NeoCon 2017
- January 9th, 2018
- in News
Each year, the interior design industry holds one of the largest and most recognizable trade shows, NeoCon, at The Mart in Chicago. The Mart is 4.2 million gross square feet, spanning two city blocks and rising 25 stories. It is home to hundreds of tenants, including showrooms of furniture, flooring and fabric manufacturers. This year was no different as more than 50,000 design professionals representing over 500 design companies met to discuss current trends and review the latest in commercial furniture and products.
Every summer, the Furnishings and Design department sends a group of designers to represent the University of Alabama at Neocon. The attendees this year were Mary Kathryn Holt, Simoen Warren and Sarah Lindsay Knight. The group visited showrooms specific to higher education as well as manufacturers represented on the UA System’s Furniture Contract. Visiting the showrooms gives the designers a preview of new furniture products, materials, and general design trends.
Upon their return, Sarah Lindsay, Simoen and Mary Kathryn gave a comprehensive presentation to the entire Furnishings and Design staff, complete with pictures and information on the showrooms and new products being released. Striking the perfect balance between the latest in interior design and the rich traditions and standards here at UA is what makes our design staff’s talents really stand out!