Flexibility seemed to be the buzzword at the 2010 NeoCon, held June 14-16 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. From desking systems that can be reconfigured quickly and easily, to lecterns with castors for mobility and springs for height adjustability, today’s designs allow users to fully optimize both open and private workspaces.

Some examples from the show floor include:

SIS-USA Inc. showcased products that were ergonomic, mobile and aimed at “fitting the user to the workspace,” said David Smith, regional sales manager. Features like height adjustability are not new but are becoming more popular, he added.

Antenna Workspaces, a new desking system from Knoll Inc. won the Innovation Award. This open plan system has desks, tables, screens and storage units that can be reconfigured into numerous combinations. “It is designed to allow for easier transitions between individual and group workspaces,” said Kathy Kelley, a sales representative.

Staks, a new product line launched by OFS’ First Office features both open and private desking. These areas were designed at the same time to ensure that the systems matched, said John Buening, director of global accounts. The Staks line is certified for LEED and features clip-on panels and power cord outlets, mobile storage units and sliding doors.

Integrated and increased connectivity is just one of the expanded features on the Converge Conference Room Furniture Collection shown by Gunlocke. Now available with laminate tops, in addition to wood veneer, the Converge Collection offers a range of scalable conferencing products, including tables and multi-functional support pieces designed to meet the needs of space, style and functionality.

Over at HON’s showroom, the Arrive Veneer Desk Series offers greater storage and connectivity options, plus a laptop docking station, in a smaller footprint. The series is available in a variety of wood finishes, including Shaker cherry, and the doors can be mixed and matched of all wood, frosted glass and/or silver frame. Also at the HON showroom, the SmartLink educational furniture line is designed for today’s ever-changing school environment. Flexibility and mobility are especially key here, with casters on teachers’ desks and sit-to-stand desks with adjustable height legs.