NECA 2008 Chicago a Huge Success!

Over 10,000 industry professionals attended NECA's convention and trade show in Chicago this year. Watch videos, see pictures and get all the news from NECA 2008 Chicago on our exclusive convention blog. And get ready for even more opportunities at NECA 2009 Seattle!

NECA Show Captures Imagination, Attention of Attendees

Thousands of NECA Show-goers swarmed the floor of the 53rd trade show immediately after NECA executive director, meetings/expositions Beth Ellis cut the ceremonial ribbon. As they made their way down the aisles, they found exhibitors eager to share their latest products and services and learn more about how their companies could meet the needs of electrical contractors.

"I think this was the best trade show so far," commented NECA member Lew Frain. "I've been coming to the NECA Show for years now, and there’s a new energy running through everyone. I think there are lots of new products and new vendors. It's a sign of how much the entire industry has expanded. read more...

Education Everywhere at NECA 2008 Chicago

NECA 2008 Chicago boasted more technical and pre-convention workshops than any previous convention or trade show. Attendees packed sessions covering opportunities in the solar photovoltaic market, how to use LEDs in new lighting installations, and what NFPA 70E compliance in personal protective equipment will mean for their companies before the convention kicked off.

NECA 2008 Chicago marked the first time the association has partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to produce an educational session. "LEED for New Construction Technical Review" was a full-day program is designed for contractors and project managers who have a basic knowledge of LEED and want to delve deeper into the technical requirements of the rating, and the building certification process as well as other implementation strategies.
By bringing together students majoring in construction management and engineering programs, NECA's student chapter program works to foster interest in the electrical construction industry, and help create a source of viable candidates for future management positions within electrical contracting firms. A component of ELECTRI International’s Talent Initiative, the program consists of student-run chapters that are supported by NECA chapters and university faculty. There are currently fifteen active NECA student chapters at universities across the country, and at NECA 2008 Chicago, representatives from most of the student chapters were brought together for the annual NECA Student Chapter Summit Luncheon at the McCormick Lakeside Center.

Of the more than 90 attendees, approximately 50 were students currently involved in student chapters. Other attendees included NECA chapter executives, university faculty, NECA contractors, and individuals with interest in getting involved in the NECA student chapter program. Also in attendance were several former NECA student chapter members who currently hold management-level positions within electrical contracting firms. Summit attendees had the unique opportunity to hear the "success stories" the student chapter alumni had to share. Many had acquired their current positions following internships with NECA contractors, and they offered advice and tips to the student attendees about how to "make the most" of their involvement with student chapters, and the importance of relationship-building with NECA contractors. Faculty advisors, NECA chapter executives, and NECA Contractors who have hired student interns also shared their experiences, and offered advice for how to run productive and beneficial student chapter programs. Summit guests also heard from Russ Alessi, President of ELECTRI International, who discussed components of the Talent Initiative that offer opportunities for NECA student chapters. Alessi discussed matching grants for NECA chapters to offer student scholarships, stipends for university faculty who manage student chapters, and an intellectual, student competition that is being developed by ELECTRI International, which will prepare students for their future careers and allow them to stand out among their peers. According to Greg Mankevich, Executive Director of NECA-MEI, attendance for the second-annual summit exceeded expectations, which is a definite sign that the student chapter program is gaining momentum. "The excitement surrounding the student chapter program was palpable. The students who attended were eager to share their experiences and network with their fellow students and NECA contractors. And our NECA contractor guests had the opportunity to learn more about the program, and meet the students who will, in the very new future, be available to fill management positions within their firms. One of our most important roles, as members of the NECA team, is to look out for the future of our industry, and one of our best tools is the NECA student chapter program—because it is from this impressive group of young people that we are identifying and preparing our industry’s future leaders."

NECA 2008 Chicago a Huge Success!

NECA Show Captures Imagination, Attention of Attendees

Education Everywhere at NECA 2008 Chicago

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