1. NeoCon
#1 Art & Architecture Event (up from #2)
North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors, NeoCon draws some 40,000 international industry pros, and inspires glitzy fund-raisers and swank showroom parties. Next: June 2013
North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors, NeoCon draws some 40,000 international industry pros, and inspires glitzy fund-raisers and swank showroom parties. Next: June 2013
Photo: R25 Productions
2. SOFA
#2 Art & Architecture Event (up from #3)
A contemporary art and design fair, Sculptural Objects and Functional Art attracts 30,000 collectors to Navy Pier. Next: November 2-4, 2012
A contemporary art and design fair, Sculptural Objects and Functional Art attracts 30,000 collectors to Navy Pier. Next: November 2-4, 2012
Photo: Cheri Eisenberg
3. Diffa’s Dining by Design
#3 Art & Architecture Event (up from #4)
The stylish trend showcase enlists leading artists from a several genres to design dining-room vignettes. Proceeds from Dining by Design benefit the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Next: November 1-3, 2012
The stylish trend showcase enlists leading artists from a several genres to design dining-room vignettes. Proceeds from Dining by Design benefit the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Next: November 1-3, 2012
Photo: Amanda Fisher
4. Art Institute of Chicago’s Woman’s Board Gala
#4 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
The famous museum’s largest fund-raiser is held at a different time each year to correspond with a major exhibition. This year’s glitzy event celebrated pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and drew 1,100 guests between a gala dinner and an over-the-top new after-party hosted by local fashion icon Ikram Goldman. Next: June 2013
The famous museum’s largest fund-raiser is held at a different time each year to correspond with a major exhibition. This year’s glitzy event celebrated pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and drew 1,100 guests between a gala dinner and an over-the-top new after-party hosted by local fashion icon Ikram Goldman. Next: June 2013
Photo: Dan Rest
5. Museum of Contemporary Art’s ArtEdge
#5 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
The edgy museum’s big winter fund-raiser recently became annual due to popular request. The 2012 600-guest happening raised $1 million and had performances from George Clinton and Nick Cave’s sound suits as well as an appearance by Wolfgang Puck. Next: Spring 2013
The edgy museum’s big winter fund-raiser recently became annual due to popular request. The 2012 600-guest happening raised $1 million and had performances from George Clinton and Nick Cave’s sound suits as well as an appearance by Wolfgang Puck. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: James Prinz Photography/Courtesy of Nick Cave and the Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
6. American Institute of Architects’ Design Excellence Awards
#6 Art & Architecture Event
The event saw 285 submissions in 2011 and drew more than 800 industry pros. The American Institute of Architects’ Design Excellence Awards returns to Navy Pier this fall and will dole out awards in categories such as sustainability and interior architecture. Next: October 26, 2012
The event saw 285 submissions in 2011 and drew more than 800 industry pros. The American Institute of Architects’ Design Excellence Awards returns to Navy Pier this fall and will dole out awards in categories such as sustainability and interior architecture. Next: October 26, 2012
Photo: Connor Steinkamp/Steinkamp Photography
7. U.S. Green Building Council–Illinois Chapter's Limelight
#7 Art & Architecture Event
The gala hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter honors eco-minded business leaders, government officials, and building practitioners. At this year's Limelight event, the organization gave Emerald Awards to companies including Testa Produce and BP Brightlights. Next: Spring 2013
The gala hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter honors eco-minded business leaders, government officials, and building practitioners. At this year's Limelight event, the organization gave Emerald Awards to companies including Testa Produce and BP Brightlights. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: The Chapter
8. International Interior Design Association Black Tie Celebration
#8 Art & Architecture Event
The high-end celebration takes place during NeoCon, drawing 500 designers and manufactures to mingle and connect. The International Interior Design Association Black Tie Celebration includes cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Next: June 2013
The high-end celebration takes place during NeoCon, drawing 500 designers and manufactures to mingle and connect. The International Interior Design Association Black Tie Celebration includes cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Next: June 2013
Photo: IIDA
