In early June, Chicago is the place to be. Although the Windy City is a top destination for design and architecture lovers any time of year, the late spring brings a pair of world-class design events: NeoCon and Fulton Market Design Days. Both taking place in early June, the concurrent events bring together an impressive range of leading global design talent in contract furniture. On the Near West Side, the bustling Fulton Market District is set to be animated with a four-day showcase.

Dedicated to celebrating and advancing the contract furniture industry, Fulton Market Design Days kicks off with a morning social and an opening night party on June 8, setting the stage for three days with over 50 activations at showrooms and pop-ups across the neighbourhood. Ranging from Arper and Allsteel to IKEA, MillerKnoll, Interface, Tarkett, Studio TK and Expormim — to name just a few — the eclectic variety of exhibitors is anchored by the fair’s Welcome Center, situated at the Emily Hotel on 311 North Morgan Street.

Here, a comfortable lounge is outfitted with beverage service and knowledgeable on-site personnel, as well as shuttle bus and rickshaw services that conveniently ferry passengers to The Mart, allowing for easy transfers between Fulton Market and NeoCon.

A block away, meanwhile, the Design Days “Beaudega” is another locus of activity. Animated by a variety of customized temporary booths, the shared space is a hub for brands including Gantri, Econyl, Indiewalls, PoliLam, Ultrafabrics, Thumbprint, Moovlab and BBF. Over the course of the event, the showrooms and pop-ups are complemented by daily happy hours, cocktails, DJ sets and coffee receptions, as well as curated talks. This year, Tarkett hosts a series of timely panel discussions on subjects including neurodiversity in the workplace, healthcare and aging, and circular design.

More information about the 2025 edition of Fulton Market Design Days is now available via the fair’s official website, including an overview of participating brands, and a full event schedule. Registration is open now.