NeoCon, the largest and longest-running show serving the commercial interiors and architectural and design (2026), is launching Illuminate, a dedicated lighting showcase that will debut on June 8-10, 2026, at THE MART in Chicago. The event aims to connect the lighting industry, commercial design community, and over 50,000 architects, designers, and end-use decision makers who attend NeoCon.
Illuminate will feature a curated lighting showcase, expert-led education, immersive demonstrations, and networking opportunities. The program will explore the transformative power of lighting in various applications, including its impact on circadian rhythm support, building energy performance, and aesthetic storytelling.
The event will include a mix of established and emerging brands, presented in distinctive booth formats, as well as interactive vignettes and installations that reveal lighting’s effects in real-world environments. Lisa Simonian, VP of Trade Shows at THE MART, emphasizes the importance of lighting in design innovation, building outcomes, and human experience.
Key Features:
– Curated Lighting Showcase: A selection of established and emerging brands presented in unique booth formats
– Expert-Led Education: Programming that explores trends, technologies, applications, and best practices in lighting design
– Immersive Demonstrations: Interactive vignettes and installations that showcase lighting’s effects in real-world environments
– Networking & Collaboration: Special events, meetups, and design collaborations integrated throughout THE MART
Best of NeoCon Awards
The Best of NeoCon awards will also be expanded to recognize innovation in lighting design. This integration will round out the offering at NeoCon, spanning networking events, collaborations, a dedicated show floor, and industry recognition.
Image Courtesy: iands.design
