Almost two months ago, the whole business world was abuzz with talk about the biggest exposition for corporate leaders this year - NeoCon 2014! Naturally, it was both hosted and attended by some of the biggest names in the industry back on June 9-11. For anyone that couldn't make it, Contract Magazine's 25th Annual "Best Of NeoCon" showcasing their picks for the winners was the next best thing! Out of several categories, eighty-four worthy champions made the grade this year. So, for today's article, we thought we'd showcase our picks for the best of "Best of NeoCon,"so you'll knowwhat to expect for the future of high end office furniture and business design. Enjoy!
Snowsound Acoustic Panels by Atlantic Inc.
Award: Silver | Category: Architectural Products
It's no secret that open office design has become a huge hit with the modern business place. Unfortunately, sometimes breaking down the barriers makes a lot of noise. All those coworkers talking and sharing the free flowing ideas that make a business grow can be a huge distraction for those working on solo projects (that also make the business grow). That's why we chose Snowsound as one of our favorite "Best of NeoCon" picks by Contract Magazine. These walls stylishly swallow sound frequencies ranging from high to low. Thin, light, flame repelling, and environmentally cool, Snowsound panels cleverly keep the lid on noise in both educational and all manner of public places!
Lite Wall by Teknion
Award: Gold | Category: Moveable Walls
Unfortunately, sound is not the only source of distraction for soloists working in a crowded office space. Watching swarms of coworkers rushing about can also be a visual braincrusher. In order to maximize productivity in the workplace and reduce office distractions, Teknion has produced the Lite Wall. Using magnets to connect, Lite Wall provides a series of easily reconfigurable screens to act as buffers in offices without barriers. Offered in various heights, these versatile screens accommodate all sorts of office work styles. *(Another of our favorites that accomplishes much the same thing are the interchangeable, adjustable work screens - Veil, by Inscape. They took home the Gold Award in Office Accessories for being excellent visual and acoustical barriers for individuals in open office configurations.)
Hive by PalmerHamilton
Award: Silver | Category: Education Solutions
Hive by PalmerHamilton is another excellent way to stitch up the barriers between focused work in an open office plan. Before Hive by PalmerHamilton,
modular workstations to improve efficiency had never been so advanced. By making use of flexible modular seating, Hive workplace furniture configurations provide semi-secluded areas for relaxation, focused work, group work, teaching, and idea sharing. With these cleverly designed modular workstations for office use, all the bases of business collaboration through a seamless stitch of the problems between focused work and open office planning.
GO JUICE by PalmerHamilton
Award: Gold | Category: Education Solutions
We all know the feeling. You're sitting at your desk with no problems at all when BLAM! You get the dreaded "20% Battery remaining" alert on a needed device. You're then stuck with a dilemma: Which work device will you sacrifice in order to charge the dying one? Well, with GO JUICE by PalmerHamilton, the answer is none! The GO JUICE system provides another addition to the list of
smart ergonomic products for work that every office must have around. Set on wheels, this compact charging station provides reliable power for dying tech devices without the owner having to travel halfway across the office. Just watch for when the bright blue light on the table turns red to know when it's time to replace the battery.
Stir Kinetic Desk by Stir
Award: Gold | Category: Technology-Integrated Solutions
Most of us have heard the rumors that healthy height adjustable desks are some of the best ways to improve workplace health. Studies have shown that standing at the desk not only helps relieve office back pain, improve digestion and blood flow, and tone the physique. Now, with the Stir Kinetic Desk, users can get the job done while also monitoring their health! This height adjustable desk provides a touchscreen that lets users adjust their desk with the tap of a finger. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a clean, single cord system allows makes this product the king of
high tech office desks for business. As an added bonus, the desk also keeps track of calories burned, sit-time versus stand-time, and so much more!
Lustre Light by ESI Ergonomic Solutions
Award: Gold | Category: Task/Desktop Lighting
For those of you out there who fell in love with the Dual Purpose Solstice Lamp by ESI, here comes the next best thing! Like it's older sibling, the Lustre Light by ESI definitely lives up to fan standards. It provides exquisite
home and business office lighting as well as a USB charger. A telescopic head and arm with a bonus occupancy sensor make this newest addition from ESI a must have to maximize office efficiency.
Kalyde Lounge Furniture by Safco
Award: Silver | Category: Lounge Furniture Collections
From a company known for high tech ergonomic desks and furniture, a series of stunning lounge furniture was the last thing anyone would have expected from Safco at this year's NeoCon. But the fact that their Kalyde Lounge Furniture Series took home the Silver is just a testament to this brand's amazing design versatility! Adding any
office products by Safco to a workspace is never a bad decision, but keep your eyes peeled for the Kalyde series when designing a new office. Perfect for guests and employees alike, the Kalyde provides ideal seating for open office applications. Fill any empty spaces with this stylish furniture to create an excellent space where workers can relax, brainstorm, or do some quiet solo work.
go! by Clarus Glassboards
Award: Innovation | Category: Collaborative Collections
Ever since the invention of dry-erase technology, whiteboards have been the stars of corporate collaboration! They provide a convenient, paperless conduit towards the spread of ideas to promote business and teamwork among coworkers. go! by Clarus Glassboards takes this revolutionary idea to a whole new level with glass whiteboards that cater towards creative interior designs. go! nests, rests, and gangs tother for maximum workplace versatility. Mounted on wheels, the glass walls provide super efficient collaborative presentation boards for teams to dry-erase to their heart's content. A multitude of colors and printed design are available from Clarus Glassboards to meet all a wide array of interior decor needs.
Mimeo Chair by Allsteel
Award: Silver | Category: Ergonomic Desk/Task
Every modern business place needs ergonomic technology to maximize productivity. And what better way to do it than with the chairs we sit in all day! Great brands like RFM and Global Total Office initiated the rise of smart response ergonomic chairs. This year, the Mimeo takes home the silver! With a responsive Intelliform back, this chair keeps constant contact with the user for maximum support and comfort. It adds yet another gem to the growing list of pain reliving office chairs to improve health!
Seeyond Dynamic Lighting by Seeyond Architectural Solutions
Award: Sliver | Category: Decorative Lighting
We wrap things up with a final light show to the best of 2014's NeoCon! For any office interior designer in search of the next biggest thing, nothing is more eye-catching than the series of Dynamic Lighting Fixtures by Seeyond Architectural Solutions. This company is so revolutionary it took home two of Contract Magazine's "Best Of NeoCon" Awards, (the other going to Seeyond Branded Facing for lighted advertising). These high tech office lighting fixtures are built to impress. It offers LED, smooth color gradients, Wi-Fi enabling, DMX, and the ability to show animated scenes. Sound integration also lets these light fixtures sync and change with music or ambient noise. If the movies are anything to go by, the age of science fiction has arrived with Seeyond!
It all starts with the right chair! This year, the "Smart Chair" revolution is in full swing. Wondering what a smart chair is? No need to worry. We've got you covered! Smart chairs are advanced seating solutions that automatically react to user movements. Essentially, they take the guess work out of finding the correct sitting position. If you're tired of constantly adjusting tension knobs and pulling mechanism levers, a smart chair is the way to go. Popular smart chairs like the LV34GG model Living Chair from Mayline boast weight activated, passive seat sliders. The flexible chair back provides constant support that allows you to sit and move naturally. The chair seat automatically adjusts to it's user and distributes weight without the need for adjusting. With it's modern look and the features to match, the Living chair is the real deal!
If you haven't heard, sitting for long periods of time is unhealthy. This all too common problem can actually shorten your life span. That being said, sit to stand desks provide a healthy solution. If you're looking for ways to improve energy in the workplace while creating a modern vibe, sit to stand stations are the way to go. These high tech ergo tools promote continuous movement, reduce fatigue, and improve blood flow. If you don't want to purchase an all new desk, brands like ESI and Symmetry Office offer work surface attachments that will modify your existing workstation without drilling holes. Before committing to a modern sit to stand desk, go test one out at your local showroom. While very cool and versatile, we've found they're not for everybody.
Put the factory base that came with your computer back in the box! Make the switch to a dual screen monitor mount and enjoy a plethora of ergonomic benefits. For starters, the addition of a monitor mounting system will give your office a sleek modern look. More importantly, a multi screen monitor arm will instantly create more usable desk space. You'll also be able to raise your computer screens to eye level to reduce neck strain. Monitor arms the bomb! Give one a try and there's no turning back!
To further modernize your work day, add an undermount CPU holder. It's time for the days of hunching over to turn on your computer to end. Mounting your CPU under your desk surface will allow you to more efficiently route wires and plug in devices throughout the work day. Most of the top rated CPU holders mount on retractable glides that allow them to slide out of the way when they're not needed. This means, no more banging your knees on the CPU when operating in your office chair. How can anyone sit correctly in the office if they're constantly avoiding the CPU? Mounting your power source up high will also protect your digital files from theft, water damage, and even over heating.
Where's a USB port when you need one? With the exception of traditional 3 prong AC outlets, USB inputs are the most commonly sought after ports in the workplace. This means, you need to have one handy at all times. Adding a portable power port like the Drifter from Symmetry Office Products is a must. You'll be able to put the power at your fingertips. Don't waste time and energy looking for an available port on your CPU. Invest in a portable module to take functionality to the next level. Portable modules also make great additions to lobby, training room, and meeting environments.
