NECA Blog

All The Latest News from NECA

Oct 03

Welcome to NECA 2015 San Francisco!

Welcome

You have arrived at the electrical construction industry’s No. 1 event of the year — The NECA Convention and Trade Show — an exciting mix of opportunities for education, inspiration, networking, and fun!

For all the information you need, go to www.necaconvention.org.

There, you’ll be able to view a full schedule and get to know your way around San Francisco.

Here are a few things you can look forward to: 

  • NECA will kick things off by hosting the opening reception at the world-famous Exploratorium on Saturday night. Conventioneers and guests are invited to gather at a mad scientist’s penny arcade, an inventor’s funhouse, and an experimental laboratory all rolled into one eye-popping, playful place. Enjoy refreshments, delicious nibbles, stunning views of the Bay, camaraderie, and, of course, endless exploration!
  • You will also get to hear from several dynamic speakers while you’re here.
  • The Opening General Session will feature Sal Kahn, founder and CEO of the Khan Academy, a not-forprofit organization with the mission of providing a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. And endurance swimmer, broadcaster and noted swimmer Diana Nyad is sure to impart some valuable lessons during the Closing General Session.
  • Preconvention workshops start on Saturday. Other meetings to attend include the NECA Business Development Meeting (Saturday), the Women in NECA Roundtable (Monday) and the NECA Student Chapters Job Fair (Saturday).
  • Educational tracks include business management; labor relations (new this year!); leadership and communications; project management; standards and safety; and technology, process and innovation.
  • If you’re ready to take in a rousing concert and dance the night away, the Warfield is the perfect spot. Join us Tuesday night at our Closing Celebration for an exclusive concert by chart-topping musician Kenny Loggins. Seating and an open bar will be available.

Don’t forget to share your experiences while in San Francisco, use the tag #NECA15 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.

We hope you enjoy your stay in San Francisco and get the most out of NECA 2015 San Francisco. See you around!

Oct 03

2015 Highlights: Top Can’t-Miss Events at NECA San Francisco

 

With so much to experience at NECA, US Builders Review has pulled together some can’t-miss highlights. The industry’s biggest and brightest event features countless workshops, exhibitions, product showcases, networking opportunities, dynamic speakers and so much more.

Continue reading on US Builders Review »

 

The 2015 NECA Convention and Trade Show kicks off Saturday, Oct. 3, and runs through Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Moscone Center South in San Francisco. The industry-leading event features countless workshops, exhibitions, product showcases, networking opportunities, dynamic speakers and so much more.

With so much to experience at the industry’s biggest and brightest event, US Builders Review has pulled together some can’t-miss highlights.

Convention Must Sees

Opening Reception at the Exploratorium Museum – Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:15 – 9:30 p.m.

One of San Francisco’s landmarks, newly relocated at Pier 15, the Exploratorium Museum offers more than 650 interactive, educational exhibits about science, art and changing human perception. NECA invites attendees to come see the wonders at the Exploratorium. Attendees will experience the exhibits firsthand while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment, all with waterfront views of San Francisco Bay.

Closing Celebration at The Warfield Theater – Tuesday, Oct. 6, Doors at 7 p.m. – Concert at 8 p.m.

The Warfield is one of San Francisco’s largest historic concert venues. With 2,300 seats, the venue has hosted thousands of notable artists over the years. This year, NECA invites attendees to round out their convention experience with a concert by chart-topping, Grammy-award winning musician Kenny Loggins.

Special Events

Student Chapters Job Fair – Saturday, Oct. 3, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

With unprecedented labor shortages across the country, the importance of finding young talent is pressing for NECA contractors. Following the Green Energy Challenge Student Competition – another event well worth stopping by to see Saturday – is NECA’s second annual job fair, part of the Student Forum at the 2015 Convention. NECA invites contractors looking to find everything from interns to part-time and full-time positions to attend this event and meet some of the most talented students from around the country.

NECA Convention event

Safety Roundtable – Sunday, Oct. 4, 8 – 10 a.m.

If there’s one hallmark of a NECA contractor, it’s the dedication to keeping employees safe on the job. This is the sixth annual Safety Roundtable. The two-way discussion opens the dialogue between NECA’s safety-related activities and the needs of contractors across the industry. The safety roundtable is moderated by Michael J. Johnson, executive director of standards and safety for NECA and Wesley Wheeler, director of safety for NECA.

Before the roundtable discussion, Johnson and Wheeler, as well as James T. Dollard, Philadelphia Electrical JATC, James McGowan, Quanta Services, and Palmer Hickman from the electrical training ALLIANCE, will offer in-depth safety trainings with five pre-convention workshops held Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3.

  • OSHA ET&D 10-hour Train-the-Trainer Course
  • Creating and Maintaining Effective Safety Programs and Policies
  • 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC) Summary of Significant Changes
  • Temporary Power Installations
  • Significant Changes in the NFPA 70E-2015 and Employer’s Responsibilities

Women in NECA (WIN) roundtable – Monday, Oct. 5, 2 – 4 p.m.

WIN supports the professional development of women working in the electrical industry through education and networking events. The organization encourages more women to explore careers in the electrical industry. The annual WIN Roundtable is an open forum and chance for women from the executive level to newcomers to the industry to connect. A joint reception with NECA Future Leaders will be held immediately after the WIN Roundtable.

Workshops

New leadership and communications workshops – Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 a.m., 1 p.m.

Attendees can benefit from a range of pre-convention and convention courses, covering a broad scope of topics from labor relations and business management to leadership and professional development. New this year is a series of workshops by Alice D. Domar, Ph.D., a leader in the field of mind/body medicine. Her research focuses on the relationship between stress and medical conditions, as well as the impact of lifestyle habits on mental and physical health.

Domar will offer research-driven insight and practical exercises in physical and psychological strategies to reduce stress.

Trade Show Floor

Showstopper Showcase – The industry’s No. 1 product showcase and awards program

Sunday, Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

The Showstopper Showcase is a leading awards program sponsored by NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine. This ongoing display at the convention draws people from around the world. The Showstopper Showcase exhibit, found on the trade show floor, presents new products and services that have been available in the electrical market since Jan. 1, 2014. The product selection is completed by a panel of independent, expert judges from the industry. This display is a must see because all of the award-winning products and services are designed to help electrical contractors improve efficiency on the job.

Oct 01

NECA 2015: Chapter Managers Explain How to Get the Most out of San Francisco

Get the most out of NECA 2015 – Chapter Managers explain how.

US Builders Review turned to local chapter managers at the top of their organizations to gather advice on how to navigate the industry’s most talked about event. With hundreds of exhibitors on the trade show floor, educational sessions, new product demonstrations, speakers, networking events and so much more, the amount to do, see, hear and experience can be a bit overwhelming.

Continue reading »

Sep 29

Getting Social at #NECA15

Make the most of NECA 2015 San Francisco by taking advantage of our social networks!

The NECA 2015 San Francisco App, social channels, and official website have tremendously enhanced networking, solutions, and productivity capabilities.

Downloading the app connects you to the full convention schedule (with the ability to sort by education track listing, topic, or speakers), listing of speakers with bios, and access to #NECA15 social media. Additionally, the app offers a customizable on-site planner and an interactive map of the 2015 NECA Show floor. The app is completely free and provides anything you need to know about #NECA15 and/or San Francisco, complete with information on hotels, tours, and restaurants at your fingertips. Scroll over and follow us on our social channels including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, to stay up to date before, during, and after the Convention.

#NECA15 will even offer a selfie station where participants are given the opportunity to take fun selfies with all their NECA friends. Posting their chosen picture to Instagram using our hashtag (#NECA15) offers them a chance to win a custom NECA selfie stick.

We’ll see you there!

Sep 28

New to NECA 2015? Navigating the NECA Show 2015: Contractors Share Best Advice

To help the first timers or those just looking for a way to get more out of the NECA Show, US Builders Review asked NECA member contractors for their best advice. With hundreds of exhibitors and a sprawling trade show floor, educational sessions, new product demonstrations, and so much more, the NECA Show is full of ways for contractors to learn how to grow, improve and enhance their businesses.

Continue reading »

Sep 21

Looking for a place you can go for everything you need to know about NECA 2015 San Francisco?

There’s an app for that.

iPadiPhone-NECA-2015On Monday, September 21, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) announced the release of it’s NECA 2015 San Francisco mobile app. The free app, sponsored by NECA Premier Partner Graybar, is a one-stop shop for information on the association’s annual convention, October 3-6, 2015.

Features include the full convention schedule that convention-goers can sort by education track listing, or by their favorite topics and speakers. They’ll also find a listing of speakers with bios, access to #NECA15 social media posts and a customizable on-site planner, plus an interactive map of the 2015 NECA Show floor.

Finally, attendees can stay connected via Facebook and Twitter and catch up on the latest convention buzz. Information on hotels and restaurants and a walking map of San Francisco can be found on the app as well.

GET THE APP TODAY!

Download the free app today for all your NECA 2015 San Francisco needs.

NECA2015SFApp-iconSearch for “NECA 2015 San Francisco” or “NECA” via the iTunes or Google Play app stores to download from your mobile device.

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT NECA 2015 SAN FRANCISCO

Sep 11

NECA 2015 San Francisco Sweepstakes; WIN All Access Pass

Enter to Win Free registration to NECA 2015 San Francisco, a $2060 value!

Simply like our Facebook page to enter.

Like NECA on Facebook to Win!

NECA2015SanFran-fbPrize Package Includes full registration package, your all-access pass to:

Like NECA on Facebook to Win!

 

 

 

 


Don’t forget to visit the NECA Social Media Lounge in booth #155 on the NECA Show floor!

Use #NECA15 to share your pics, updates and everything NECA 2015 San Francisco!

Aug 25

Safety Experts Offer In-Depth Training at NECA 2015 San Francisco

NECA is the leading source for the industry on electrical standards and safety—and we’ve got you covered with five preconvention workshops at NECA 2015 San Francisco!

REGISTER FOR NECA 2015 SAN FRANCISCO TODAY!

Leading the courses are five of the best in the business, including NECA’s Michael Johnston and Wesley Wheeler, as well as James T. Dollard, Philadelphia Electrical JATC, James McGowan, Quanta Services, and Palmer Hickman from the electrical training ALLIANCE. Their combined experience in the electrical industry will benefit attendees at several key sessions.

2014 NEC Significant Changes

On Friday, October 2, Johnston, Executive Director of Standards and Safety for NECA, and Hickman will present 2014 NEC Significant Changes. The session provides a thorough look at changes in the 2014 National Electrical Code® (NEC), the most widely recognized electrical standard in the world, including new articles and revisions to existing requirements that have an impact on your daily business.

Michael Johnston is the chairman of the National Electrical Code Technical Correlating Committee and serves on the NFPA NEC Smart Grid Task Force. He is also an active member of IAEI, NFPA, ASSE, the NFPA Electrical Section, Education Section, the UL Electrical Council, and National Safety Council.

Palmer Hickman is the Director of Safety and Code Training and Curriculum Development for the electrical training ALLIANCE (formerly the NJATC). He represents the industry on the National Electrical Code (NEC) Correlating Committee, Code Panel 1 of the NEC®, and on the Technical Committees for NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, and NFPA 70B®, and NFPA 79®, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery. In addition to his Codes and Standards involvement, he is an OSHA Construction Industry Master Instructor. He is a 34-year member of the IBEW with additional memberships including IAEI, NFPA, IEEE, NETA, and the UL Electrical Council. In addition to completion of the IBEW/NECA/NJATC apprenticeship, his educational background includes a B.A. in Labor Safety and Health.

Creating and Maintaining Effective Safety Programs and Policies

Also on Friday, Wesley Wheeler, NECA’s Director of Safety, will lead Creating and Maintaining Effective Safety Programs and Policies, which will detail how to access the status of a company safety program and the understanding and retention of your company’s safety training with employees.

Wheeler has over 33 years of electrical experience. Prior to joining NECA, he focused on safety as an OSHA instructor and safety director for a large industrial-based electrical contractor in Florida. Wheeler has taught OSHA instructor classes for NJATC and has participated in safety training at the annual NTI for the last 5 years. He has served in many capacities in his career, including electrician, foreman, superintendent, estimator, project manager and safety director.

OSHA ET&D Train the Trainer

The two-day OSHA ET&D 10-Hour Train-the-Trainer Course takes place Friday and Saturday. James McGowan brings his expertise to this course geared towards those who want to provide training on safety-related topics specific to electrical line construction. Those who complete this course will earn an OSHA 10-Hour Card.

McGowan is Director, Safety Training for Quanta Services Inc., a Houston, TX based corporation. He has over 15 years of field construction experience and 18 years of safety and training experience.  McGowan is a journeyman lineman and has worked in all phases of the power-transmission and distribution field. He is the chairman of the training task team (Task Team II) for the OSHA Electrical Transmission & Distribution (ET&D) Partnership, and played a role in the development and subsequent implementation of the ET&D Partnership 10-Hour OSHA course and the ET&D Partnership Supervisory Leadership Skills Outreach Training course.

Temporary Power Installations

Installing and maintaining temporary construction power that is integrated with electrical safety is an essential component of an electrical contractor’s work. On Saturday morning, James T. Dollard will present Temporary Power Installations and provide information on efficient and safe designs and installations of temporary construction power. He will also review the OSHA and NEC requirements for temporary power.

NFPA 70E Significant Changes

Dollard’s Saturday afternoon session Significant Changes in NFPA 70-E-2015 and Employer’s Responsibilities will help those who want to stay in touch with significant revisions to NFPA 70E and how 70E impacts employees and employers.

James Dollard is Safety Coordinator for the Philadelphia Electrical JATC. He is a master OSHA 500 Instructor and works closely with the Penn-Del-Jersey NECA Chapter towards safe working conditions on all jobs. As a member of the NEC, TCC, CMP-10, CMP-13, NFPA 70E, NFPA 90A and the UL Electrical Council, he plays a significant role in the development of electrical standards. Jim is the author of the NJATC Codeology textbook, the 2008 NJATC NEC Significant Changes and co-author of the 2011 NJATC NEC Significant Changes.

In-depth preconvention sessions are slated for Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3. There is an additional fee for preconvention workshops. To register for a session or for the convention, please visit www.necaconvention.org.