Addressing the Changing Workforce in Electrical Contracting

Small, simple steps can drive meaningful change and foster conversations to shape the future of the construction industry’s labor outlook. This session will analyze vital industry data, explore demographic insights, workforce perceptions, and key challenges facing electrical contractors through focusing on findings from the ELECTRI International study titled “Addressing a Changing Trade Workforce: Strategies for Electrical Contractors.” Innovative solutions and actionable strategies will also be developed by looking at workforce dilemmas and focusing on the often-overlooked worker viewpoint.

Safety Roundtable

Address safety-related issues that impact the field locations, office personnel, and customer facilities, at all levels of an organization. This NECA Safety Roundtable will discuss Human Operational Performance and how it integrates with safety on the job. A look into the 2024 NECA Safety Professionals Institute educational programs will also be provided.

Moderated by Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner.

Discovering Challenges and Solutions in Family Business

Running a family business comes with challenges. Oftentimes, the statement is made, “Stay in your lane!”. Identifying roles and responsibilities as well as strengths and talents, is where it begins. This session is designed for the NECA contractor trying to navigate the challenges that come with working with your relatives. This presentation will include a robust discussion where NECA member contractors share their real-life challenges and real-life solutions discovered through running a family owned business.

Moderated by Amanda King.

Innovation in Action: Real-World Applications

Innovation is driving efficiency, safety, and profitability in electrical contracting projects. From advanced fabrication practices and project management solutions to cutting-edge AI tools, this session explores real-world case studies and expert insights into how innovative technologies and processes are reshaping the electrical contracting landscape. Contractors will also develop valuable strategies to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving industry.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Construction Claims* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)

Construction claims come in various shapes and sizes. Some claims can be easily and quickly resolved and others require the involvement and assistance of lawyers and construction experts. This session will strive to demystify the claims process for you, walking you through the various stages of the construction claims process, the challenges you may encounter along the way, and what is helpful to secure a successful resolution or result.

Cracking the Code: Data-Driven Negotiation Strategies for Fair Contracts in Construction 

General contractors and subcontractors can utilize data to achieve mutual understanding and fairness during contract review. This session will show the most common pitfalls in negotiations and project execution, and then reveal strategies for successful outcomes. ELECTRI and Document Crunch research will be leveraged to touch on the current state of the market and help contractors understand where they stand against their peers when it comes to contract risk and how to make informed decisions about the contracts they are signing.

Economic Forecast for Electrical Construction

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine’s Profile of the Electrical Contractor presents a wide and comprehensive view of the state of the industry. This session focuses on recent construction market developments and 2024-25 economic scenarios specifically for the electrical contracting market.

Unlocking Efficiency: The Power of Electrical Prefabrication Standards

NECA’s National Installation Standard: NECA 5, Recommended Practice for Prefabrication of Electrical Installations in Construction can serve as a strategic guide for all size electrical contractors. This session will showcase the key principles, benefits and best practices outlined in NECA 5 as well as provide contractors with valuable insight into the incorporation of prefabrication methods with a special focus on electrical inspection strategies.

Decisions Fueled by Data: The Road to Artificial Intelligence Integration

The world of Artificial Intelligence has taken industries by storm, and now construction is leaning into the tech. This session takes a look at what it means to have a good data strategy, data maturity and data integrity to help fuel next generation insights with Artificial Intelligence. Action items for you to take back to your businesses and get the most out of data and AI will also be discussed.

The Road to Low Voltage DC Powered Buildings

The industry’s growing interest within low voltage systems has been accelerated by the recent introduction of Fault Managed Power (FMP/Class 4 power) via Article 726 of the 2023 National Electric Code (NEC). This transformative shift aligns safety standards with Class 2 systems, reshaping electrical building systems and opening doors for groundbreaking advancements. In this session, attendees will dive into the transformative impact of employing Fault Managed Power (FMP) to reduce environmental impact and operational costs across diverse building environments and explore the cost-saving benefits. Real-world applications and case studies will also be examined to demonstrate the cost-efficient advantages of embracing DC Technology, including PoE lighting, in different building infrastructures.