Spain makes a splash in Chicago at NEOCON 2019

Held in Chicago from the 10 to the 12 June, NEOCON 2019, the most important office and contract event of the year in the US, brought together 500 exhibitors in the iconic Merchandise Mart building. A highlight of the activities carried out at the show, as well as on its fringe, was a networking event, organised by Interiors from Spain, and events involving Spanish brands introducing Spanish firms.

Attended by US professionals from the contract sector, a PR networking bash was held on 8 June at a former fire station, now the stylish factory and headquarters for bespoke hatmaker, Optimo. Nine Spanish companies took part, exhibiting furniture, lighting, rugs and quartz surfaces, along with American professionals from the contract channel. Two American designers talked about Spanish design and its brands at this event, organised by Interiors from Spain and the magazine Interior Design. The Spanish firms later chatted and talked shop with the American designers and architects who attended.

Here are some of the high points of the activities carried out by the Spanish companies attending the show: Andreu World presented his book Eat Well Seated on the 10 June, and on the 11, he invited members of the press to the unveiling of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola’s Nuez collection, and also introduced PearsonLloyd design studio’s Rap sofa at their permanent showroom. Andreu World is the winner of the HIP prize for his HULA stool.

Actiu, who was exhibiting for the very first time at the show, threw a cocktail party on the 11 June, called Hola Future! By Actiu, and presented its carbon fibre Karbon chair, made in collaboration with the ITEMdesignworks studio, which was recently awarded a RED DOT 2019 prize in Germany. Porcelanosa invited its clients to a paella, tapas and flamenco party at its permanent showroom at the Merchandise Mart. Other Spanish companies displaying products at the show or via their distributors were Forma 5, Vilagrasa (Grupo Resol), Grassoler Viccarbe, Nani Marquina or Gan.