NeoCon East has grown to be more than twice as large since its first show three years ago, according to its sponsor, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.

Home and office interiors were covered in two major trade events this autumn. NeoCon East focused on government and other interiors Sept. 14 and 15 in Baltimore. The following month, the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., put the spotlight on residential interiors.

NeoCon East has grown to be more than twice as large since its first show three years ago, according to its sponsor, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI). More than 250 exhibitors filled more than 185,000 square feet of space.

"In 2005, NeoCon East will continue to build upon the trends and innovations in the design community," Mark Falanga, MMPI executive vice president, said prior to the event. "As the nucleus of commercial design in the Mid-Atlantic region, NeoCon unites products, people, education, ideas and industry leaders for two energy charged days, proving once again that NeoCon East sets a new standard and is a vital opportunity for anyone in the industry."

MMPI described NeoCon East as "three shows within a show" because it consists of these three elements:

·  Government Interiors - Supported by the General Service Administration's (GSA) National Furniture Center, this show targets federal government specifiers, designers and procurement managers. It features accredited seminars, special events and products and services available on the GSA schedule.
·  Buildings Show - MMPI said the Buildings Show provides a "showcase of building products, services and resources for new construction and renovation projects to architects, facility managers, building owners, developers and other professionals in the commercial design community."
·  GREENlife - A show that brings eco-friendly products, processes and certifications to the attention of interior designers and architects. "GREENlife is the platform for manufacturers who recognize the importance of sustainable design through both the product design and manufacturing processes," MMPI said.

Tours held in conjunction with NeoCon East visited Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and local boutique hotels. Scheduled speakers included Edward Feiner, former chief architect of the GSA's Public Building Services and director of office operations at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Washington, D.C.; and Thomas Mayne, Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning founder of Morphosis Architects, Los Angeles.

‘The One Market' Manufacturers Cannot Afford to Miss
For almost a full week, Oct. 20 to 26, the International Home Furnishings Market held court in High Point, N.C. The semiannual event attraced 70,000 people, who l visited 12 million square feet of show space in 188 buildings. More than 2,500 exhibitors were expected, and 10 percent of attendees were from outside of the United States.
· As an indication of its size, the International Home Furnishings Market contributes more than $1 billion annually to the North Carolina economy. "Buyers and sellers come together from all 50 states and 110 countries," the operators of the International Home Furnishings Center said. "They come to purchase home furnishings at the one market where manufacturers choose to introduce their new products, new styles, new finishes and new concepts. High Point is the market where buyers come to see it first, buy it first and sell it first."
· For more information, visit www.highpointmarket.org or call 800-874-6492.