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.
Designers and architects are embracing the new, sustainable approach to sample books, called Green Samples by Tandus. Awarded Best of NeoCon 2007, Tandus is rolling out this product at this year’s show, and you’ll find the architecture books scattered throughout the showroom. Green Samples by Tandus minimize the use of traditional carpet samples by replacing them with color-accurate digital images. Not only does this reduce Tandus’ environmental footprint, it is practical because the book remains intact so others can use it. With years of research behind it, Green Samples by Tandus responds to the way designers work.
Manufactured Landscapes by Suzanne Tick is the most exciting, innovative and risky product to be introduced by Tandus this year. The patent-pending process challenges traditional thought by allowing the installer to configure the carpet tiles in various ways… either non-directional or in ashlar method. The result is a look that is subtle, detailed, but random. No one else in the industry has a product like this. In fact, Manufactured Landscapes has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Stop by Space 391 for a demonstration or listen to a showroom iPod to learn more.
Have you determined how you’re getting to your first destination at the show? If you are a newbie, you may be unaware of the shortage of elevators that take show patrons to each floor. What you also may be unaware of is they tend to be jam packed, and you’ll have to do some waiting. Because no one really likes to wait, especially when some of the most gorgeous products await your viewing pleasure, we wanted to share our show “viewing” strategy with you. First, start at the top. This way you can take the stairs down to each floor, and you only have to take the elevator one time. Second, don’t skip breakfast; you’ll need those complex carbs for energy. Third, take a break and rest at the cafes scattered throughout the Mart to recharge your battery and take in some people watching. Last, look out for the “best in show” goody bags - treats are always fun to take away. Check back here during the show because we’ll tell you who has the best goody bags!
NeoCon 2008 will pack 50,000 visitors and more than 1,200 showrooms and exhibitors into part of Chicago’s 4.2 million square foot Merchandise Mart. With so much energy, innovation and sheer volume of product for any one person to process in three days, Tandus has created this interactive experience to savor the show at a more leisurely pace – before, during and after NeoCon – shoes optional.
We here at Tandus have created this website as our first step in establishing a virtual community where design inspirations are discussed, experiences are shared and the “cool factor” of NeoCon can be enjoyed by all.
So whether you’re an exhibitor, visitor or simply didn’t make it to this year’s show, we invite you to visit this site daily as we post new podcasts, blogs and photos from the Mart floor. Welcome to a totally different type of showroom: tandusatneocon.com.
Sustainability is a huge theme at this year’s NeoCon as seen with the plethora of new products, seminars and association forums. Interestingly, the monstrosity that houses it all, the Merchandise Mart, achieved a major green milestone of its own since last year’s NeoCon. In November, the world’s largest commercial building was awarded a LEED Existing Building Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
In fact, Chris Kennedy, president of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. was quoted in Commercial Property News as saying that NeoCon was a big part of why the Mart, built in 1930, went green.
“As the home to NeoCon, for the past 15 years we’ve been running this conference relating to green design,” said Kennedy, “so there was a lot of pressure to walk the walk.”
He cites other reasons as well: tenants wanted a green supply chain and Kennedy’s brother, noted environmental lawyer Robert Kennedy Jr., exerted some fraternal pressure. As a side note, Kennedy family patriarch Joseph Kennedy purchased the building in 1945 and held on to it for 50 years until it was purchased by current owner, Vornado Realty Trust.
