Attention: Publication editors and writers; broadcast producers and reporters
covering consumer events, features, calendar items, decor, design or
                               home fashion

  WHAT:   The NeoCon(R) World's Trade Fair at The Merchandise Mart next week
          also features new product debuts and insight into the latest
          design trends in the residential industry. Today, more than ever,
          designers and manufacturers recognize the cross-over influence
          between the residential and contract industries and how each
          inspires and influences the other in both form and function.

          The Fine Design(TM) Residential Home Furnishings Show at NeoCon
          showcases the best of the best in residential furnishings. The
          Merchandise Mart Design Center's permanent showrooms and the
          LuxeHome boutiques will debut new products and offer attendees
          design inspiration through educational seminars and panels. Fine
          Design provides an opportunity to hear from today's top designers
          in the residential arena about what consumers are looking for and
          what the trends will be over the next few years.

  PHOTO AND TREND STORY
  OPPORTUNITIES:

       -- The Classic Kitchen Panel Discussion - Three renowned kitchen
          designers, Mick De Guilio, Christopher Peacock and Dott. Dario
          Snaidero, will share their insights into what today's consumer is
          looking for in an ideal kitchen, whether it is traditional,
          contemporary or somewhere in between.

          Monday, June 12 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Merchandise Mart
          Conference Center Room 2.

       -- Elegance, Beauty & Luxe - Celebrated interior designer Charlotte
          Moss presents her circle of female muses who have inspired her new
          premiere collection of fabrics, wallcoverings and upholstered
          furniture.

          Tuesday, June 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. The Merchandise Mart
          Conference Center Room 2.

       -- Design by Travel Keynote - Acclaimed interior designer Vicente
          Wolf shares how his world travels have influenced his design
          projects and inspired his unique color combinations.

          Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. Suite 7-4020.


  WHERE:  THE MERCHANDISE MART
          222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
          Chicago, IL 60654


  ***** All press must check-in and obtain credentials in the NeoCon Press
        Room on the 7th Floor, Suite 7-2007 to obtain access to the
        seminars. Please ask for Jaclyn Kotzum in the Press Room or call her
        at .

  MEDIA CONTACT:

        Jaclyn Kotzum, Public Relations Manager
        Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.,
        Phone:
        Cell:
        E-mail:

PRNewswire -- June 9

Source: The Merchandise Mart