The 2025 NeoCon Survival Guide

Each year before NeoCon, I update my NeoCon Survival Guide that I first created back in 2021. This year, Design Pool will not be exhibiting at NeoCon. But, these guides have proven so popular that I wanted to make a 2025 NeoCon Survival Guide for you all anyway.

Here is the 2025 NeoCon Survival Guide to help you plan your trip.

What should you wear?

Enjoying the show means staying happy and comfortable as you cruise though all the showrooms and booths. NeoCon is very much an “anything goes” type show. You’ll see people dressed quite casually and others more conservatively. So just be yourself, be comfortable, and let your style shine. With that in mind, here are a few tips to consider as you pick out what to pack:

Wear comfortable shoes.
When you are picking out shoes, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of walking, going up and down stairs, and if you’re an exhibitor, standing around a lot. Pick shoes you’ll be comfortable in all day. You may also be within walking distance of The Mart, so consider shoes that will make that walk enjoyable. And if you can walk to The Mart, do so. The Riverwalk is really pretty.

Think layers.
It’s usually hot in Chicago in June, but the AC is blasting inside The Mart. I recommend a light sweater or scarf so it’s easy to go between the two without being weighed down.

Bring rain gear.
Chicago in June can see a lot of unsettled weather. Definitely pack a raincoat and/or umbrella. You will likely use it at some point.

Pack a light day bag.
A heavy bag can ruin your day just as quickly as uncomfortable shoes. Pick a bag that is functional and lightweight, and don’t overload it with too much gear. Try to focus on the essentials.

Speaking of essentials….

What essentials should you bring?

Refillable water bottle
The Mart has water bottle filling stations all over. Bring your own bottle so you can refill frequently.

Business cards
Business cards are still the quickest way to get someone your info. I recommend keeping a few in an easy-to-access pocket so you don’t have to dig through your bag if you want to share your info quickly.

Device charger
There are plenty of places around The Mart dedicated to charging devices, but with a portable charger, you can also charge while you’re walking around.

Your plan
Before arriving, take time to look at the NeoCon schedule and figure out what programs, speakers, and events you want to attend and which showrooms you don’t want to miss. Put this plan in your phone for easy access.

What else do you need to know?

Fulton Market Design Days
Fulton Market Design Days happens concurrently with NeoCon. Each year it has gotten more and more integrated into the NeoCon experience. There is a shuttle bus from Wells and Kinzie that will take you to Fulton Market.

Public Transportation
Once I finally took the train to and from the airport instead of a taxi, I have never gone back! It is so easy. You don’t have to deal with traffic, taxi lines, or Uber price surges. Plus, it’s only $5 each way! There is a stop right inside O’Hare for the Blue Line that goes straight to downtown Chicago. There is a stop right inside The Mart, but note that it requires you to transfer at Clark/Lake from the Blue line to the Brown or Purple. However, you can also get out at Clark/Lake and walk a couple of blocks to The Mart.

The only caveat I have about taking public transportation is if you have a lot of luggage. Unlike some airport shuttles, there are no big luggage areas on the trains. You’ll be sitting or standing with your gear.

Services at The Mart
There is a FedEx in The Mart, open every day except Sunday. If you have something small to ship to or from The Mart, this is a convenient option. Other shopping and services are also available, such as Amazon Go, a newsstand, a salon, and a shoe shine.

Lunch Options
The second floor of The Mart has a food hall with many options. Note that the vast majority of places close after lunch, around 2:30. If you think you’ll eat later than that, there will be fewer options. There are also lounges on either end of the seventh floor with high-quality food. In previous years, these were run by local restaurant Beatrix and were super tasty. Lines can get long at many of the restaurants (and Starbucks is wild) so if they offer online ordering, you might want to consider that if you’re pressed for time.

Take a break.

If you have the time, plan to get out of The Mart and do something completely unrelated. NeoCon is the perfect excuse to create an inspiration day, or even an inspiration couple of hours. Clear your head by visiting Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Magnificant Mile, or the beach.

If you’re craving art, the Art Institute of Chicago has a beautiful permanent collection and impressive special exhibits. (Bonus: you can reenact your favorite scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.) I recommend buying tickets ahead of time, especially if you want to see one of their special exhibits, as it is likely to be sold out the day you show up. During NeoCon 2025, one such special exhibit is Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds.

Was our NeoCon Survival Guide helpful?

While we will not be in Chicago for NeoCon 2025, there will be one little hint of Design Pool present. We collaborated with Nicole from Thrive in Design on a special gift she’ll be giving away during her presentation in the NeoCon Talks Lounge on the 7th Floor. Nicole’s talk is all about using podcasting to tell your brand’s story.

The Details:

Mic Up, Stand Out: How Podcasting Supercharges Your Brand
Discover how to use podcasting to tell powerful brand stories, connect with your audience, and stand out in the marketplace. Learn practical tips to turn your voice into a tool for influence and innovation.
Monday June 9 | 1:30 P.M. – 1:50 P.M. CDT | NeoCon Talks Lounge, 7th Floor

We’ll miss seeing you all in Chicago this June! Have fun!

Photo credit: Kristin Crane

As always, having an organized plan for the event helps get the most out of it. We hope you have fun and leave Chicago inspired!