The Mart’s Program Director, Monica DeBartolo and Registration Manager, Wendy Confrey – manage all the logistics for the speaker programs at NeoCon – Image courtesy of The Mart
As we prepare for NeoCon 2018, we had the opportunity to chat with Monica DeBartolo, The Mart’s Director of Programming.
When did you start working on the NeoCon programs?
In 1994, I already was working for another division of the Merchandise Mart, putting international programs together. I was asked to work on the NeoCon programs for that year forward, and then became the Director of the Programming Department in 2000.
How have things changed over the years?
The mechanics of putting the program together have changed dramatically. Initially, we had to review and disseminate information in hard copy format. In the early days, we had approximately 200 applications to study. We had to print out and mail in all the forms to the Program Advisory committee. Our team of advisors evaluates the submissions by their area of subject matter expertise. However, back in the day, that was a lot of physical labor. Not only that, but everyone had to read through everything in a concentrated period (typically around the holidays), to ensure that notifications got out to selected speakers in January.
What can you tell us about the Advisory Committee?
We have always sought advice from a panel drawn from across the industry. The initial advisory group consisted of members of various industry associations that attended the show. The selection of panel members grew from there. Currently, we have designers and architects that are members of AIA, IIDA, ASID, IALD, and also leaders in design education and related fields. They make a six to eight week commitment to help us select which programs are best suited for each year’s educational tracks. The panel then reviews submissions based on their respective area of expertise. We have some advisors that have been with me for all 24 years!
How have the learning tracks changed over the past 24 years?
The original tracks and their CEU components were not as sophisticated as they are today. We had significantly fewer educational tracks with much lighter subject matter. The field was narrower than it is now. The original 200 applications have grown to over 800 applications for this year’s show! The initial offerings were geared to architects, designers, and furniture dealers, but over the years we have added tracks that have expanded to reach attendees seeking to learn more in the fields of green design, wellness, healthcare, hospitality, residential and lighting design and facilities management. We try and cover all the bases. This year’s seminars cut across 15 educational tracks with varying qualifications for health, safety, welfare, and future of design content.