INDUSTRY EXPERTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY GATHER TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND TOURS AT NEOCON® EAST 2007

CHICAGO (September 10, 2007) – NeoCon® East, the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier event for architects, interior designers, facility managers and planners, announces exciting educational opportunities and seminars at the 2007 show, scheduled to take place October 17 – 18, 2007 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

With access to more than 40 seminars and association forums, and a wide variety of social and networking events, show attendees will gain insight into industry trends, products and resources through outstanding presentations and tours. NeoCon East, also will host three of the industry’s finest as this year’s keynote speakers - - Leslie Shepherd, Chief Architect at US General Services Administration; David Rinard, Director of Global Environmental Performance, for Steelcase, Inc.; and Jill Fehrenbacher, green designer and founder of inhabitat.com, who will be the keynote speaker for the Student Series.

Returning for its fifth annual year, NeoCon East will offer attendees the opportunity to learn from industry experts about a variety of topics ranging from new ways to market services to the government, to the importance of recycling carpet and significant issues relating to sustainability.

The following is a current list of topics and times for the lineup of educational seminars and tours:

Wednesday October, 17

The Art and Science of Office Ergonomics—The Foundation for Effective Workplaces

9–10 a.m.

Attendees will learn about what ergonomics is, how to apply it, and what it means to deliver ergonomically sound workplaces.

Speaker: Dr. Tim Springer, HFES, ISFE, BOMI, is president of HERO, inc. in Geneva, Ill, and as an authority on ergonomics, environment and behavior, and productivity in high technology workplaces.

Lighting and Human Factors

9–10 a.m.

In this seminar, guests will discover the behavioral and psychological effects of light on people and their health including its affects on emotions and perceptions, and the effects of age.

Speaker: Shelley Siegel, FASID, CAPS, is founder and president of Universal Design and Education Network in Lake Worth, Fla. She has won the prestigious ASID Medalist Award and was inducted into the ASID National 2004 College of Fellows.

Revolve 2007: Color Workshop

9–10 a.m.

This seminar will allow attendees to see the 25 new colors inspired by the art, architecture and natural beauty of Italy and explore color trends.

Speaker: Kaye Gosline, CMG, IIDA, NEWH, ASBE, USGBC, IFMA, is the creative director of Milliken Floor Covering in LaGrange, Ga. Gosline is recognized as a color authority in the carpet industry, is known for her color forecasts and has published two books, About Color and Revolve 2007.

Currency Check: Is Your Facilities Management Program Current with Today’s Needs?

9–10 a.m.

This presentation will highlight how many component stakeholders must be totally integrated in order to design, construct, provision, occupy and operate a high-performance workplace.

Speaker: Daniel Brathal is the president of The Workplace Design Consortium located in Hudson, Wis. In this role, he leads a team of experienced professionals who identify needs, define requirements, develop recommendations and introduce improved methods for optimizing today’s complex workplace.

Making Dollars & Sense of Sustainability: The Reality Costs & Benefits

9–10 a.m.

With energy prices skyrocketing, building owners are discovering that well-engineered mechanical and electrical systems have a rapid return on their first-cost investment. Participants will learn more about sustainability and how green buildings needn’t cost more

Speaker: Bill Gregory is the director of sustainable strategies for Milliken & Company in LaGrange, Ga. Gregory’s experience includes working with building projects in government, education and healthcare markets, sustainability training and development of sustainable standards.

Acquiring Government Space or Housing a Government Office

9–10 a.m.

The General Services Administration works with federal agencies to develop and deliver office space requirements. In this seminar, attendees will get an overview of the procurement process of office space in the federal government.

Speaker: Jean Harkins, interior designer, GSA Public Buildings Service, New York, N.Y.

Branding Your Firm

9–10 a.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear from the winning team of the 2006 SMPS National & Best Corporate Identity Award during a case study presentation of the experience and challenges of rebranding for architects and designers.

Speakers: Marilynn Deane Mendell, SMPS, is the director of corporate communications and marketing for Hickok Cole Architects in Washington, D.C. Sarah Barr is the senior graphic designer for Hickok Cole Architects. Barr’s clients have included national and international corporations, Harvard University and major non-profit entities.

Getting on GSA Schedule for Office Furniture

10:30–11:30 a.m.

This presentation will provide guidance on how companies get a GSA contract, which can lead to more business opportunities in the public sector.

Speaker: Terri Coley, contracting officer, GSA National Furniture Center, Arlington, Va.

Idea Centers: Ignite Creative Thinking Through Design

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Those who want to learn about the profound transformation that has taken place over the last 10 years in the design of office space will want to attend this seminar.

Speakers: James Thompson, associate AIA, IIDA, is the design director for Little in Charlotte, N.C. and leads his own talented team by using participation and collaboration, which he whole-heartedly embraces as the heart of any creative problem-solving exercise. Ryan Fujita is a professional architect intern with Little in Charlotte, N.C. and was the recipient of the Best in Thesis Design at UNC Charlotte.

Finding Your Way—Integrating Graphics and Wayfinding in Healthcare Interior Design

10:30–11:30 a.m.

In this presentation, participants will learn to use a sophisticated approach to graphic communications by seamlessly integrating signage and graphics and cueing in more subtle ways and earlier in the design process.

Speakers: Andrea Hyde, ASID, AAHID, is the president of Hyde, Inc. of Baltimore and a founding member of the American Academy of Healthcare Designers. Molly Miller is an associate with Sardi Design, based in Baltimore.

Selling Yourself + Product: Painting a Picture with Words

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Guests will learn to present their work—and themselves—in the best possible way, by acquiring better communication skills and fresh ideas for presentations, both personal and project oriented.

Speakers: Kathy Miller is the president of Columbia Associates Architecture & Interior Design, Inc. in Columbia, Mo. Miller is an experienced designer with a diverse portfolio and clients in a wide range of market sectors. Mary Hollingsworth is principal with Designs by Mary Susan based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Languages of Renovation

10:30–11:30 a.m.

In this lecture, attendees will receive a better understanding of the languages of renovation projects, how to communicate with project stakeholders and how to make the next project one that not only ends successfully, but also amicably.

Speakers: With more than 20 years experience in Commercial Real Estate, Lucy Crosby Price oversees project management services for Colliers Pinkard’s three Baltimore area offices. Michael Constantine, BOMA, IFMA, AIA, IIDA is president of Constantine Commercial Construction in Timonium, Md. with more than 24 years experience in the construction industry.

Competition Completed, Now Simply Order with GSA’s National Stock Number Program

10:30–11:30 a.m.

The GSA’s National Furniture Center’s National Stock Number (NSN) program consolidates federal government furniture requirements and completes specifications among many manufacturers. Participants will learn the details of the program, its benefits and how to use this most effectively to get the items they need!

Speaker: Glenda Lambert, contracting officer, GSA National Furniture Center, Arlington, Va.

Less is Not Always Best—Tools and Tips for Avoiding Green Building Faux Pas

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Those who want to learn how to use LCA for selecting materials, the benefits of plenums, acoustical treatments, high-light reflectance and balancing product attributes for optimal performance will want to attend this engaging seminar.

Speakers: Anita Snader, LEED AP, is the associate marketing manager for environmental programs in commercial ceiling systems for Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, Pa. Dr. Marsha Bischel, ASM International, ASTM, ASA, is a senior scientist at Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, Pa. Bischel’s primary focus is on understanding the performance attributes of building materials as they relate to manufacturing processes.

Strategic Planning: Thinking Strategically About Your Firm … and Then Doing Something about It

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Learn the seven basic steps that help create the ideal plan for a firm, and discover how strategic planning can frame goals, inform the structure of organizations and guide marketing efforts.

Speaker: Yolanda Cole, principal of Hickok Cole Architects of Washington, D.C., and is a member of AIA, IIDA and is LEED AP. Cole is widely recognized for her work on many award-winning projects in the commercial, corporate, government and institutional markets.

Conquering Change: A Case Study of an HQ Project

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Three team members will share lessons learned and anecdotes through an in-depth case study of a 500,000-square-foot corporate headquarters project.

Speakers: Cheryl Duvall, FIIDA, LEED AP, is president of Avance, L.L.C. of Ellicott City, Md. Duvall leads strategic programming efforts that explore alternative approaches to the design of the work environment. Ruth Cline, IIDA, CDT, is studio principal for corporate interiors for Little Diversified Architectural Consulting in Charlotte, N.C. Gail Cole, IIDA, IFMA, is president of Cole Design Associates, Inc. in High Point, N.C. Cole has more than 25 years of interior design experience in the corporate, hospitality, healthcare and retail arenas.

Is the Digital Honeymoon Over? Hand vs. Computer Perspective Sketching Methods and Their Consequences

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Seminar attendees will learn about a survey that explores how different perspective sketches are perceived, how corporate clients’ expectations may differ from residential clients and what impact the choice of sketch method may have on businesses.

Speaker: Jill Pable, IDEC, IIDA, is an assistant professor of interior design at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., and an NCIDQ-certified interior designer.

GSA Recycling Carpet—Green Panel

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Several major carpet manufacturers, each having won the GSA’s Evergreen Award, will discuss the importance of recycling carpet and significant issues relating to sustainability, product production, installation and usage.

Speaker: Jennifer Crouse, contracting Specialist, GSA National Furniture Center, Arlington, Va., will moderate the distinguished panel of experts.

How to Keep Your Clients Happy

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Participants will learn the six ways to go beyond simple client satisfaction, by gaining great communication tips, including how to say “no” and how to talk about money with clients.

Speaker: Michael Hickok, AIA, is a principal of Hickok Cole Architects in Washington, D.C. In his more than 30 years of experience, Hickock has gained an international reputation for workplace design. He is an accomplished speaker and author.

Thursday October, 18

The Critical Influence Approach to Effective Work Environments

9–10 a.m.

Participants will learn 14 critical influences that often create barriers to workplace strategy success and will gain knowledge to ensure physical workplace solutions.

Speaker: Diane Stegmeier, AIA, IFMA, is a consultant in change management and organizational effectiveness for Stegmeier Consulting Group in Lebanon, Ohio.

Beyond The Greenhouse Project™ Care Model

9–10 a.m.

This presentation will discuss case studies that go beyond The Greenhouse Project™ including establishing a care model, reviewing operations, providing mock-ups for both operations and the physical environment and introducing sustainability through an integrated team and LEED™ Silver Criteria.

Speaker: Jane Rohde, FIIDA, AIA, AAHID, ACHA, is principal for JSR Associates, Inc. in Ellicott City, Md. Rohde is an international speaker on creative solutions for universal healthcare and aging.

Demographics of Color

9–10 a.m.

Guests will explore color associations in the context of a global community with concepts like mourning, romance, travel and celebration considered in terms of the colors used to send such messages.

Speaker: Jeanne Kopacz, IIDA, ASID, IFMA, IDEC, is a principal of Allegro Interior Architecture of Boston, Ma. Kopacz has more than 25 years of professional experience and she is the author of Color in Three-Dimensional Design.

Strategic Crisis Management

9–10 a.m.

Attendees in this fast-paced seminar will learn effective crisis management tools to minimize damage to core assets such as people, reputation and physical assets. In addition, guidelines for strategic crisis leadership will be provided.

Speaker: Bruce Blythe is founder and CEO of Crisis Management International, a worldwide network of crisis specialists, business continuity planners, disaster recovery and threat-of-violence specialists.

Environmental Materials

9–10 a.m.

This seminar will teach the construction of “traditional” materials used for interior and exterior products, and some of the available substitutions and enhancements that can make these products greener.

Speaker: Drawing on 28 years of experience in the commercial furnishings industry and 12 in environmental materials and products, Eugene Lisa is vice president of environmental education of Verde Interior Products out of Winter Park, Fla.

For Whom Do We Design

9–10 a.m.

This discussion will explore the power of designers to affect the public perception of the United States government with spaces designed, while answering to American taxpayers in the process. The unique demands and rewards of designing for our U.S. Veteran population will also be highlighted.

Speaker: Sarah Irby, interior designer, facilities management services, VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care Systems, Biloxi, Miss.

Evoking Emotion with the Lighting of Large Structures

10:30–11:30 a.m.

In this seminar, attendees will be introduced to the concept of Context Sensitive Design, the practical issues in the lighting of such structures, and how to use some of the latest technologies to create beautiful and appropriate lighting solutions.

Speaker: Faith Baum, IALD, LC, IESNA, LEED AP is a principal at Illumination Arts, LLC in Bloomfield, N.J.

Nursing Home Makeovers

10:30–11:30 a.m.

This extremely visual presentation illustrates both inefficient and innovative nursing home makeover concepts. Examine costs, phasing and other practical issues involved when transforming a nursing home environment into a home-like environment.

Speaker: Carol Elia, ASID, is a principal of C R Design, in Newton Square, Pa. She has been designing interiors for senior living for more than 14 years and has a passion for creating environments that are comfortable, durable, cost-effective and appealing to senior residents and their families.

Marketing to the Government?

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Seminar attendees will discover new ways to market services to the government after being awarded a GSA contract. New GSA schedule contract holders will benefit by learning about marketing and networking opportunities available to them.

Speaker: Jennifer Auble, business development specialist, GSA National Furniture Center, Arlington, Va.

The Role of Blanket Purchase Agreements

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Participants will learn about the benefits of Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), when they should be used, and how to use them effectively with the GSA’s National Furniture Center.

Speaker: Juanita Blassingame, director of systems furniture, GSA National Furniture Center, Arlington, Va.

Interiors & Your MEP Consultant

10:30–11:30 a.m.

This presentation will once again provide an overview of the interaction between the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer and the interior designer/architect. Attendees will gain working knowledge of specific issues that can deter the design and construction process, as well as learn how to trouble-shoot various issues on the construction documents and construction administration process.

Speaker: Kevin Sneed, AIA, IIDA, CSI, CDT, LEED AP, is the director of architecture for OTJ Architects in Washington, D.C. With more than 20 years experience in the industry, Sneed is the past chair of the American Institute of Architecture Committee and the recipient of the 2004 AIA Young Architects Award.

Epigenetic Design—The New Frontier in Healthy Living

1:30–2:30 p.m.

During this session on the emerging field of EPIGENETICS, attendees will discover how the body and brain receive, perceive and interact with the physical environment in order to take projects beyond mere aesthetics. This seminar will include hands-on demonstrations and numerous audience participation exercises.

Speaker: Deborah Burnett, ASID, NSA is a registered interior designer and licensed building contractor. Burnett has made numerous national TV and radio appearances and is the president of Design Service Inc., in Springfield, Tenn.

Establishing the Working Rules with Clients to Achieve Effective Results

1:30–2:30 p.m.

In this seminar, guests will learn about ways to set the ground rules early and what can happen when there is a clash between designer and client.

Speaker: Based in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., area, Michael Winegrad is the owner and principal designer of the award-winning, full-service interior design firm I. MICHAEL INTERIOR DESIGN, LLC.

Commercial Office Space Planning—Trends & Techniques

1:30–2:30 p.m.

This program will focus on how to increase the designer’s expertise in managing commercial interiors projects and offers a comprehensive set of tactics and techniques to reduce project problems and designer liability, improve the designer’s personal satisfaction, increase the design firm’s profitability and strengthen the designer’s and manager’s effectiveness.

Speaker: President and Founder of Phillips Architecture in Raleigh, N.C., Mike Phillips, AIA, IIDA, ASID, has 25 years of commercial interiors and architectural experience and has coordinated millions of square feet of office tenant design work specializing in Class A office projects.

Proving the Benefits of Workplace Improvement: Strategic Planning in the Federal Sector

1:30–2:30 p.m.

This seminar will discuss to integrate human capital and business strategies with real estate, facilities, technology and HR policies to improve performance and prioritize future capital expenditures. Case studies will highlight strategic planning processes, tools and research which address continuous federal sector challenges spanning multiple projects and initiatives.

Speakers: Valerie Short is a principal for Federal Programs for Jacobs Advance Planning Group and the former chief of facilities for the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice in Arlington, Va. Short has more than 18 years of experience in federal government real-property management. Ellen Bruce Keable is principal of Workplace Strategies for Jacobs Advance Planning Group with more than 20 years experience in business research, design and facilities management.

Statement of Work Panel Discussion

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Panel experts will provide an overview of the Comprehensive Furniture Management Services (CFMS) Schedule, which will serve as the foundation of this discussion, with topics including the elements in a quality Statement of Work, and how they impact the project from an agency’s perspective, GSA, and the vendor or supplier.

Speaker: Pam Blumenstein, GSA National Furniture Center, Arlington, Va., will moderate this program.

ASSOCIATION FORUMS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Lighting: Get the L.E.D. Out and LEED™ the Way

Presented by: Women in Architecture (WIA)

9–10 a.m.

This presentation will help attendees “weed” out the proper ”green” fixtures for sustainable projects and teach you about the latest lighting trends for residential and commercial lighting.

Speakers: Dan Zuczek, LC, IESNA, LEED AP, Lighting Representative, Ambiance Lighting, and ElizaBeth Engle, AIA, LEED AP, Architect, Geier Brown Renfrow Architects

Credit: 1 LU Fee: $20

Advanced Codes for Interiors

Presented by: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

9–11 a.m.

This seminar will enable designers with basic to intermediate proficiency in building codes to take their skills and practice to the next level by mastering the ability to reference and apply International Building Codes to interiors projects.

Speaker: Kimberly Marks, ASID, IIDA, principal and owner, The Marks Design Group, Inc.

Credit: 0.2 CEU Fee: $75

Science, Design and Feng Shui: Human Response to Space Known as Pyramid Feng Shui

Presented by: The Feng Shui Institute International (FSII)

1–3 p.m.

In this workshop, participants will learn about the Pyramid philosophy of Feng Shui, a scientific approach that uses “nature clues” to uncover innate response systems. In addition, a workshop exercise will be conducted using a diagnostic tool that helps uncover a client’s subconscious positive or negative responses to space.

Speaker: Mo Linquist, FSII, ASID, environmental language interpreter, Mo Linquist Solutions

Credit: 0.2 CEU Fee: $40

Designing Experiences of Civic Engagement: A Design Archaeology of American Governance

Presented by: FocusOnDESIGN

2–4 p.m.

Drawing on the praxis of design anthropology, this seminar will provide frameworks for analyzing how the processes and artifacts of design affect experiences of democracy, and their participation in government.

Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Tunstall, DMI, IDSA, AIGA and American Anthropological Association; associate professor of design anthropology and associate director of the City Design Center, University of Illinois at Chicago

Credit: 0.2 CEU/2 LU Fee: $20

IIDA/Metropolis Smart Environments Award

Presented by: International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

2–3:30 p.m.

This seminar will showcase the winning projects from the 2nd annual Smart Environments Award with in-depth analysis from prestigious moderators.

Speakers: Susan Szenasy, editor, Metropolis magazine, and Ken Wilson, IIDA, principal, Envision Design

Credit: 0.1 CEU Fee: $25 members $50 non-members

Structures in Interior Design

Presented by: National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

2:30–3:30 p.m.

NCIDQ hosts a one-hour overview of building structures and how they relate to interior design. With a variety of illustrations and photographs, building codes expert Kimberly Marks will guide participants through the need-to-know structural concepts.

Speaker: Kimberly Marks, ASID, IIDA, principal and owner, The Marks Design Group, Inc.

Credit: 0.1 CEU Fee: $25

ASSOCIATION FORUMS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18

A New Generation of Paint

Presented by: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Maryland

9–10 a.m.

Through live demonstrations, PARTICIPANTS WILL see how Benjamin Moore Aura Paint offers breakthrough paint technology, called ColorLock and how to bring richer, truer color to projects with incomparable performance.

Speakers: Jacqueline Passaro, ASID, IFDA, architectural & design representative, Benjamin Moore & Co., and Frances Mooney, ASID, IIDA, design specialist, Benjamin Moore & Co.

Credit: None Fee: None

Doing What’s Right With What’s Left

Presented by: Asset Network for Education Worldwide (ANEW)

1:30–2:45 p.m.

Attendees will learn about ANEW and Bentley Prince Street’s partnership and how together the power of repurposing and recycling is leveraged nationwide.

Speakers: Kimbrely Matsoukas, LEED AP, sustainability manager, Bentley Prince Street and Rose Tourjé, CID, founder + president ANEW

Credit: None Fee: $20

Furniture in the Construction Contract for Military Installations/Renovations

Presented by: International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

9:30–11:30 a.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to discover how the Navy has implemented a process by which the FF&E is included in the construction contract. A question and answer session will immediately follow.

Speaker: Deborah Loveridge, IIDA, US Navy

Credit: 0.1 CEU Fee: $25 members $50 non-members

NEOCON EAST TOURS

The Baltimore Basilica—America’s First Cathedral Walking Tour

Presented by: Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust

Wednesday, October 17 • 10–11 a.m.

The Baltimore Basilica, officially known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was the first Roman Catholic Cathedral built in the United States and was the first major religious building constructed after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. In 1972, it was declared a National Historic Landmark and is therefore listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Credits: None Fee: $2

Boat Tour of the Inner Harbor

Presented by: Baltimore Architecture Foundation

Wednesday, October 17 • 1–3 p.m.

Departing from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor the 90-minute guided boat tour will trace the Port of Baltimore’s 300-year history, from its early days as a ship-building center to busy industrial port to its destination today as a modern entertainment and residential destination. Guests will see and discuss the mixed-use development at Harborplace and Harbor East, the preservation of the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Meyers Maritime Park, and the adaptive reuse of Tide Point and Silo Point.

Tour Guide: Adam Blumenthal, executive director, Baltimore Architecture Foundation

Credits: None Fee: $35

Catholic Relief Services Walking Tour

Presented by: Design Collective, Inc.

Thursday, October 18 • 10–11:30 a.m.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international relief agency whose mission is to assist the poor and disadvantaged, alleviate humans’ suffering, promote development of all people and to foster justice throughout the world. Join Lou Ghitman on a tour of the LEED Silver CRS world headquarters—125,000 square feet in Baltimore’s Historic West Side—designed by Design Collective, Inc.

Tour Guide: Lou Ghitman, director of interior architecture, Design Collective, Inc.

Credits: None Fee: None

MEDIA CONTACT:

Maura Bruton

Director of Public Relations

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

312-527-7555

mbruton@mmart.com

Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each yet.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West mar Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

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