This past June, more than 50,000 people descended upon Chicago to attend NeoCon. Rather than simply more networking, or the chance to pick up the latest and greatest IT tote bag, participants were able to immerse themselves in a new wave of artistic expression never seen before at a NeoCon. NeoCon 2024 provided a refreshingly inspiring chance to walk away and adopt new practices in design execution and our design philosophy – but as importantly, there was a hope about the future that I feel was absent in recent years.

Over the last 15 years, I have attended NeoCon periodically, typically with specific projects in mind and clients in tow. As a general attendee, I visited the showrooms as any architect and designer would – to see how to incorporate the latest and greatest in design into our clients’ workplaces. NeoCon 2024 however, was a different experience entirely. I was now experiencing the show through a new lens, that of a juror for the exclusive Best of NeoCon Awards.
From fellow architects and designers to manufacturer’s reps and dealers, everyone in the design community had felt a lack of inspiration at NeoCon in the years following the pandemic. Perhaps it was the lack of in-person connection or the inability to experience products in person left us craving for more; the tactility that makes designing places for humans to occupy truly unique. The evolution of the workplace cannot be experienced only in the immediate – we also partner with manufacturers to get a window into the future of the workplace.
Serving as a juror allowed me to have a unique understanding of design philosophy and thoughtfulness behind a lot of the products, some that I had even seen before as an attendee. I was able to see them in a showroom one on one with either the head of design and company owner, and it was a much more personal and thoughtful experience. Hearing directly from the team about the years of research and testing that went into each product not only shifted my perspective, it made me excited for the product solutions that are currently in development and oftentimes gave me a chance to voice my clients’ needs to be included in future research and development.
For NeoCon 2024, I had the opportunity to judge a number of really exciting categories in technology, furniture, and acoustics to name a few. Maybe it was the alternate venues, but I felt a shift in spirit of hope and change throughout the show. Hearing some of the speakers discuss their visions for future designs and the future. It allowed me to truly appreciate the attention to detail and the intention behind the product, versus just looking at it and trying to feel it and it brought a much more unique experience.

I was joined by a group of jurors from different backgrounds, whether it was a different profession altogether, geographies, and practice-type. This provided an interesting variety of opinions and points of view. Each of us saw something different and had a different question to ask which was overall very valuable. While we did see wonderful, somewhat innovative products – often we did have to ask the tough questions, such as, “Was it innovation just for innovation’s sake, or was the product truly viable?”
For example, at Studio Alliance, our clients are often asking us to solve complex workplace problems that are more often than not, not architectural in nature, but a blending of sociological, HR and technology challenges. We find ourselves becoming stewards of solutions beyond just the “wow” of a technological advancements. For example, our client portfolio consists of high-profile law offices. When they use new technologies, the stakes are often incredibly high. The combination of ease of use, reliable connectivity, appearance, and privacy are all at the forefront. New software, furniture design, and hardware all must operate cohesively.
I walked away excited by one of Steelcase’s latest – the Ocular View – their challenge was to solve the lack of personality and intimacy in any Zoom/Teams virtual meeting. For me it was a great to see a furniture company taking the charge to solve environmental challenges with technology and its environment, rather than just creating the nicest most acoustically private meeting pod. The Bubl work pod took a similar approach combining technology elements such as calendar synching and virtual meeting with other more physiological elements of design like circadian lighting design, neurodynamic, as well as classic ergonomics to make what once was just another phonebooth something unique and inspirational. These products proved that furniture, technology and environments can be intertwined in innovative ways.

Innovation was not limited to furniture design. We found that color could still delight and influence. The Yinka Ilori x Momentum (which we were thrilled to see awarded Best of Competition) collaboration created breathtaking patterns with eye-catching colors with the hope “to inspire joy and a sense of community” and bring both back to the workplace. Our work and our design inspiration comes from our clients first, where we try to create unique environments that look and feel like them. This often includes subtle, understated tones and we work on office spaces where we have used muted colors. Yinka has challenged us to find ways to make pop art architecture again. Why can’t we bring youthfulness, playfulness, and joy to our spaces? It gives some hope that we can take a few more risks in designs and that clients will be open to accepting them.
I only wish we had been able to see more variety in the product categories. There are a lot of exciting opportunities out there and I encourage brands and manufacturers to take a chance and submit next year. I also look forward to seeing the evolution of the products that have begun with a promising start but need the extra time to come to full fruition.

I have come away from this experience re-engaged in our mission that as design leaders we are stewards of more invigorating and interesting work-place environments. We owe to our clients, to our strategic partners, and to the design community as a whole. There is hope for the future of the workplace, and I continue to be up to the challenge.
Editor’s Note: Greg Weber is principal and innovation director at Studio Alliance