The prestigious Best of NeoCon competition is now open for submissions. NeoCon's official awards program highlights exceptional new products from show exhibitors.
In 2022, NeoCon introduced the Business Impact Award, which returns with a new feature to allow entrants to be pre-vetted by a jury of facility end-users, real estate planners, and specifiers, who will consider their contributions to business operations and enterprise-oriented built environments across verticals. A panel of business journalists from leading publications will conduct an on-site evaluation of the finalists.
The NeoCon awards program was established in 1990 and spans 55 categories across commercial sectors, including workplace, healthcare, hospitality and education. Awardees will receive gold and silver awards, along with recognition in innovation, sustainability and business impact that showcase an overarching glance at the various products available.
Best of NeoCon Director Eileen McMorrow expressed her excitement about this year's competition, highlighting its role in revealing trends in the commercial interior products industry.
"If you are looking for insight into what's next in the world of commercial interior products, look no further than the annual Best of NeoCon entrants," she said. "It's always exciting to get that insider's look into the trends driving the industry. In 2023, we witnessed a substantial rise in entries—nearly 20% more compared to the previous year. Entries to Collections for Collaboration, Acoustics & Privacy, and Seating: Sofas & Lounge categories saw a notable uptick, and the Furniture category alone grew by 47%. We anticipate even greater participation this year as manufacturers continue to develop new innovations to meet today’s quickly evolving market demands.”
Top design professionals, specifiers, facility managers and decision-makers will comprise a distinguished panel of over 50 jurors. They will be announced in April. Jurors will bring expertise in commercial, healthcare, education and hospitality sectors and will gather for in-person evaluations of submissions at The MART leading up to NeoCon. Following first-hand assessments of the products, they will select the winners.
The 2024 NeoCon Award winners will be unveiled at a live awards ceremony on Monday, June 10 at The MART, kicking off the 55th edition of NeoCon. The winning products will receive a distinguished award designed by NeoCon partner Maiarelli Studio, symbolizing excellence and innovation in design. Best of NeoCon products will be viewable during the three-day show.
NeoCon exhibitors can submit entries through the Best of NeoCon online portal, with eligible products entering the U.S. market since June 2023 and on display at NeoCon 2024. Previous Best of NeoCon 2023 product entries are ineligible. Submission deadlines and entry fees are detailed below:
- Early entry by March 31: $800 per entry
- Regular entry by April 30: $900 per entry
- Late entry by May 20: $1,000 per entry
- Business Impact Opt-In: $100 per entry
NeoCon, taking place June 10-12 at The MART in Chicago, is open to trade, C-Suite executives and other industry-related professionals with free registration for all attendees. You can also register online. More program and entry information is online at www.neocon.com/awards/best-of-neocon. Stay updated on showroom, exhibitor and general NeoCon news by following NeoCon on its social media channels.
