NECA to Offer Tours of Boston during NECA 2016 Boston

NECA will be offering a series of custom tours and excursions in and around Boston for guests during NECA 2016 Boston this October.

Historic sites such as the famed Fenway Park as well as unique experiences like “Call of the Whales” are among the options to take advantage of on Friday, Oct. 7-Sunday, Oct. 9.

Register Now »

 

Here’s a sampling of what to expect:

Fenway Park – Friday, Oct. 7

Guests will embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” the famous Fenway Park. See the home of Red Sox legends, visit Pesky’s pole, sit atop the Green Monster, learn exclusive fun facts about the Red Sox, Fenway Park, and more. Within this exclusive experience, enjoy a private ballpark tour with field level access as well as plenty of fun surprises along the way.

City Tour – Friday, Oct. 7

Guests will travel through Copley Square and the Back Bay, home of the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church.  They will also see Kings Chapel and the Old Granary Burying Grounds, the final resting place for several original Patriots. A walking portion includes a unique experience in Boston’s famous Haymarket Square with live vendors.

Call of the Whales – Saturday, Oct. 8

Guests can relax and enjoy a 3-hour whale watch cruise on a high-speed catamaran.  The cruise will visit the East Coast’s most famous whale watching destination, Stellwagen Bank. Guests can view a variety of whales including the humpback, finback and minke while the whales frolic in their natural habitat.

La Dolce Vita North End Market Tour – Saturday, Oct. 8

A docent-guided tour will provide guests with insight on the infamous “Little Italy” of Boston, the North End. One of the oldest neighborhoods in America, the North End is made up of quaint and narrow cobblestone streets. Stops are made at various shops which may include: a pastry shop, a confection store, a coffee/spice store, a greengrocer, a salumeria (deli) and a liquor store. A guide will divulge secrets on how to spot authentic ingredients, where to buy them and how to prepare them.

Bewitching Seaports – Sunday, Oct. 9

Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring savory seafood favorites at Turner’s Seafood. After lunch, a Witch Hysteria tour guide will meet and walk guests through the commons, graveyard, and delve into the historical significance of the Salem Witch Trials, Witch Hysteria, and more.

Boston Brewery Tour – Sunday, Oct. 9

Guests will go to three local breweries for a tour and tasting at each location. Learn the brewing process; touch, see, and smell hops; sample some fine beers; and enjoy light bites at the end of the tour.

The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 16. The tours will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis for a limited number of guests.

Register Now »

 

Also Available: :Post-Meeting Fall Foliage Tour

October 11-14

Experience New England’s spectacular fall foliage. Tuesday morning we head to Portland, Maine, where we’ll have a “hands on” class on lobster fishing. Wednesday & Thursday find us in New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains. Friday morning we return home from Boston’s Logan Airport.

Download brochure for full details »

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!

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

• Opening Reception at the San Francisco Exploratorium
• two (2) General Sessions: Sal Khan & Diana Nyad
• Special Session: Life on the Rock
• Convention Education
• The Business Development, Safety Roundtable, Women In NECA Roundtable and Student Chapter Job Fair Special Event Sessions
• Technical Workshops
• the Showstopper Showcase
• Daily Prize Drawing Tickets
• Member Spouse Gift
• three (3) days of the NECA Show including lunch
• and the Closing Celebration: Kenny Loggins

Like NECA on Facebook to Win!

 

 

 

 

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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!

Important Travel Information for NECA 2014 Chicago Attendees

We are aware that a fire in the FAA air traffic facility has resulted in a ground stop at both O’Hare and Midway airports and that your arrival into Chicago will likely be delayed.

Please be assured that we have been in contact with our hotels and your room will be held for you. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at NECA 2014 Chicago this weekend!

 

Invest in the Full Registration Package; Invest in Your Career and Your Business

Why Investing in NECA 2014 Chicago is a Smart Investment for Your Future

As an attendee of NECA 2014 Chicago, you’ll want to experience the total package, including this year’s can’t-miss networking and special event offerings, technical resources and track-specific education and the largest industry trade show of its kind, the NECA Show. So, how can you take advantage of everything there is to offer at this all-inclusive event? Sign up for the NECA 2014 Chicago convention & trade show full registration package: your all-access pass providing you with the information and power you need to shape your future.

Explore Chicago’s past with NECA as we transform Chicago’s historic Field Museum into a lavish Roaring ‘20s scene for the NECA 2014 Chicago opening reception. Dance to the swinging sounds of the Z Orchestra or showcase your own talents at karaoke surrounded by prehistoric finds and modern-day discoveries and snap a picture with the most complete and preserved Tyrannosaurus-Rex in the world.

Be sure to attend this year’s General Sessions, where attendees will join opening general session speaker, Chris Gardner on the subject of the blockbuster memoir and film “The Pursuit of Happyness. We’ll learn how he worked through homelessness and single fatherhood to gain an internship at Dean Witter Reynolds and later became one of Bear Stearns’ top earners. In 1987, he established Gardner Rich & Co. in Chicago. Today, he is a multimillionaire, international businessman, philanthropist, and motivational speaker, sharing what he has learned and why passion is prerequisite for success. Catch his passion at our Opening General Session. Gardner will sign his book in the NECA booth on the Show floor after he speaks. Books will be available for purchase.

Our closing general session speaker is former leader of Navy SEAL Team Six, Rob O’Neill, who has kept America safe having been deployed more than a dozen times and held leadership roles in more than 400 combat missions in four different theaters of war. In his talk to NECA conventioneers, he’ll translate his elite SEAL training and combat experience into high-impact, actionable insights on leadership, decision-making, operating in uncertain environments, and becoming the “best of the best.”

This year’s Labor Relations Special Session is all about Workforce Development. Workforce development continues to shape our evolving industry.  NECA will take a hard look at the labor relations issues that matter to our members in a special session, bringing together the leaders that make decisions and tough choices that keep our industry moving forward.

Though, the most exciting part of attending NECA 2014 Chicago would have to be the expansive offering of educational sessions, pre-convention and technical workshops geared to prepare you for today’s ever-evolving industry. New this year, educational programs will be separated into tracks or, job-specific categories, that are designed to align with an attendee’s education focus including: business management, estimating, executive management, leadership and communication, project management, standards and safety, line construction, and technology, process, and innovation. We are opportunity to help members further their company and the education of its employees. As if that’s not enough, NECA will be providing 19 technical workshops on the trade show floor giving attendees even more opportunities to gain knowledge while in Chicago.

While there is certainly enough during the convention to keep attendees occupied, there will be other events to enjoy as well.  This year’s lifestyle program will feature a visit from the world famous Second City comedy troupe.  During the convention attendees will have the opportunity to experience some of the restaurants that make Chicago universally known as America’s best food city. Chicago is one of the most exciting and architecturally unique cities in America and NECA 2014 attendees get to see this first hand with an architecture river tour down the historically significant Chicago River.

NECA 2014 Chicago boasts returns of fan-favorite popular events as well, including: the business development meeting, safety roundtable, and Women in NECA (WIN) roundtable, along with an exciting first-ever Job Fair, providing NECA’s 30 student chapter teams with a forum to meet with NECA members and prospective employers, providing employers with an opportunity to look toward the future of their business.

This year’s Showstopper Showcase will give attendees a select sampling of some of the latest electrical product innovations to help keep your company up to date.  This full-access pass will give you three days of the NECA Show including lunch to make sure that you get the opportunity to experience all that the 2014 NECA Show has to offer.

Those who like their rhythm & blues seasoned with a whole lot of soul and a Memphis sound are in for a treat at our Closing Celebration. Celebrate a successful week with NECA at the Chicago House of Blues where you can enjoy good friends, good fun, good food — and great musical entertainment provided by actor, comedian and singer Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band.

Registration Opens May 29 — Mark Your Calendars and Take Advantage of Early Rates!

Hotel Shuttle Service Schedule

Washington, D.C. is known as a walkable city, but it can be a relief to take the shuttle to your hotel after a long day on the NECA Show floor or cutting a rug at the Opening Reception.  You can download a PDF of the full shuttle schedule and map for NECA 2013 DC , and quick summary of service is below.

Complimentary shuttle service is provided between the Washington Convention Center and the official hotels (except Renaissance Washington D.C. Hotel and the Embassy Suites Convention Center, which are considered walking hotels). The walking hotels will have service to the Opening Reception.

Saturday, October 12 – OPENING RECEPTION
7–10 p.m.
Service to/from all Hotels to the Museum of Natural History

Sunday, October 13
7-10:30 am                        Every 10-15 minutes
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.      Every 30 minutes
2:30-5:30 p.m.                 Every 10-15 minutes

Monday, October 14
7-10:30 am                         Every 10-15 minutes
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.       Every 30 minutes
2:30-4:30 p.m.                  Every 10-15 minutes

Tuesday, October 15
7-10:30 am                         Every 10-15 minutes
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.       Every 30 minutes

CLOSING CELEBRATION
7-8:30 p.m.
Service to Washington Convention Center.
9–10:15 p.m.
Return service from the Washington Convention Center

Schedule may vary due to traffic and weather conditions. Last bus leaves from hotels 30 minutes prior to end time with no return service.

NECA’s Not Shutting Down — Neither is DC!

from washington.org

Even though Washington, D.C. is experiencing a partial government shutdown, many of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the International Spy Museum and Newseum, are still for business, as is Metro rail and bus service to get around town.

Visitors can still tour famous D.C. monuments by Segway and bike, or enjoy the Moonlight Monument Tour by trolley. Artistic alternatives to the National Gallery of Art  include the Phillips Collection and the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

Many area attractions, tours and restaurants are also offering deals and discounts throughout the government shutdown, including yoga studios and gyms. There’s no cover for the Dueling Pianos show at Bobby McKey’s at the National Harbor either.

Everything you need to know about what attractions, public transportation and venues that are happily open for visitors and locals is available on washington.org!

Read more >>

Getting Around in DC

Most visitors to Washington, D.C. know that the nation’s capital city boasts an extensive public transportation system on Metro and Metrobus. But a few smart tips and apps can help make getting around the city even easier.

UBER Car Service

UBER is a growing on-demand car service.  Download the app to request a private car and professional driver to deliver you to your destination with minimal wait. No need to identify your location — UBER uses your phone’s GPS to pick you up with efficiency and professional courtesy.

PARKING PANDA Parking Space Reservation

Parking by the convention center can be quite expensive, but NECA has partnered with online parking reservation service Parking Panda to offer more affordable parking options. 

Learn more about getting around D.C. >

Registration Going Strong – Still Time to Catch the Early Rates!

Beth Ellis reported that registrations for NECA 2013 Washington DC are coming in daily, putting this year’s convention and trade show on track for the same record-setting attendance that we enjoyed last year in Las Vegas. Beth has been making the rounds at all the NECA spring and summer meetings, getting the word out about this year’s great program in D.C. We caught up with her between travels to see what she thinks will make NECA 2013 Washington DC special.

Q: So what’s going to make NECA 2013 Washington great?

Beth Ellis: Well, this year will mark the first time NECA has been in Washington, DC since 2001 when we celebrated NECA’s 100^th anniversary. Of course, 9/11 was weighing heavy on all of us at that convention, too. I think this year will be a great time to examine how much the industry has changed in just 12 years. DC has changed, too. We’re going to be at the brand-new convention center, we have several new hotels we’ll be using for housing, and there’s a lot to look forward to.

Q: Like what?

Beth Ellis: We could only host a “Night at the Museum” opening reception at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in DC! Outside of that movie, how many people ever get to see what the museum looks like after all the visitors are gone? And no one expects to outshine the Hope Diamond, but we’re going to glam things up, too. We’ll have a great dance band and several other entertainers, plus bars and the best hors d’oeuvers in the city – not to mention a few other surprises throughout the museum!

Our education programs are also incredibly strong this year. We kick everything off with pre-convention workshops (that are a great value for intensive training), and we’re hosting the Safety Forum and Energy Forum again. We’re offering 19 technical workshops throughout the NECA Show and an array of management seminars with full registration.

Q: So you’re expecting crowds similar to last year?

Beth Ellis: If registrations keep coming at the same rate, we’ll actually have more people this year than we did last year. The Washington Convention Center is a beautiful, spacious facility and we have plenty of rooms reserved for attendees.

And if you don’t have time to attend the full convention, our weekend packages are a great choice. You get the maximum education and networking opportunities for a minimal time commitment.

But everyone should get their plans and registrations made sooner rather than later – not just for the Early Registration savings, but to make sure they get their first-choice for hotel and travel. There’s so much to do in the city, and October is the perfect time of year to be here.

There you have it: NECA 2013 Washington DC is shaping up to be another blockbuster convention and trade show, with lots of special touches that can only be found in the nation’s capital city. Make your plans to be there today!

Show Your Badge for Bonuses!

NECA has joined with Destination DC to help you get the most out of your trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2013 NECA Convention and Trade Show. We want you to enjoy the city’s world-class restaurants, attractions and performing arts while you’re in town. To participate, simply show your NECA 2013 Washington DC badge to any of the participating vendors to receive VIP treatment and exclusive discounts.

Like a complementary glass of wine with your entree at Asia Nine, 20 percent off admission to Madame Tussaud’s museum, or $5 off an all-day bicycle rental with Bike and Roll. Check washington.org/showyourbadge for updated offerings!

New to Washington DC?

Have you checked out our Getting There page, yet? This is the place to find everything you need to know before traveling to Washington DC. Find information on local airports, travel tips, local eats, hotels and much, much more!

Visit Getting There, at NECAConvention.org >