NECA 2012 Las Vegas Breaks Records for Electrical Industry Event
Over 5,000 Participate in Convention, Trade Show
BETHESDA, MD – The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) wrapped up its 2012 Convention and Trade Show last week with several exciting days of education and exploration at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Over 5,000 attendees enjoyed inspiring presentations from Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski and optimistic futurist Peter Diamandis, plus more than 300 exhibitors from across the electrical construction industry at the largest NECA Show in recent memory.
The 2012 event marked NECA’s return to Las Vegas in 13 years, as well as a return to pre-recession attendance numbers. “It really speaks to the strength of the electrical industry that so many new contractors and exhibitors were able to join us this year. We had the largest number of management and technical workshops we’ve ever offered, and I think that really help us grow,” said Beth Ellis, NECA Executive Director, Convention/Expo. “The industry has changed rapidly, and people know that NECA is going to have innovation front and center at our convention and trade show.”
Some new features Ellis hopes will return for NECA 2013 Washington, DC (Oct. 12-15) will be education tracks, which allowed attendees to base their education schedule on a single topic, and the NECA 2012 app for smart phones and tablets. “The app was a huge success, with over 1,000 downloads.” Ellis said. “Once people realized they could have the entire schedule, trade show map and session handouts on their phone for free, getting around and collecting information was easier.” The NECA 2012 app will remain active for the next year.
Another popular speaker was negotiator-extraordinaire Stuart Diamond, who brought his “people first” philosophy to the convention’s Labor Relations General Session. “Negotiations aren’t between opposing sides or forces. They’re between people,” Diamond said at the event. “When we start by recognizing everyone’s basic humanity, we start getting more.”
“Stuart Diamond was great,” said Gina Addeo, ADCO Electric Corp., Staten Island, NY. “Listening to what our customers expect is essential to getting the job done right. I like how he said, ‘you are the least important part of a negotiation.’ It’s a reminder to get out our own way.”
The Lifestyle Session at NECA 2012 featured chef Jeff Henderson, best known for turning his life around after his arrest for dealing drugs into a career as an executive chef and Food Network personality. “I didn’t get arrested – I got rescued from the streets,” Henderson told the hundreds who gathered to hear his inspiring message. His infectious enthusiasm and easy smile kept the attendees’ optimistic spirit buoyed as he signed autographs, shared his books and hugged fans at the event.
NECA 2012 Las Vegas kicked off with a beach party at Mandalay Bay, and Le Reve aquatic theater at The Wynn closed the event.
NECA’s 2013 Convention and Trade Show will be held at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, Oct. 12-15, 2013. Preliminary meeting information can be found on www.necaconvention.org and highlights, pictures and daily video broadcasts from NECA 2012 Las Vegas can be found on blog.necaconvention.org.
About NECA: NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S. NECA’s national office and local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org.
Contact Information
Beth Margulies, Director, Communication
301-215-4526, beth.margulies@necanet.org
