(Chicago, IL April 10, 2014) NeoCon is a not-to-be-missed moment for the commercial design industry. For three days the who’s who of contract design gather in Chicago to see the latest product innovations, attend inspiring and educational sessions and network with peers from around the country.

Products launched at NeoCon are on the cutting edge of design, technology, ergonomics, and sustainable production practices. The 700 exhibitors cover the spectrum of vertical markets including workplace, healthcare, hospitality, retail, environmental, government and educational. At NeoCon, they present products that are often years in the making from design conception to final presentation at market. Naturally the stakes are high for the hundreds of products that will be introduced as they set industry standards and push the design envelop for commercial interiors.

This NeoCon will feature several special awards moments.

Contract Magazine will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the coveted Best of NeoCon Awards. Exhibitors can submit products in 39 categories ranging from architectural products to workplace technologies.

About 45 jurors made up of architects, designers, facility management professionals and editors will review the submissions in the days leading up to the show. Winners are announced on opening day at an early morning industry breakfast. Once selected, products with the coveted Contract Best of NeoCon Awards are on track for commercial success.

Submissions are due April 28th. Adding to the excitement and friendly competition, Interior Design is launching a brand new Awards program honoring industry people and innovative design solutions. Interior Design Hip at NeoCon, the awards program is unlike any other in that it recognizes commercial industry pioneers and achievement in design solutions and product applications.

HIP Person award categories include: HIP Leader, Designer, Rising Star, Product Designer, Sales Rep, Manufacturer, Brand Representative and Client. Solution focused categories include: Collaboration, Wellness, Budget, Green, Performance Wonder, High Tech, Color, Concentration, Off the Wall, Underfoot, etc. Nominations are due on May 1. After the submission period closes, categories will be open to NeoCon registrants to vote and winners will be announced at a new Tuesday evening event at the Mart.

Buildings Magazine is looking for the latest products that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of commercial buildings for its 18th annual Product Innovations Awards. Open exclusively to NeoCon 2014 exhibitors, it highlights the best that performance and aesthetics can offer to building managers. Submissions are due May 16 and winners will receive print and online coverage in the September issue of the magazine.

The International Interior Design Assocation (IIDA) is celebrating 20 years of design excellence and hosting a number of special industry events and cool programs. In keeping with the awards theme, the IIDA/Contract Magazine Showroom & Booth Design Competition will honor originality of design, visual impact and the outstanding use of color, space, texture and graphics in the permanent showrooms and temporary booths.

Attendees will also be able to shop with special indicators from Metropolis editors as they once again select their favorite product innovations from the show floor through their Metropolis Likes program. All this adds up to an award-studded event – where the very best of the best gather to see it all first and talk to designers and manufacturers about their work and their vision for the future.

For more information visit: NeoCon.com

Owned and produced by Vornado Realty Trust | Merchandise Mart, registration for NeoCon 2014 (June 9-11, 2014 from 9AM-5PM) is required. Show Expo Online Registration by June 2: Free, Show Expo On- Site Registration: $25, Keynote Presentation: Free, CEU Seminar Pre-Registration: $55 each, CEU Seminar On-Site Registration: $65 each, Special Event Registration: Fees Vary. Interviews with exhibitors, show management, and seminar speakers are available prior to, during, or after the show. Media can visit the show’s online pressroom at www.neocon.com to download press releases and announcements. The site also features an image gallery and fast facts. For exhibitor news, images and real-time information, follow NeoCon on the following social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Vine.