Description

NeoCon, the world’s leading platform and most important event for the commercial interiors industry, returns June 8-10, 2026, at THE MART in Chicago. Since launching in 1969, NeoCon has served as the annual gathering place for the commercial design world’s manufacturers, dealers, architects, designers, end-users, design organizations and media. The three-day event provides unparalleled access to the latest and most innovative products and solutions from leading companies and emerging talent, immersive and inspirational design experiences and events, as well as a robust programming schedule led by industry thought-leaders from diverse backgrounds, offering world-class expertise and insight into today’s most relevant topics. 

ASID at Neocon:

Keynote:

Resetting How We Think About the Future 
Tuesday, June 9, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. CDT | NeoCon Presentation Studio, FL 2 

When a futurist takes the stage, audiences often expect sweeping predictions, dazzling new technologies, or bold proclamations about what lies ahead. This keynote takes a different approach. Rather than forecasting outcomes, Nick Foster offers a moment of intentional pause, inviting the NeoCon community to rethink how we imagine, evaluate, and prepare for the future of the built environment. 

Our collective ability to think about what’s next with depth, rigor, and clarity remains critically underdeveloped, particularly in the commercial interior design and architecture industries, where rapid social, technological, and cultural shifts are redefining how we live and work. In times of continuous change, this lack of depth often leaves leaders and designers underprepared for what comes next.  

Drawing on decades of experience advising some of the world’s most influential organizations, this forward-thinking designer focuses not on answers, but on building better questions. Through sharp provocation and real-world examples, this keynote equips attendees with the ability to add structure to their imagination, expand perspectives, and confidently navigate our increasingly uncertain future. 
Speaker: Nick Foster RDI, Futures Designer, Former Head of Design, Google X

Featured Presentaions:

Design at the Inflection Point: The Forces Shaping What Comes Next 
Tuesday, June 9, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CDT | NeoCon Presentation Studio, FL 2 

Design is entering a decisive new era, shaped by economic shifts, technological acceleration, and rising expectations for how spaces perform. Drawing on research from the American Society of Interior Designers 2026 Trends Outlook and Economic Outlook, this featured presentation examines how these forces are transforming not only what designers create, but how projects are managed and delivered.

As complexity grows across budgets, timelines, teams, and supply chains, project management has become essential to translating design vision into successful outcomes. Together, the panel will explore how collaboration, coordination, and evolving delivery models are reshaping the design process, and how stronger integration across stakeholders can support resilience, adaptability, and accountability in today’s built environment. 
Speakers: Olivia Ribeiro – Senior Workplace Strategist (dancker), Dwayne Stephens – Built Environment Consultant (Impeccable 7), Kate Pixler, RID, IIDA, LEED GA – Interior Designer (HOK)
Moderator: Khoi Vo – CEO (ASID)

CEUs:

Designing the 100-Year Workforce: How Multigenerational Design Shapes Work 
June 9, 2026, 3:00pm CDT | NeoCon CEU Studio, FL 2 

For the first time in history, up to six generations may share the workforce—from early-career Gen Z professionals to employees working well into their seventies and beyond. At the same time, global longevity is rising, with the population aged 80 and older projected to triple by 2050. Drawing on insights from the ASID 2026 Trends Outlook Report, this session reframes aging as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Industry leaders will explore how organizations can design workplaces that support collaboration, wellbeing, mentorship, and knowledge transfer across generations—turning longevity into a powerful strategic advantage. 
Speakers: Khoi Vo – CEO (ASID), Erik Lucken – Strategy Leader (Gensler), Leah Bauer – Global Director of Design and Sustainability (Workday), Elizabeth Von Lehe ASID, NCIDQ – Principal, Senior Design Leader (Cannon Design)

Student Programming:

Defining Your Narrative: ASID's Student Portfolio Strategy Review 
Monday, June 8, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CDT  Floor 6, Suite 6-180 

Your portfolio tells your story as a designer. Join ASID to gain insight and receive one-on-one feedback from leading designers on portfolio development. Through conversation, designers will share what makes a portfolio stand out when seeking new talent and offer advice on how to tailor your presentation based on the position you are pursuing. Additionally, students will engage in one-on-one conversations with professionals, allowing you to receive personalized feedback on your resume and portfolio, get advice on your job or internship search, and guidance on career paths. This workshop is designed to equip you with the essential strategies and confidence needed to stand out as you launch your career. 
Presenters: Margi Kaminski, ASID, RID, NCIDQ, EDAC, CLGB – Principal, Director Health Interiors (CannonDesign), Shundra Harris, FASID, RID, NCIDQ – CEO, Principal Designer (Shundra Harris Interiors (SHI)), Marianne Starke, RA, ASID, IIDA Associate – Design Director, Senior Associate (Gensler)
Moderator: Khoi Vo – CEO (ASID)