(Chicago, IL- June 2017) As the global platform for commercial interiors, NeoCon brings the latest products, trends and ideas to market. Held this year from June 12-14 at The Mart in Chicago, the event caters to a range of verticals from healthcare to hospitality.

As always, the future of the office played a major role at the 2017 edition. Workplace design has become even more essential as companies are realizing the impact it has on productivity and a company’s bottom line. With Millennials, Generation Z and the gig economy becoming the new faces of the workplace, organizations are using their workspaces as one way to attract and retain employees. The rapidly changing landscape is driving a need for new solutions in biophilic design, privacy, adaptable furniture and technology.

According to Byron Morton, VP Leasing, “NeoCon is an invaluable resource for the advancement of commercial interiors. The concepts, trends and solutions introduced at NeoCon each year, really have the power to shape not only the design of these spaces, but also profoundly affect the individuals who live, interact and work within them.”

Trend: Biophilic Design 

More and more commercial interiors are taking their cues from nature, incorporating natural materials, natural light, vegetation, nature views and other experiences of the natural world into the modern built environment. Numerous studies show that this makes employees happier and more productive. NeoCon was a hub of inspiration as manufacturers featured everything from flooring to textiles that address these biophilic design principles.

Trend: Privacy On Demand

In the open plan workplace, people need the ability to create privacy on demand. From agile partitions to mobile pods, manufacturers are offering new solutions to satisfy these needs.

Trend: Adaptive Furnishings 

While privacy is key, so too is furniture that fosters collaboration. As the need for versatile, modular and flexible offerings continues to grow, the industry is charging full steam ahead with a myriad of options. From lighting to seating, NeoCon exhibitors will feature the latest and greatest reconfigurable and highly adjustable solutions.

Trend: New Technology 

From VR and AR to new software, wearables and wireless charging, the technology sector is brimming with exciting new solutions. This ever evolving category had an entire area dedicated to it on the 7th floor exhibition hall.