NeoCon 2026 to Launch Lighting “Show”

There has always been some overlap between light commercial and residential projects, but now the lines have blurred further with many showrooms taking on non-residential work on a regular basis.

Next year NeoCon, the largest and longest-running show for the commercial interiors (A&D) industry, will launch Illuminate at NeoCon 2026 (June 8-10), a new show-within-a-show concept dedicated to architectural, technical, and decorative lighting.

Debuting during NeoCon at The Mart in Chicago, the strategic expansion reinforces the show’s commitment to design innovation. The new curated platform aims to foster deeper connections between lighting manufacturers/professionals and the design community, offering direct access to the brands and technologies that are shaping the future of lighting design and its impact in the built environment.

“With Illuminate, our goal is to create a dynamic new hub connecting the lighting industry with the commercial design community and NeoCon’s audience of over 50,000 architects, designers and end-user decision makers,” commented Lisa Simonian, vice president and head of Trade Shows at The Mart. “We are responding to an important need for lighting to be more properly recognized as a key and essential component of good design.”

As part of a redesign of the 7^th floor’s Exhibit Hall, Illuminate will be a vibrant showcase for education and exploration, featuring:

• A selection of premier and emerging lighting brands in unique booth configurations.

nteractive vignettes and immersive installations that demonstrate the dramatic effects of lighting design in situ — showcasing real-world scenarios.

• Educational programming led by lighting experts offering valuable insights into trends, technologies, and applications.

• Special events, happy hours, and meet-and-greets designed to create meaningful connections and inspire collaboration.

• Design collaborations incorporating lighting throughout The Mart at NeoCon.

Illuminate exhibitors will benefit from all NeoCon exhibitor assets, including opportunities to participate in NeoCon’s sponsorships, programming, and the Best of NeoCon awards, with new and expanded categories for lighting.

Information on booth packages and sponsorship opportunities can be found here and brands interested in exhibiting can contact Julie Kohl, vp/Exhibitor Sales, and Madeleine Tullier, director/Exhibitor Sales.