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NeoCon has announced its 2026 jury for Best of NeoCon, the commercial interiors industry’s longstanding awards program recognizing innovation in the built environment.
Now in its 36th year, the program will bring together nearly 45 architects, designers, facility managers, end-users and business media journalists for in-person product evaluations at The Mart in Chicago. The 2026 competition will include hundreds of entries across 46 categories, with expanded lighting classifications debuting alongside Illuminate at NeoCon, a new exhibition spotlighting lighting innovation.
According to NeoCon, this year’s jury includes professionals from leading firms and organizations such as CannonDesign, Gensler, HDR, HKS, HOK, Marmon Mok, Northwestern Mutual, Shepley Bulfinch, State Farm and Walgreens.
Eileen McMorrow, director of the Best of NeoCon program, said the jury is selected to reflect a broad mix of project types, firm sizes, specialties and geographic markets, helping ensure products are evaluated through a practical, real-world lens.
That perspective is especially relevant as jurors are actively specifying for major projects across the country, including corporate headquarters, healthcare campuses, higher education facilities and mixed-use developments ranging from 90,000 square feet to more than 1 million square feet. NeoCon said facility manager participation also helps ensure products are judged not only for design quality, but also for long-term performance, usability and operational value.
The 2026 jury includes both returning and first-time participants across multiple disciplines. During on-site evaluations, jurors will meet directly with manufacturers to gain insight into product development, materials and intended applications.
Paola Contreras, senior interior designer at HDR, said the process offers a closer look at how products are developed and brought to market, particularly those designed to support safety, clarity and dignity in complex environments.
Returning juror Jennifer Leighty of Walgreens said the experience gives participants a valuable behind-the-scenes view of how products come together, from inspiration and design intent to real-world functionality.
Jessica Maples, design director at Gensler, said serving on the jury provides insight into emerging manufacturers, sustainability innovation and creative partnerships while helping designers connect new products with client needs.
Also returning for its fourth year, the Business Impact Awards will recognize products that support organizational performance, including efficiency, cost savings and better use of space. Finalists in that category will advance to a second round of on-site review by business journalists from outlets including the Chicago Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Forbes, Inc., The New York Times and Wirecutter.
Awards for Gold, Silver, Innovation, Sustainability and Business Impact, along with the program’s top honor, Best of Competition, will be presented Monday, June 8, at The Mart as NeoCon 2026 gets underway.
Following the ceremony, attendees will again be invited to take part in the People’s Choice Awards, a digital and on-site voting program that allows the broader design community to select standout products from this year’s winners. Voting will remain open through Tuesday, June 9, with five winners announced Wednesday, June 10, at the BIFMA Breakfast and across NeoCon’s social media channels.
NeoCon exhibitors may submit entries through the Best of NeoCon online portal. Eligible products must have entered the U.S. market since June 2025 and must be on display at NeoCon 2026. Products previously entered in the 2025 program are not eligible.
Submission fees are $1,000 per entry from April 1-30, $1,100 per entry from May 1-20, and $500 for the Business Impact opt-in.
NeoCon 2026 is open to trade professionals, C-suite executives and other qualified industry attendees, with registration available at no cost. Visit here to find out more details, to submit an entry and to see a full list of this year's jury.
