Arch Digest Pro: These Are the Trade Shows You Should Consider in 2020

Posted on AD Pro, February 7.

Trade show season is upon us, but there are only so many you can attend—and afford—in a calendar year. That’s why we’re offering this cheat sheet to some of the major architecture and design shows. Take a read and decide what to plug into your schedule and what to skip.

Salone del Mobile

Milan
Dates: April 21–26
What to expect: The granddaddy of all design fairs, Salone literally takes over the city to show the newest furnishings and lighting. It can be the stuff of nightmares for agoraphobes, though: The fairgrounds alone encompass 24 buildings holding exhibitor “booths” that read more like permanent showrooms, while other venues throughout central Milan—from centuries-old palazzos to institutions—transform into satellite exhibits and site-specific installations. Not to mention the gazillions of showrooms around the city holding their own events and parties.
Who you will see: The bigwigs in the A&D world, like Marcel Wanders and Daniel Libeskind. There’s always a slim chance you’ll see Lenny Kravitz—if he’s attending, that is. (Did you know he’s an interior designer now?)
Estimated costs: You should sit down for this. Milan hotel rooms triple in price during the design week, and can command up to $1,400 per night for a reputable, centrally located hotel. Likewise, apartment rentals skyrocket (about $1,300 to $4,000 per night, but at least these are shareable), as do flights from the U.S. Last year, ticket prices started at 29 euros (about $32).
You should go if: You’re an interior designer or decorator—newbie and veterans alike—as should residential- and hospitality-product buyers and distributors looking to stay on top of the furniture market trends. Don’t bother if you can’t spend a minimum of three days in Milan, because you’ll cover hardly any ground.
Pro tips: Book both your flight and accommodation ASAP, as airlines and hotels sell out several months before the fair. Map out the exhibits and showroom events you want to attend, to avoid zigzagging across town too much. Also, since you’re here already, consider a side trip before or after the show to somewhere in nearby Tuscany.

Neocon

Chicago
Dates: June 8–10
What to expect: Contract furnishings galore in the gigantic Merchandise Mart, which spans two whole city blocks and houses permanent showrooms as well as temporary exhibitor floors. The goods include furniture—many of which cater to offices, such as workstations and task chairs—and lighting, along with a sprinkling of office accessories.
Who you will see: It’s not popular with the stars, but NeoCon at the very least has interesting keynote speakers such as architect Jeanne Gang and visual artist Amanda Williams. Some NeoCon exhibitors host invitation-only bashes where you might encounter a familiar performer. (One year, singer Sara Bareilles performed live at Mohawk Group’s party.)
Estimated costs: If you book tickets soon, airfare can be as cheap as $150 round-trip from New York. Closer to the show, it can go as high as $600. Hotel rooms and Airbnbs sell out months before, so it’s best to reserve lodging ASAP as well. Online registration by June 5 gets you in free only for the expo; on-site it’s $65. Programming such as CEU seminars costs $65 online and $75 on-site.
You should go if: You’re a young or veteran contract designer or architect, a facilities manager, or any other specifying consultant. Those focused on workplace design will benefit the most.
Pro tips: Skip the Mart elevators, as the wait time can be up to 15 minutes. Instead, start at the highest floor and work your way down via the staircases. Explore the Windy City’s dining scene—it’s a culinary gold mine. NPR fan? Try to snag a ticket to a live recording on June 11 of Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

Read the rest on AD Pro.