Commercial Interior Design Organization Ignites Conversation and
Acknowledgement of Those Impacting Industry through Curated Programming

CHICAGO — IIDA is making space at the world’s leading commercial interior design conference, NeoCon, to unite the changemakers—the brightest design minds who are the bold, the brave, those who make space, take action, and guide the future of the industry. IIDA’s presence and programming at NeoCon will educate, enlighten, and inspire. NeoCon is held in downtown Chicago annually at the MART (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago) from Monday, June 13–Wednesday, June 15 with IIDA programming beginning Saturday, June 11.

“We’re excited to introduce a first-of-its-kind art installation at this year’s NeoCon,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “Located along the south drive of the Mart, it will be an icon for conference attendees and onlookers, supporting both veterans and newcomers in the industry seeking to influence immense change in design and emphasize there is space for everyone.”

Those attending NeoCon have a wide range of IIDA programming opportunities to take part in.

Saturday, June 11:

IIDA Chapter Leadership Council (CLC): A private event for chapter leaders from across the country, this day-long conference focuses on professional development, leadership, and volunteerism.

IIDA Changemaker Chapter Awards: Celebrating the accomplishments of IIDA chapters, this invitation-only annual reception will be hosted at the new location and not-yet-open-to-the-public Architectural Artifacts, Inc.

Sunday, June 12:

IIDA Showroom & Booth Design Competition: Honoring originality of design and visual impact in showrooms, temporary booths, and pop-ups exhibited during NeoCon, this competition will recognize outstanding and innovative use of materials, space, color, texture, product, and environmental graphics. All winning spaces will be on display throughout the show and winners will be announced on Sunday, June 11 (submissions open until June 8).

IIDA Annual Meeting: During this event, IIDA will honor the 2022-2023 International Board of Directors as well as the 2022 College of Fellows inductees, the recipient of the 2022 Star award, the Educator, Member, and Student of the Year recipients, and celebrate IIDA foundation awards and scholarships. Space is limited.
Time: Noon–3:30 p.m.
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago

Revel in Design: IIDA’s Black-tie Event: A kick-off to NeoCon, this gala will host prominent international interior designers and global design manufacturers for an evening of networking, dinner, and dancing. The event honors the winners of two of the most prestigious competitions in the interior design profession—the 49th Annual Interior Design Competition and the 30th Annual Will Ching Design Competition. Limited tickets still available for purchase.
Time: 7–11:30 p.m.
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., Chicago

Monday, June 13:

Between Art and Design: A keynote presentation with Artist, Nick Cave and Faust Principal and Creative Director, Bob Faust, moderated by IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. The dynamic conversation will cover the art of collaboration, hybrid practice, and the design of life as well as dive into the duo’s launch of “Facility,” a multi-disciplinary, multi-use collaborative space in Chicago, where art and design can foster peace, build power, and create change. Registration required.
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: The NeoCon Presentation Studio, FL2 and streamed live on the NeoCon Hub

Designing Healthy Learning Environments: Presented by Rockfon and moderated by Object Agency (O|A) Founder and Principal, Jon Otis, IIDA, this conversation will focus on the intersection of equity and wellness in design and its positive impact on societal issues that affect communities and educational institutions. Panelists include: CSBO Executive Director of Operations, Oak Park River Forest High School, Ronald C. Anderson; Perkins&Will, Chicago Design Principal,
Joe Connell, IIDA; Rockfon VP of Marketing and Business Development, Warren Dudding; WELL Building Standard and WELL Equity Lead at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) Director and Community Concept Lead, Dr. Angie Scott, Ph.D. Registration required.
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Location: The IDEA Studio, IIDA Headquarters, 111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 222, Chicago

IIDA Equity Council Roundtable: Featuring IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA and IIDA Director of Member Services, Monae Redmond, this roundtable discussion brings together leading voices from the Equity Council to discuss bringing EDI to life, including how to have open conversations, create actionable goals, and implement real change at work and personally. Equity Council Co-chairs include: JLL Vice President, Ronnie Belizaire, FIIDA; O|A (Object Agency) Founder and Principal, John Otis, IIDA; Arper CEO of the Americas, Amy Storek, Ind. IIDA. Council Members include: HGA Senior Interior Designer, Marivel Ansera, IIDA; Senior Manager of Portfolio and Transaction; AT&T Inc.; Global Real Estate, Naheed Jahid-Rahman, IIDA, RID; Hospitality Thought Leader, Architect, Interior Designer, Julia Monk, FIIDA; Karen Muraoka Interior Design LLC Principal/Senior Interior Designer, Karen Muraoka, FIIDA; OFS A+D Market Manager, Megan Plante, Ind. IIDA; Kaleidoscope Owner, Christine Peter, Ind IIDA; HOK Firmwide Director of Interior Design, Tom Polucci, IIDA; Infinium Distribution Development Manager, Derek Jayson Rusch, Assoc. IIDA; Senior Project Designer, OTJ Architects, Robina Shepherd, Assoc. IIDA. Registration required. Time: 4–5:00 p.m.
Location: The NeoCon Presentation Studio, FL2 and streamed live on the NeoCon Hub

Tuesday, June 14:

IIDA Student Design Charette: School-nominated IIDA Student members from around the country will compete in this live, annual design competition during NeoCon. Students have less than six hours to determine a design solution, develop a presentation, and pitch their concept to a panel of design leaders, with an awards celebration to follow. Sponsored by MillerKnoll and supported by Behr and the Wallcoverings Association. NeoCon attendees may observe students by RSVP’ing (limited space available).
Time: Charette: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Presentations and Judging: 3–5 p.m.
Location: The IDEA Studio, IIDA Headquarters, 111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 222, Chicago

IIDA Student Roundtable: Presented by OFS and moderated by OFS District Sales Manager, Maria VanDeman, Ind. IIDA, students and emerging designers will gain access to a panel of design leaders and influencers for an essential discussion on how to develop a design career that encompasses art, design, activism, and social justice. Panelists include: Marwen Executive Director, Akilah Halley; Project Interiors Associate Designer and 2021 Design Your World Instructor, Ciera C. Payton, Assoc. IIDA; Columbia College Chicago Assistant Professor and Core Organizer of Design as Protest (DAP), Dave Pabellon. Registration required.
Time: 4–5 p.m.
Location: The NeoCon Presentation Studio, FL2 and streamed live on the NeoCon Hub

IIDA Student Design Charette Awards: Join the charette participants, judges, and IIDA at the Charette Winner’s Reception where the winners of the Student Design Charette will be announced. Light bites and beverages will be served (valid ID required). Space is limited. Sponsored by MillerKnoll and supported by Behr and the Wallcoverings Association. Registration required (limited availability).
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: The IDEA Studio, IIDA Headquarters, 111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 222, Chicago

“Our goal is to offer actionable inspiration to conference attendees and help them gain a new perspective on how our industry is evolving with each new enrolled design student, graduate, professional, and veteran,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “It is on us to create space for all to access and become privy to how design shapes lives.”

For more information on IIDA programming during NeoCon, visit: www.neocon.com