flipped the script. People are more selective than ever with how they spend their hospitality dollars, and recent studies show millennials spend more than boomers on travel. This presentation will dive into this phenomenon and explain why it’s essential for hotel owners to rethink design. As the old hotel standards fall by the wayside, a new paradigm for success is emerging. Our speaker will outline this formula for success, stressing creative, experience-driven and highly customized design that keeps guests writing the script.
Speaker: Valli Wiggins, LEED AP ID+C, NCIDQ, hospitality design leader, Gresham, Smith and Partners, Nashville, TN

HOSPITALITY TASTE-MAKING: FEMALE TRAVELERS AS DRIVERS OF HOTEL GUEST PREFERENCES [T206]
Tuesday, June 12 • 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Whether traveling for work or play, women are making the bulk of decisions for booking hotel stays. Recent data helps answer the deep design questions: What is resonating for traveling women; and how do their preferences also transcend gender? In this session, you’ll learn about the latest research on the trends being driven by female travelers. From in-room fitness amenities to on-site group activities to smart safety features, it’s more important than ever for hospitality designers to design with women in mind; and in turn, to engage and delight each guest from check-in to check-out.
Speaker: Meg Prendergast, principal, The Gettys Group, Chicago, IL

THE EVOLUTION OF TEXTILES  [T213]
Tuesday, June 12 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Aware designers often wonder how the world of textiles is evolving. Participants in our seminar will learn about the evolution of textile design and technology, its specifics, its ramifications and its future. Our well-known speaker will be focusing on textiles performance, including Trevira CS, digital printing, conversions, abrasion testing, FR testing and light fastness. Our speaker will also provide insider insight on how to choose material, construction and color. By the end of the presentation, you will walk away with knowledge on how to develop a textile scheme for your projects that meets performance expectations. Come ready to be inspired and create your own legacy!
Speaker: Andrea Rubelli, chairman, Donghia, New York, NY

FROM EXCESS TO EVERYDAY, THE EVOLUTION AND DEMAND FOR LUXURY  [T234]
Tuesday, June 12 • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Luxury used to mean flashy jewels and five-star hotel; or, in another word: indulgence. But the word luxury has morphed beyond high price points. It has transcended excess, now encompassing something less tangible. Today, luxury is simplicity, uniqueness and all about our experiences. Attendees will learn which materials, finishings, fixtures and other elements and details help to create a unique experience, thereby infusing a sense of luxury—and not just for the elite. Participants will glean which details and products to incorporate into a luxury design that some may say are trending but are in fact becoming a norm.
Speaker: Christopher Grubb, NKBA, IIDA, president and founder, Arch-Interiors Design Group, Beverly Hills, CA

APPLYING THE WELLNESS PRINCIPLES OF THE WELL BUILDING STANDARD TO RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS [W312]
Wednesday, June 13 • 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

This seminar provides designers with the necessary steps for incorporating the principles of the Well Building Standard into residential design projects. As this standard is currently a certification model for commercial spaces, the principles translate to any interior environment. Also, interior design elements and factors can impact the human body, either for good or bad. This key standard focuses on the systems of the body—such as cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine and immune—and how the choices we make as designers effect people’s health, comfort, competency and happiness. We will introduce the basic wellness-based principles of the Well Building Standard and how to apply them to any residential project.
Speaker: Jase Frederick, ASID, WELL AP, LEED AP, owner and lead designer, Jase Frederick Design, Evanston, IL

THE PERFECT CHAIR DESIGN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES ON MERGING FORM, FUNCTION AND STYLE  [W317]
Wednesday, June 13 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for a lively discussion through the creative lens of a distinguished panel of industry leaders about the quest for the perfect chair and how the chairs we choose, define the spaces in which we live. The discussion will explore form, function and style–the key components of the well-designed chair, how chairs inform and influence designing functional environments, as well as an historical perspective on evolution of modern chair and the conflict between creating inspirational designs that have mass appeal.
Moderator: Richard Townsend, executive director, Driehaus Museum, Chicago, IL
Speakers:Tom Stringer, ASID, founder and president, Tom Stringer Design Partners, Chicago, IL
Amy Auscherman, corporate archivist, Herman Miller, Inc., Zeeland, MI
Vivian Beer, furniture designer/maker, Vivian Beer Studio, Manchester, NH

HOME MODIFICATIONS AND INDEPENDENT AGING: HOW INTERIOR DESIGNERS ARE CONTRIBUTING AND WHERE THEY ARE BEING EXCLUDED [W326]
Wednesday, June 13 • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Interior designers recognize the ideal scenario for the aging population is to age in place independently, and with dignity. But designers are often left out of the equation, as much work being done on home modifications to support the aging population is done without them. Our seminar aims to address this issue, in part because those who are called to work with aging consumers are often challenged to change consumer expectations regarding the creation of safe, healthy homes that don’t look like institutional facilities. Current research indicates beautiful new products, including appropriate building systems and safe home technology, can empower us as designers to create spaces which support people staying in the homes they love.
Speaker: Denise McAllister Wilder, NCDIQ, interior designer, Denise McAllister Wilder Consulting, Kokomo, IN

NeoCon Seminar Details & Registration