Organizer
The Mart
Chicago’s landmark design center and marketplace, hosting flagship trade shows for commercial interiors, fashion, and specialized industries.
Directory listing reviewed June 2026

About The Mart
Geographic reach: North America, United States, Midwest USA, International exhibitors and visitors
The Mart, officially known as THE MART, is a landmark commercial building and design center in downtown Chicago that doubles as one of the city’s most important trade show and marketplace hubs. Opened in 1930 as the Merchandise Mart, the property has evolved from a massive wholesale center into a curated ecosystem for design, furnishings, technology, and specialty retail, while also hosting many of the Midwest’s leading B2B events.
Owned by Vornado Realty Trust, one of the largest real estate owners and managers in the United States, THE MART spans approximately 4 million square feet and accommodates permanent showrooms, flexible event space, and public areas configured for exhibitions and conferences. As an organizer and venue operator, The Mart is best known for **NeoCon**, a flagship commercial interiors show that attracts manufacturers, architects, designers, and facility professionals from around the world.
It also stages fashion and apparel markets such as **National Bridal Market Chicago** and **Chicago Collective – Men’s Edition**, which leverage the building’s showroom infrastructure to create efficient, order-writing environments for buyers and brands. These events position The Mart at the intersection of design, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail, providing exhibitors with access to a highly qualified professional audience and visitors with a concentrated view of leading products and trends.
The Mart’s value proposition is its combination of historic prestige, central Chicago location, and purpose-built facilities tailored to B2B commerce. Exhibitors benefit from year-round showroom presence alongside time-bound trade fairs, while buyers gain reliable seasonal markets in a single, easily accessible building.
With strong transportation links, on-site services, and a long track record of hosting design, fashion, and specialty industry events, The Mart functions as a strategic marketplace platform for companies seeking exposure in North American design and retail channels.
Flagship Events
Frequently Asked Questions
NeoCon is typically held annually at THE MART in Chicago, serving the commercial interiors industry with exhibitors across furniture, flooring, textiles, technology, and workplace solutions. Dates and registration details are published on The Mart and NeoCon official websites each cycle.
Exhibitors generally apply through the specific event’s organizer or exhibit sales team, with NeoCon, National Bridal Market Chicago, and Chicago Collective providing dedicated exhibitor information and floor plans. Prospective exhibitors should review eligibility criteria, product categories, and space availability, then coordinate booth selection and contracts through the respective event’s official channels.
Visitors typically need to register in advance via the event’s official website, where they can access badges, show hours, and onsite policies. Because many Mart events are trade-only, attendees are often required to provide business credentials such as company name, role, and industry affiliation at registration or check-in.
The Mart is located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470, Chicago, IL 60654, with direct access to public transit, nearby parking, and walkable downtown hotels. Show-specific logistics—including recommended hotels, shuttle services, and loading dock procedures—are provided in exhibitor and attendee manuals for each event.
For general building information, visitors and exhibitors can contact The Mart’s main line at +1 312-527-7600, or engage with building concierge and service desks for onsite assistance. Event-specific questions—such as booth design rules, move-in schedules, and seminar programmes—are best directed to the contact points listed on each event’s official website or exhibitor kit.
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