Chicago, IL, July 1—-This year's NeoCon World's Trade Fair attracted 46,352 professional attendees during the June 13-15 show in Chicago.
The Merchandise Mart said the annual show¹s success built upon a resurgence in the contract furnishings industry with more exhibiting companies than ever before in NeoCon¹s 37-year history, as well as a 10.8 percent increase in attendance over the 2004 show.
"The increased attendance at this year¹s show, coupled with the upbeat atmosphere and optimism among attendees and exhibitors, reflects an upward trend in the industry," said Mark Falanga, vice president, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI), producer and manager of NeoCon World¹s Trade Fair.
"With our expanded and renovated temporary exhibit show floors and wide range of seminars and special events, the show continues to grow exponentially as we consistently work to improve upon our already incomparable service."
This year¹s NeoCon was the largest show to date with an additional 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and expanded in-demand product categories, such as lighting, stone and tile. The completely remodeled 7th and 8th floor temporary exhibit spaces were a major highlight of the 2005 show and allowed for even more product and added convenience for all attendees.
The annual Best of NeoCon Awards, presented each year during NeoCon, received an impressive 319 entries, 40 percent of which were submitted by exhibitors from the temporary exhibit spaces.
In all, 68 awards were distributed, including gold and silver awards, as well as seven innovation awards, four editors¹ choice awards, and the previously mentioned best of competition award. The Best of NeoCon Awards is sponsored by Contract magazine, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), MMPI, the International Facility Managers Association (IFMA) and McMorrow Report.
The NeoCon marketing, communications and public relations teams marketed this year¹s show information to hundreds of thousands of industry professionals through the following: more than 70 advertisements in trade and consumer publications; three direct mail pieces to 225,000 people; 12 email and fax blasts; an extensive Web site that racked up 247,000 hits in the month of May alone; hundreds of pages of editorial coverage; and partnerships and programs with more than 30 industry associations and organizations participating in the show, giving NeoCon a direct link to those memberships.
NeoCon World¹s Trade Fair will be held June 12-14, 2006, at The Merchandise Mart. For more information about NeoCon, please visit www.merchandisemart.com or call 800.677.6278 (MART).
