Reflecting on NeoCon® 2011

While many NeoCon® attendees and exhibitors are "extreme veterans," I have managed to gain a wealth of knowledge in my now two years at the annual design trade show, as well as create memories suit to look back on once I completely transform from student to professional upon graduation.

Creative showroom concepts such as Haworth's color blocks, Allsteel's situated classroom settings, Boyd Lighting's simplictic display of Roger Thomas fixtures and InterfaceFLOR's transformation to rich organic patterns reminds me that presentation is key. There were also great presentation examples on NeoCon's temporary floors. Silestone's exhibit GLIMMER featured project from Yves Behar's Fuse Projects presented at his 2010 NeoCon keynote, and Architecture for Humanity, Chicago's Food Desert Caravan on their "Life" collection quartz blocks.

From last year to this year, I would say the biggest change of in my experience, is getting a crash course in multi-tasking being an exhibitor working with the Casual For Contract Booth, being an attendee and citizen blogging with Designer Pages. (I certainly kept busy! But I did find some time to relax in a seat from Allsteel's Inspire Collection, shown above.) But I think it is safe to say that my greatest experience was having the opportunity to meet other students and young designers and share what we all wanted to contribute to the design industry. My generation is so optimistic and their outlook on the future of the industry has me excited all over again. I can't wait!

– La Keisha Leek, design student blogger for Contract