Baltimore, MD, September 26, 2005 -- Building on the positive momentum of the past two years, NeoCon East returned to the Baltimore Convention Center on September
14 and 15 for its third year and most successful show to date.
With more than 6,700 attendees, a 12 percent increase over 2004, and more exhibiting companies than ever before, NeoCon East set the standard for design inspiration and cutting-edge products in the Mid-Atlantic region.
"We are ecstatic with the participation in this year¹s show. Attendees and exhibitors alike are enthusiastic about the valuable and profitable business that takes place at NeoCon East,² said Mark Falanga, senior vice president, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). "As evidenced by increased participation in every aspect of the show, we are confident that this year¹s show proves NeoCon East¹s place as a vital opportunity for anyone in the industry."
NeoCon East 2005 was the largest show to date with 185,000 square feet of exhibit space compared to 123,000 square feet in its initial year, and 6,700 attendees in 2005 compared to 6,200 in 2003. NeoCon East also has grown to include 39 educational seminars, three exceptional keynote addresses and 10 association forums. These numbers are a real indicator that exhibitors and attendees are vested in the show and its success.
"Last year was the first year that we exhibited at NeoCon East. It was so terrific in terms of solid traffic and business for us that we had to come back this year. The show's clientele is classy. More importantly, the exposure that the show gives us is terrific for our company," said Vicki Lynn Gates, local representative, Leland.
"The show is spectacular this year. We are re-signing our space for certain," said Thomas Whitmore of Avitecture.
With more exhibit space to accommodate the sold-out show, many exhibitors found the layout of show floor manageable and easy to navigate. "Having a space with walls in the middle of the hall really draws people over to see what is in the space. Traffic has been unbelievable, even within the first few hours of the show," said Robin Wasserman, Bentley Prince Street.
Attendees also found great value and networking opportunities at NeoCon East. "This is my first time at NeoCon East. It is very impressive with great product and great people. I look forward to coming back next year," said Diane Chilangua, Ellerbe Becket.
As a hub for the federal government furnishings market, the quality of attendees from the government sector was exceptional and included representatives from the Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Department of Education and Department of Transportation.
In addition, there were several exciting new show offerings this year, including the Best of NeoCon Gallery, designed by Interior Architects (IA) Washington, D.C. offices; more educational programs than ever before, ranging in topics from green design to new ways to market design-related services to the government; and three dynamic keynote speakers, including Edward Feiner of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Ken Wilson of Envision Design; and Thomas Mayne, 2005 Pritzker Prize winner, of Morphosis Architects.
Student Day attracted hundreds of future designers to participate in a career exchange, round-table discussions, seminars and the opportunity to walk the show floor and network with the professionals.
With four shows in one, NeoCon East was able to gather design professionals from the interior design, architectural and facilities management industries all under one roof. The show components include Government Interiors, supported by the General Services Administration¹s (GSA) National Furniture Center; Buildings Show; GREENlife: Products for Sustainable Environments; and the Architectural Stone and Ceramic Tile Exposition (ASCTEX).
NeoCon East will be held Oct. 11-12, 2006, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
