10/14/2021
NECA Convention & Trade Show - October 9 - 12, 2021
The NECA Convention & Trade Show was held in Nashville, TN!
The NECA Convention & Trade Show was held on October 9 – 12, 2021 in Nashville, TN. The event brought the industry together for premier educational programming, networking, new product introductions, peer recognition and excellent entertainment. The Convention included an Opening Reception, General Sessions, Convention Education, Trade Show Education: Leadership Workshops, Technology Workshops, Construction Solution Workshop; three (3) days of the NECA Trade Show, Academy inductions, and the Closing Celebration.
Highlights of the Chapter Events during the Convention include the following:
For those who were able to arrive on Friday, October 8, 2021, the Chapter had a special “Welcoming” Reception at the rooftop of Nudie’s Hony Tonk. This was a casual event with lots of food, drink and music on a rooftop!
A Special Congratulatory Reception was arranged for David Witz, Continental Electrical Construction Company and Eric Nixon, Maron Electric Company, as they were acknowledged during the Convention for their induction into the Academy of Electrical Contracting (2020). This special event was held on Monday, October 11, 2021 at the Westin Nashville Hotel.
The Chapter Membership event was also held on Monday, October 11, 2021 at the Westin Nashville Hotel. The event included a reception, live music, dinner and drinks on the 27th Floor rooftop event space.
The Chapter also held a Special pre-Closing event Reception on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Westin Nashville Hotel prior to the final NECA Convention event.
WATCH THE CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO HERE
Convention Events include the following:
The Board of Governors Meeting was held on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Eric Nixon, NECA Governor, Maron Electric Company represented the Chicago & Cook County Chapter. Actions voted on included: Re-affirmation of several Standing Policy Statements, as well as three Ordinary Proposals concerning NECA Codes and Standards Committee recommendations regarding amendments to Standing Policy Statements regarding local and state legislations, electrical inspections, safety programs and safe workers. All passed. By-law Amendments are to be reviewed for coming sessions. The attendees were also addressed by Lonnie Stephenson, IBEW International President and incoming NECA President, Kirk Davis, Bob Davis Electric Company, Inc. Mr. Larry Beltramo, current NECA President, Rosendin Electric was acknowledged for his years of service to NECA.
The Electrical Contractors Innovation Competition (ECIC) was also held on Saturday, October 9, 2021. The competition required the submission of a design proposal for an energy-efficient university dormitory, a video of the project, and an optional proposal application for outstanding chapter of the year. The NECA - Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Student Chapter won “Outstanding Chapter of the Year.” The Student Chapter placed third in the video competition, and fifth for the overall design proposal. The students and advisor who attended the live event were Jonathan Lumley, Kayla Kumiega, Enya Mulroy, Hibatullah Taher, and Professor Dan Tomal. The students who could not attend the live convention were able to view the convention sessions virtually. Dr. Tomal also gave a live presentation titled “Building a NECA Chapter at Your University” which was posted as a podcast on the NECA National website. He talked about the NECA Chapter and programs at IIT and the benefits to the students and the university. We thank Dr. Tomal, the students, and our participating members for all their hard work this year with the competition.
The Trade Show was held at the Music City Center; the main Convention events were held on-site.
The Opening Reception was held on Saturday, October 9th at The Wildhorse Saloon/One Fourteen. It was a Down Home Reunion. The event included a full street party, live country music, carnival games and delicious street treats. The Milwaukee Tool Shed Band played at the Wildhorse Saloon.
The Opening General Session held on Sunday, October 10th featured Archie Manning, Former NFL Player, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur. The Opening General Session also acknowledged the Academy of Electrical Contracting inductees! David Hardt, Hardt Electric, Inc., Academy of Electrical Contracting Chair introduced the new inductees which included David Witz, Continental Electrical Construction Company and Eric Nixon, Maron Electric Company.
The Monday General Session on October 11th, featured John Rich, Country Music Star, Entrepreneur.
The Closing General Session held on Tuesday, October 12th featured Daymond John, Founder of FUBU, Star of "Shark Tank.”
The Closing Celebration held the evening of Tuesday, October 12th featured an “All Star Jam.” The "All-Star Jam" featured Don Felder, former lead guitarist of the Eagles, Steve Augeri, former Journey lead vocalist, and Eddie Montgomery, of country duo Montgomery Gentry, all backed by the house band Sixwire. This high-energy show was packed with many favorite classic rock and country hits, and each special guest performed greatest hits and favorite covers.
We thank all who were able to participate with this year’s NECA Convention & Trade Show. Next year’s Convention is to be held in Austin, TX!