Monday at NeoCon 2014

Stunning view of Chicago from Haworth’s Showroom

Monday at NeoCon was a day of learning for the eager attendees. We navigated through a sea of tours in the Mart while trying out new product, stopping for the occasional “ooh” or “ahh” at something especially unique. The “Best of NeoCon” awards were given out in the morning at a breakfast hosted by Contract Magazine, honoring the creative and functional designs of the show. Haworth’s showroom was buzzing with excitement upon receiving the coveted “Best of Competition” honor for The Openest Collection by Patricia Urquiola. Other Haworth awards include Gold in Conference Room Furniture for Openest, Gold in Case Goods for Suite, and Silver in Architectural Product for the Trivati walls. For a complete list of winners, visit http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/news/Winners-of-the-2014–11056.shtml?imw=Y

NeoCon’s Best of Competition Winner

Exhibitors continue to use innovative brand tactics to create appealing showrooms. One of my personal favorites was the AIS showroom. I was originally drawn in by the smell of fresh popcorn, but continued to be captivated by the unique products. Individual workspaces were connected by lounge seating for comfortable meetings at your desk. Some desk surfaces were made of whiteboard material to jot down notes and ideas. The AIS showroom even featured an Oxygen Bar, live DJ, and people actually sitting at the desks doing work. It was one big office party!

Collaborative Desk and Lounge Seating

Another highlight from our day was a guided tour of the OFS Brands showroom. The theme of their showroom was bridging the gap between “Productivity and Inspiration.” It highlights spaces where one can work, play, heal, and learn. The color palette was muted and soothing, and the designs were comfortable yet functional. Aside from the traditional desks and lounge seating, OFS featured adjustable height surfaces, a ping pong table, and customizable boxed shelving (Hitch by Loewenstein). We also sipped on a complimentary healthy drink from their Balance Juice Bar.

Hitch by Loewenstein

Did you see anything especially eye-catching at NeoCon 2014? Let us know your impressions of the conference in the comment section below!

 

 

 

Posted by Chelsea DeBoer

NeoCon 14: Sunday Haworth Preview

NeoCon 2014 is finally upon us! On Sunday Haworth hosted a group of dealers and members for developmental sessions, then took the group of excited NeoConers to Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart for showroom orientation. Here are a few observations from our time in the Mart.

Haworth’s showroom is marked by a residential atmosphere, marrying clean and crisp aesthetics with a homey feel. From beautiful leather lounge seating to collaborative booth pieces, the showroom highlights unique spaces where teams can comfortably work together. The overall aesthetic of the showroom is reminiscent of a polished southwestern dwelling; burnt orange, muted sky blue, and Haworth’s iconic red hues are displayed throughout the area. For the eager tech-savvy conference goer, Haworth displays its interactive Bluescape technology for live experimentation. Across the hall from Haworth is a brand new space featuring Haworth Health Environment’s (HHE) product. Haworth’s group attended a ribbon cutting for HHE, toasting to the manufacturer’s strides in the healthcare industry.

The Interphase team looks forward to seeing more showrooms and connecting with vendor partners on Monday and Tuesday. Stay tuned for more updates! Facebook: Interphase Interiors, Twitter: @InterphaseGR, Instagram: @interphaseinteriors

Why Businesses Should Practice Sustainability

Everything we do as humans has an impact on the environment, either positive or negative, directly or indirectly. Business practices are no exception. Practicing sustainability is important to make sure we have the water and resources we need for survival in the future. Our ecosystem is under attack by industrialization and worldwide practice changes need to be made. Businesses are a sizable part of the carbon footprint we are leaving on our planet, and that is why it is important that companies, not just individuals, take action to reduce environmental impact.

Practicing sustainability goes beyond benefitting the environment- it makes good business sense. Businesses practicing sustainability achieve a wide range of benefits that are often overlooked by those resisting change. These unforeseen advantages may be just the edge needed over the competition for many businesses.

1.       Sustainability yields cost savings

Practicing sustainability ultimately improves your company’s bottom line. In recent years energy efficient opportunities have been found that save a significant amount of money in operational costs, for example switching to LED lighting. Tax incentives are another opportunity to save money of practicing sustainability. There are incentives for utilizing alternative fuels, being energy efficient, operating green buildings, and more.

2.       Sustainability is good for your public image

“Going Green” is great PR and great for your branding. Today people are caring more and more about the organization and people behind the products they use, and people like and embrace sustainability practices. Customers that care about companies’ footprint will be attracted and retained when they otherwise might not be. This holds true with prospect employees for your company as well.

3.       Sustainability keeps you competitive

A 2011 survey* of 3000 global executives revealed that about two-thirds felt that sustainability was necessary to stay competitive in today’s market. Not only do customers care about sustainability- resulting in increasing or maintaining market share, but if you aren’t a leader you will be a follower, and being a follower can be costly. It is important to stay ahead of the trend in sustainability just as you would in other areas of your business.

*To learn more about Sustainability’s Tipping Point, check out MIT Sloan Management Review’s Research Report:

http://c4168694.r94.cf2.rackcdn.com/MIT-SMR-BCG-Sustainability-Nears-a-Tipping-Point-Winter-2012.pdfTo

Written by Kim Kirk