IIDA Celebrates 2022 Industry Changemakers at NeoCon

May 25, 2022  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

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 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Registration required. Time: 4–5 p.m. Location: The NeoCon Presentation Studio, FL2 and streamed live on the NeoCon Hub

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. 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 Durst. “It is on us to create space for all to access and become privy to how design shapes lives.”