Chicago's NeoCon contract furniture fair until recently was regarded as less relevant for us folk in the European markets, largely because ways of working were so different in the USA compared to the UK. This year to me marked a step change, however, and clearly demonstrated just how much markets have converged during recent years - with the UK and Europe winning out and many European designers drafted in to create products for American companies. Held at the Merchandise Mart - home to 130 contract furniture showrooms - NeoCon attracted 45,000 visitors from around the world to explore new products from more than 700 manufacturers. 'It was more international than I can ever remember,' notes Tim Hutchings, president of Humanscale International. 'We had a wonderful attendance from visitors from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia.'
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