Chicago, IL – October 21, 2026 – NeoCon, the leading platform for commercial interiors, will officially open its 2027 Call for Programming on October 28. Taking place at The Mart in Chicago from Sunday, June 13 through Wednesday, June 16, 2027, the 58th edition invites industry disruptors, visionary experts, and prominent voices to submit proposals for NeoCon Talks, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and interactive workshops.
New for 2027, the Call for Programming includes an expanded submission opportunity for lighting innovation in alignment with the return of Illuminate at NeoCon—a special exhibition dedicated to architectural, technical, and decorative lighting. Selected lighting programming will be featured in dedicated Spotlight Sessions as part of the NeoCon Talks lineup.
Building on NeoCon’s commitment to discovery and education, topics for this year’s event will span design, adaptive and multi-generational environments, artificial intelligence (AI), and the interplay between technology, culture, and wellness, across a range of categories, including workplace, healthcare, hospitality, public space, lighting, wellness, technology, sustainability, and inclusion.
All applications must be submitted online by January 18, 2027.
“NeoCon is dedicated to bringing together thought leaders, visionaries, and emerging voices to explore the rapidly evolving design landscape,” says Lisa Simonian, Vice President and Head of Trade Shows. “As technology and user experience transform commercial spaces, we’re looking forward to exploring what’s next and hosting inspiring discussions that help our industry navigate the future.”
Programming Formats
Proposals may be submitted in four formats:
Virtual CEU Sessions
Pre-recorded, 60-minute sessions delivering high-value education on emerging trends, global case studies, innovative practices, and more. Approved by IDCEC and AIA, these CEUs will be available on-demand via the NeoCon Learning Hub starting Sunday, June 13 and through December 31.
On-Site CEU Sessions
Live, 60-minute sessions held on Monday and Tuesday during NeoCon designed to foster engagement and real-time discussion. Approved by IDCEC and AIA, these sessions will also be recorded and available as Virtual CEUs.
Workshops
Longer format (60–90-minute) in-person sessions held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during NeoCon that provide hands-on learning and spark live engagement.
NeoCon Talks & Spotlights Session—in partnership with AZURE and Lytei
Sharing the stage on the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall on June 14 and 15, these fast-paced, “TED-style” sessions deliver fresh insights and bold ideas designed to spark innovation and drive meaningful change.
The program features presentations from emerging influencers and established thought leaders exploring forward-thinking design concepts, including a focus on how light shapes space, mood, performance, and experience.
All sessions will be recorded and made available post-show via the NeoCon Program Library.
Additional details and submission guidelines can be found at neocon.com/programming/call-for-programming.
For more showroom, exhibitor, and general NeoCon news, images, and real-time information, follow NeoCon on Instagram (@NeoCon_Shows), LinkedIn (@NeoCon-Shows), and Facebook (@NeoConShows).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When do submissions open and close, and what is the process for submitting a proposal?
A: The Call for Programming opens on October 28, 2026, and the deadline for all applications is January 18, 2027. The entire submission process is completed online through the official portal at neocon.com/programming/call-for-programming.
Q: What categories and formats are acceptable for submission?
A: Programming proposals are welcomed across categories, including workplace, healthcare, hospitality, lighting, sustainability, inclusion, and more. Formats accepted include CEU Sessions, Workshops, and NeoCon Talks.
Q: Which programming formats are eligible for CEU credit?
A: Virtual CEU Sessions (pre-recorded, 60-minute), On-Site CEU Sessions (live, 60-minute), and Workshops (live, 60- to 90-minute hands-on immersion) are submitted for approval by IDCEC and AIA. NeoCon Talks and Spotlight Sessions are designed as educational content but do not currently carry CEU credit.
Q: Where can all submission guidelines and the official portal be found?
A: Complete guidelines, category details, and the link to the official submission portal can be found on the NeoCon website at neocon.com/programming/call-for-programming.
About NeoCon
NeoCon is the world’s leading platform and most important event for thecommercial interiors industry, held each year at The Mart in Chicago. Since launching in 1969,NeoCon has served as the annual gathering place for the commercial design world’smanufacturers, dealers, architects, designers, end-users, design organizations, and media. The four-day event showcases game-changing products and services from more than 400 leadingand emerging companies—providing unparalleled access to the latest and most innovativesolutions. A robust educational program of keynote presentations and CEU sessions offersworld-class expertise and insight into today’s most relevant topics as well as the future ofcommercial design. www.neocon.comNeoCon® is a registered trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., a subsidiary ofVornado Realty Trust.
About The Mart
The Mart is the largest privately held commercial building in the United States.It encompasses 4.2 million gross square feet, spans two city blocks, rises 25 stories, and is visited by an average of 30,000 people each business day (or nearly 10 million people annually).The Mart serves as the home to Chicago’s most creative and technologically innovative companies, including Motorola Mobility, PayPal, Avant, and MATTER, as well as Fortune 500companies Conagra Brands, Allstate, Medline Industries, Beam Suntory, IPG, and Grainger. Itis also the largest and most important center for design in North America, with more than 250premier design showrooms offering the latest resources for both residential and commercialmarkets