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."

The Green Alley, a section of the Show devoted to all-things-sustainable, got a considerable amount of traffic, thanks in part to a solar panel installation demo set up by Local 11 from the Los Angeles area.

Tom Martinez, Statewide Director of Business Development, IBEW/NECA LMCC was one of the people responsible for bring the hands-on exhibit and instructors to Chicago. "It is imperative that we as an industry provide the public with affordable ways to generate sustainable energy," Martinez said. "We owe it to our country."