NeoCon East 2015 took place last week, marking its first year in Philadelphia. After over a decade in Baltimore, the commercial interiors expo moved to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where it hosted 250-plus companies and products—and boasted a 15 percent higher attendance rate.

“This was truly a milestone show for NeoCon East," said Merchandise Mart senior vice president Susan McCullough. “It was our first year in a new city and it far exceeded our expectations. The exhibitors brought their best to the show floor. From technologies that improve commercial spaces and contribute to the well-being of those who experience them, to products that go beyond the industry standard and spark a whole new design dialogue, there was a lot to see and specify. The focus on innovation and forward thinking design carried through into the keynotes, special presentations and educational sessions, which were buzzed about on the show floor. Out regional partnerships with AIA and IIDA made this year’s edition even more impactful.”

Todd Bertsch and Betsy Nurse, HOK Atlanta lead designers, opened the show with a keynote, discussing their involvement on the Porsche Cars headquarters project and how they lead their clients to explore new and provocative designs. Denise Turner Roth, head of the U.S. General Services Administration, spoke to attendees about the industry from a government standpoint. The first day closed with Philadelphia staples like cheesesteaks, Tastykakes, Rita’s Water Ice and Yuengling served at a block party-themed opening night.

“Philadelphia was a great meeting place for the show," said Elaine Pogell, project manager for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “It was very convenient for our team to come up from D.C. and meet with our government colleagues from New York and Philadelphia. With the current mandate to smart-size office spaces, NeoCon East offered a great way to connect with vendors and clients as we plan our reduced office footprints. In addition, the seminar offerings were especially relevant and timely for both end users, space planners and project managers.”