Successful Interior Design professionals will tell you that staying on top of new trends and technology is a necessity. And one of the best places to see and learn about the latest and greatest is the NeoCon event in Chicago every June. And each year Siba students are offered the opportunity to attend this innovative conference with Interior Design Department Head, Janelle Schrumpf. While attendance is optional, for those who choose to go (or go every year), the experience is more than just fun and interesting. According to some who have attended, these visits have actually helped define their career path.
So exactly how can a tradeshow be “career-defining?” Schrumpf explains that NeoCon is about making important connections that can enhance a designer’s ability to serve clients, “Students who attend NeoCon are able to experience trends in a very hands-on way. It’s one thing to look at a vendor’s office furniture offerings online, but quite another to sit at a desk and see how it fits into the needs of a potential client.”
That physical connection with cutting-edge resources, as well as the very useful professional connections students make with vendors, industry influencers, and designers, are what set the experience apart.
For example, take the perspective of Kaylin Daggs. Kaylin wasn’t sure if a visit to NeoCon this year was in the cards for her. “My instructors would always talk about NeoCon – how great of an experience it is and how it could really help our projects. I’ve always wanted to go, but as the deadline approached, I didn’t have the funds.”
However, after winning the Siba Interior Design Student ASID Chapter raffle to pay for travel and accommodations, Kaylin was able to see what this beloved trade show was all about. This year’s trends were striking: bold, jewel-toned colors that energized spaces, and curvy, flowing lines that contemporized rooms. Much like fashion, comfort was a central theme, with many vendors showcasing designs that combined aesthetic appeal with ergonomic support.
Kaylin (pictured above) realized very quickly that NeoCon was going to be enlightening and impactful: “Our first stop was Herman Miller and my first impression was, ‘Wow! Yes! THIS is what I should be doing!’ It was everything and more than we had discussed in class. Every day was filled with something new yet it wasn’t overwhelming.”
NeoCon can also play an important role in expanding students’ libraries of resources, and the knowledge gained during the trip helps them to tackle more challenging projects. They return to St. Louis armed with a deeper understanding of the materials and products that could set their designs apart, giving them a newfound confidence in their ability to serve high-end clients.
Kaylin shares, “My favorite part was going to the 18-floor Merchandising Mart and seeing all the different showrooms. I got the opportunity to meet other students, form new relationships, and network. I really love how I still receive industry updates and new product alerts after attending.”
For Siba students, the chance to attend NeoCon can be a game-changer. It bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application, giving students additional tools to improve their portfolios. Whether they attend once, or many times, NeoCon is always a worthwhile adventure.
Kaylin agrees, “If possible, I will be returning to NeoCon 2025 and plan to continue to do so once I graduate. I highly recommend for all Interior Design students to go, at least once, and will do all I can to ensure someone else has the opportunity to go like I did.”
