Article Number : 9051 |
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| Date | 11/11/2014 6:22:57 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=9051 |
| Abstract | Baltimore, MD (November 2014) The 12th edition of NeoCon East did not disappoint, with both exhibitors and attendees noticing an upbeat, productive environment. Government was back in business and back walking the show floor, which was abuzz with steady order filling and... |
| Article | Baltimore, MD (November 2014) The 12th edition of NeoCon East did not disappoint, with both exhibitors and attendees noticing an upbeat, productive environment. Government was back in business and back walking the show floor, which was abuzz with steady order filling and networking. In fact, attendance was up overall with a mix of private and government commercial design professionals shopping and taking advantage of the stellar line-up of conferences and seminars. Julie Amato-Kohl, vice president of NeoCon East exhibitor sales, comments, “NeoCon East has succeeded for many years as the go-to show for the commercial interiors sector along the East Coast. This year’s edition was particularly illustrative of this important position in the commercial industry landscape, as exhibitors and attendees reported robust business and valuable networking with key players in the region.” Highlights included inspiring keynotes Irena Savakova, an award-winning designer whose work includes the new Social Security Administration Campus in Baltimore, and pioneering architect Shashi Caan, designer and president of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (Caan’s presentation sponsored by Steelcase). A talk by Kevin Salwen, journalist and author of Design Leveraged, a special report done in conjunction with IIDA and BIFMA, as well as over 40 hands-on CEU trainings in hot topics across vertical sectors rounded out the exciting educational programming. This year’s NeoCon East also featured a new collaboration with DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) for a trick-or-treating event to raise awareness and funds for the important cause and spark further engagement on the show floor. Professional design associations IIDA and ASID were both active partners in the show’s success. IIDA sponsored the well received Breaking Boundaries breakfast, with show stopping featured speaker Helen Marriage, co-founder of London-based Artichoke and producer of urban spectacle, celebration and “disruption.” In addition, IIDA and Contract Magazine once again bestowed exhibitor awards upon outstanding booths, which included Global-The Total Office in the large booth category and Bentley in the small booth category. ASID organized a portfolio review, which received rave reviews from participants. Both exhibitors and attendees expressed satisfaction with the show, citing that it is an important event to attend to get a pulse on the industry and make valuable connections on the East Coast. A sense that business was on the uptick was also prevalent, with many exhibitors reporting sales made right off the show floor. Open Plan Systems' new ballistic furniture systems quickly caught the attention of members of the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Homeland Security and more. The innovation utilizes the latest barrier technologies and helps to aid survival during violent situations. The show’s strong relationship with the GSA was also a noted benefit. Steve Robinson, director of government sales for exhibitor OFS Brands, remarks, “NeoCon East always provides a great opportunity for us to connect with design professionals and government agencies in this region, and this year was no exception. NeoCon East's special focus on GSA is especially helpful to OFS Brands as an exhibitor-manufacturer because it allows us to feature our products and services that are specific to this market. Also, NeoCon East show management did an excellent job of engaging the design industry and GSA by offering powerful content with keynotes from design leaders and meaningful professional development opportunities." Adds David Dillard, director of sales, east region for Mayline, "We think the show has been terrific and we are pleased with the turn out. We’re happy we signed on for the Trick or Treating for DIFFA event. It brought a fun and fresh feel to the exhibition floor and encouraged interaction.” First time exhibitor Nemo Tile Company was also happy with the show. The company’s Creative Director Charlotte Barnard, says, “This was our first year exhibiting and it exceeded our expectations. We were so pleased to be among so many fine companies exhibiting quality product. The overall presentation on the floor, with so many attractive booths, was cohesive and compelling. And we had great traffic! Overall, a very productive show.” Attendees echoed exhibitors’ sentiments and felt the show was a great resource for inspiration, trend forecasting, specifying products and connecting with colleagues. Victoria Chapman, associate designer at Builders Design, comments, “We love coming to the show because we get to see the market trends that will be coming. It's nice for us to get an idea of what’s going on in the industry so that we can better serve our clients. We've seen a lot of interesting products, different shapes and colors. In addition to seeing the products up close, we're also getting to meet with reps and clients. The show is a great place to network. It brings the industry together.” Attendee Jennifer Rogers of Perkins and Will, comments, “The show has been great this year. I've seen a lot of fresh products and have made valuable connections. NeoCon East makes it easier to understand how everything works all together—from the products to the people. I think there’s been really good attendance so far. People are talking about how they're seeing new things.” John F. Murphy, Project Manager, NCARB, AIA, at Lincoln Harris Corporate Services Group, agrees, “I've been coming here for the last six years. Every time I learn something new and see something more. The industry is always changing and, as someone with clients I need to advise, I have to keep up with what's new and next. The show is great for that and also great for linking up with people in the Northeast in particular. Everyone is so welcoming and it seems like business is improving and people are feeling excited about design again.” Fellow attendee and architect Doug Bothner of Zieger Snead, concurs, “NeoCon East is a great asset to the design community! It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be exposed to the best vendors and most current product right here in Baltimore. We always come away inspired.” NeoCon® East is a registered trademark of MMPI. Media Contacts: Danielle McWilliams / Alexandra Zwicky, Novità Communications, 212.528.3160 E-mail: danielle@novitapr.com / alexandra@novitapr.com Media can visit the show’s online pressroom to download press releases and announcements. Vornado Realty Trust | Merchandise Mart, a division of Vornado Realty Trust, is a leading owner and operator of integrated showroom and office buildings, as well as trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together through market events, trade and consumer shows, and conferences each year. We are committed to creating sustainable environments in the properties we manage and the communities we serve. Vornado Realty Trust, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real-estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO. |