February 11, 2004—NeoCon West, the West Coast’s largest exposition and conference for commercial interiors and the built environment, returns to Los Angeles, premiering in a new venue at the L.A. Mart March 25-26, 2004. At the L.A. Mart, NeoCon West will create a new show experience with an innovative array of products and features along with access to some of the nation’s leading manufacturers and the industry’s most influential thinkers. NeoCon West is produced by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI), producer of the annual NeoCon World’s Trade Fair in Chicago, Ill.
NeoCon West is expected to attract between 6,000 and 8,000 designers, architects, facility managers, specifiers, end users and students. The show features a variety of keynote speakers, special events, attractions, association forums and networking opportunities providing a complete educational, informational and inspirational experience.
NeoCon West also provides a comprehensive offering of CEU-accredited seminars and association forums. FMLink is producing the only online guide for the show. A sortable, printable version may be found online.
The event will feature two days of keynote speakers. The schedule includes Jhane Barnes, “Design InspirationsOff The Beaten Path;” Joseph Ruggiero, “The New Frontier—Outdoor Decorating;” and Peter Lawrence, “The Architecture of Brands: How Companies are Using Buildings as a Marketing Resource.”
Student Day is Friday, March 26. Interior design and architecture students and educators are invited to receive real-world exposure through seminars, a career exchange and time on the show floor. Keynote Eames Demetrios will present an informative discussion on the design process of Charles and Ray Eames.
Other highlights include:
- GREENlife: PRODUCTS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTS
Sponsored by: HOK
Attendees can explore this display of recycled and sustainable products. HOK, the leader in LEED certified design expertise, presents this unusual and eye-catching environment. This exhibit combines both sustainable products materials from manufacturers who are leading the way in green design, as well as everyday products that we consume and throw away constantly, such as water bottles, soda cans, plaster milk cartons.
THE BUILDINGS SHOW
Presented by BUILDINGS magazine
The BUILDINGS Show provides attendees the opportunity to view technology that supports the aesthetic, function and performance goals of today’s commercial facilities. Attendees will find products, furnishings and topics relating to commercial building interiors, as well as other products and services that are important elements in both new construction and modernization projects.
BEST OF NEOCON DISPLAY
This exhibit presents to the West Coast market products that received the prestigious Best of NeoCon distinction from NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2003 in Chicago. The Best of NeoCon Award is the highest distinction a commercial furnishings manufacturer can receive, awarding products that display the most innovative concepts in 25 product categories.
TEXTILE PAVILION
Attendees can view the latest offerings from textile manufacturers all in one collective display. Attendees will also find textile designs that offer beauty, innovation or both, and explore the ways in which these manufacturers can be worked into their newest design projects.
WEST EDGE: SPACES OF UNLI MITED CREATIVITY
Sponsored by Interior Design Magazine
New for 2004, West Edge is a design showcase and competition that explores the creative boundaries of Los Angeles design. Spaces throughout the show floor will feature cutting-edge environments from spa to residential, jewelry stores to reception areas. Each space has been designed by a team of leading design firms, manufacturers and contractors in the Los Angeles area. West Edge is sure to push creativity beyond its threshold. From most innovative to funkiest atmosphere, attendees will become a design guru for the day visiting each West Edge space to vote on their favorite spaces. Participating firms include: DMJM Rottet, Wirt Design Group, Interior Architects, HKS, Beckson Design As sociates and Gensler.
ARCHITECTURAL STONE AND CERAMIC TILE EXPOSITION
This showcase features the hottest products and biggest opportunities in stone and ceramic tile all under one roof and provides attendees a first-hand look at the most innovative new tile, stone, ceramics, tools, equipment and much more.
FINE LIVING: CELEBRATING ART & DESIGN
L.A. Mart partners with ASID Los Angeles, L.A. Architect magazine and Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) to present Fine Living: Celebrating Art & Design, a NeoCon West residential program featuring L.A. Mart furniture showroom events, activities and presentations. Images of MOCA-featured artwork provide inspiration and visual scenery for ASID designers who will recreate L.A. Marts furniture floor lobbies as compelling vignettes underscoring the imaginative convergence of art and design. Select casegoods and accessories offered throughout L.A. Mart showrooms complete each installation and serve as a preview of the comprehensive residential products available to NeoCon West attendees. Fine Living continues in the Outdoor Pavilion with L.A. Architect’s special presentation and book-signing. “Modernizing Modern: Updating Historic Houses,” a panel discussion moderated by author Michael Webb will focus on the controversial practice of updating mid-century architecture, Thursday, March 25 at 4 p.m. A keynote presentation by designer and HGTV’s Homes Across America host Joe Ruggiero will take place Friday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m.
To register for NeoCon West, visit Merchandise Mart and click on NeoCon West.
