The Future of NeoCon Shows + Hot Topics in the Design Industry

In this episode, ThinkLab interviews Byron Morton, vice president of sales and leasing for NeoCon and theMART, and Avinash Rajagopal, editor-in-chief of Metropolis. Morton discusses the changes that are coming to NeoCon 2022 and beyond, as well as sharing details about MART 2.0, a renewal and renovation project of theMART that will expand on its amenities and sense of community. Rajagopal touches on three hot-button topics currently influencing the interior design industry and which will drive conversations at NeoCon: technology, sustainability, and DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion). In this episode:   [3:01] Byron describes what kinds of products he expects to see at NeoCon 2022 now that the purpose of the office has changed. [14:34] “A showroom anywhere other than at theMART is just a showroom in an office building. You don't get that sense of community.” [17:45] Avinash discusses how developing hybrid experiences is becoming more central to interior design. [24:09] Avinash explains the importance of considering the impact of interior design beyond just the occupants of space. “Every interior that you design, through the products and materials that you put in it, touches the lives of hundreds of people around the world.” Connect with our interviewees on LinkedIn: Byron Morton Avinash Rajagopal This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is brought to you by Mannington Commercial, Keilhauer, theMART, and NeoCon, companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.   Download our leading-edge playbook: 100 Ways to Create a Phygital Sales and Marketing Strategy.   Finally, thanks to Hannah Viti, our audio producer, and Blue Dot Sessions for providing the music for this episode.