NECA Closing Reception: Final Moments of the Industry’s Biggest and Brightest Event
- by: Molly Shaw
- in Associations, Industry Events, NECA, NECA Show
Since 1901, NECA has been uniting top professionals in the electrical field through its annual industry-wide event. As the major trade association for the $100 billion U.S. electrical industry, NECA represents 119 local chapters and 12 international chapters. Once a year this nationwide powerhouse unites and it is spectacular.
This year’s convention in San Francisco has been a whirlwind of exciting events and attractions including award-winning products and exhibitors featured on the trade show floor, major meetings such as the annual Women in NECA (WIN) Roundtable, a business development discussion and NECA’s government affairs committee meeting. The Green Energy Challenge gathered some of the brightest young minds and Iowa State University captured first place for a second year.
As an organization known for leading ongoing training, the NECA Show also offered numerous educational sessions, allowing contractors to earn continuing education credits. “The jam-packed convention schedule doesn’t even include all of the social events individual chapters put on,” said John M. Grau, CEO of NECA, in his closing address on Tuesday, Oct. 6. “I remember the first time I attended a NECA Convention and I was blown away. Indeed, this is a week filled with fascinating workshop and presentations, also gourmet dinners and the energy and sights from each host city.”
It’s a chance for contractors – and their friends and family – to step outside of the daily routine and see just how deep NECA’s roots run. “We’re one big family and this is our over-the-top family reunion,” said Grau.
Grau assured that while there’s certainly plenty of fun to be had, the core of the convention – and NECA’s mission in general – is about doing more for members and addressing the issues that matter to today’s contractors. “We’ve been thinking a lot about value and what it means in the context of the NECA membership and what we can do to improve it,” he said. “The good news is we’re ahead of the game on these issues. We’re taking charge of our own destiny and putting the structure and resources in place to make it happen. We have a clear picture of what we need to accomplish our goals.”
Whether that’s limiting restrictions on business or opening opportunities to implement lower-class labor to gain more market share, NECA is as proactive as possible. “It’s a great time to be an electrical contractor,” he assured in closing.
Until next year, when the annual NECA Convention and Trade Show lights up Boston, the organization remains a powerhouse in information, professionalism and inspiring positive change.
