NeoCon 2008 is already over, but we left the Mart with so many great ideas and inspirations! Tandus rolled out amazing products, including its innovative Manufactured Landscapes designed by Suzanne Tick, and continued to show its commitment to sustainability by debuting the new Leave No Trace video. We here at Tandusatneocon.com published so many product photos, podcasts and blog posts throughout the tradeshow; we hope you will continue to browse the site to not only relive the show, but to uncover some other perspectives. Keep coming back and we will add to the blog and post new items that you can experience before returning to NeoCon in 2009. Enjoy, and see you next year!

The IIDA Conference convened this morning with coffee, breakfast and remarks from Lisa Hexom about Sustainability. Awards were announced and then Glen Hussman CEO of Tandus, introduced Yves Behar, founder of fuseproject. Next lunch (food is always an important component of any successful event) and then a procurement update from Mariann Schofield, IIDA (Air Force), Lisa Hexom, IIDA (Navy) and last an architect from the Army Corp. Last, the group broke out into Tri Service Sessions and ended with wine and cheese. A great day with excellent speakers, tasty food and ample opportunity to make new connections.

Students from Pratt visited us at the Tandus showroom today. Jon Otis, their teacher and the amazing designer behind the showroom, and Terry Mowers walked them through the design of the space and the products displayed there. First, Jon spoke to the class about the inspiration and story behind the layout of the showroom. Next, Terry took the students through the journey that led he and Suzanne Tick in the creation of Manufactured Landscapes. Questions were asked, product connections were made and conversations ensued. Click here to listen to an interview from one of the students who visited us at 3-391.

Today we spent some time walking around the Mart, enjoying the innovative design throughout all categories. Underfoot, we found Tandus floorcoverings at some of our favorite stops - Haworth, Knoll, Humanscale, TVS Anniversary Booth (8-1129) and FM Link Internet Lounge (7-3014). We also saw some of the other brilliant products Suzanne Tick created for Knoll and Skyline Design. You may have heard that she won Best of Neocon for both - GOLD in Architectural Products for Skyline Design and a GOLD in Textiles for Knoll. Don’t miss your chance to talk to her and her partner, Terry Mower, about their latest creations for Tandus.

Can a carpet company make the world a better place? That’s a question posed in the new Tandus video, Leave No Trace. You’ll have to watch the video to find out the answer. Hint: You’ll like what you see.

The video is showing throughout the day on a large screen in the back of the showroom. Rest your feet for a couple of minutes and enjoy the show!

The must-have accessory at NeoCon is, of course, the goody bag. With so many fabulous products to look at, a fabulous bag is the product to carry. This year’s most popular bags were in shades of green to mirror the design industry’s concern for the environment.

Tandus and the IIDA invite design professionals who work with public-sector clients to the 2008 Government Forum held tomorrow, June 11, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Westin Michigan Avenue. Keynote speaker will be world-renowned, Industrial Designer Yves Béhar. Visitors can sign up at the event.

For more information, click here.

We have been enjoying the “signature” Tandus cocktail, which is a delicious vodka, lemon mix with a hint of cucumber and mint. The food is decadent and the people, sublime. If you’re still here at NeoCon, come by and say hello, and we might even snap your picture.

Among the thousands of products at this year’s NeoCon, you may ponder “Did I miss anything?” or “What are the most innovative products I should see?” Well, we’ve got you covered! Our team of four volunteer photographers set out this morning to shoot what they think are the “best in show” products. We recruited these designers because they have a keen eye for innovation, style and that “wow” factor. So check back this evening as we post photos of these NeoCon treasures. Oh, and check back tomorrow too because our shutterbugs won’t lay down their lenses until the end of NeoCon Day 2.

You’ve been working hard all day schlepping from showroom to showroom, waiting in long lines to catch an elevator and perhaps you’ve even gotten your bag or arm caught in the unforgiving elevator doors. It’s time to refresh yourself with a libation and appetizers at one of the Show Daily A-List parties. Head to Tandus Space 3-391 for goodies and a chance to browse innovative products like C & A’s Manufactured Landscapes by Suzanne Tick, Monterey’s Master Plan Collection and the revolutionary Green Books by Tandus. You can also rest your feet and watch the new, thought-provoking video, Leave No Trace.