NeoCon 2026 Programming Registration Opens, Theme Is ‘Where Design Connects’

Why It Matters

The expanded programming positions NeoCon as the central hub for commercial designers to acquire cutting‑edge skills, network with tech leaders, and align with industry standards that will drive workplace transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Registration opens for NeoCon 2026, June 7-10 in Chicago.
• Program highlights AI, cultural shifts, and interdisciplinary design.
• 3 keynotes feature leaders from infrastructure, tech, and branding.
• Over 60 virtual CEUs and 7 on‑site sessions available.
• Student Studio Day connects emerging talent with industry firms.

Pulse Analysis

NeoCon, the premier trade show for commercial interior design, has opened registration for its 57th edition, scheduled for June 7‑10, 2026 in Chicago. Building on the 2025 theme “Where Design Connects,” the event promises a dense lineup of educational experiences that explore the convergence of technology, culture, and spatial practice. Attendees can secure spots for the main show and a preview day, positioning themselves at the forefront of industry dialogue as firms and designers prepare for a post‑pandemic redesign of workplaces and public spaces.

The 2026 program places AI and emerging tools at its core, with workshops that let participants experiment with generative design, data‑driven visualization, and interactive storytelling. Seven featured presentations bring together tech powerhouses such as Cisco, Microsoft and NVIDIA alongside design firms like HOK and the Barack Obama Foundation, delivering research‑backed frameworks for AI‑enabled offices and multigenerational work environments. Three high‑profile keynotes—Jessica O. Matthews, Nick Foster, and David “Shingy” Shing—will frame the conversation around purpose‑driven innovation, future‑focused thinking, and rapid cultural change.

Beyond thought leadership, NeoCon offers more than 60 virtual CEU sessions and seven on‑site seminars covering sustainable lighting, material innovation, and inclusive design, giving professionals flexible pathways to maintain credentials. The event also dedicates a Student Studio Day, partnering with Gensler and Tokonext to bridge academia and practice, ensuring the next generation of designers gains real‑world exposure. By integrating immersive city experiences, lighting spotlight series, and interdisciplinary panels, NeoCon reinforces its role as a catalyst for industry standards, helping firms translate emerging trends into actionable strategies that shape the built environment for years to come.