Session
NECA Apprentice Appreciation Day
Opening Reception After Party
Opening Reception: Night at the Museum
Step back in time to an era of innovation and opulence at the iconic Griffin Museum of Science and Industry! Inspired by the grandeur of the 1893 World’s Fair and the glamour of the Roaring ‘20s, this year’s event promises an unforgettable celebration.
Explore the wonders of science through interactive NECA installations showcasing the marvels of electricity and 19th-century breakthroughs. Enjoy Chicago’s finest fare with World’s Fair-inspired concessions and 1920s-style cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Engage in era-themed games and activities, then hit the dance floor with Milwaukee Tool’s Tool Shed Band.
Many thanks to these fine sponsors:
- Dawn of Transportation sponsored by Graybar
- World’s Fair sponsored by Schneider Electric
- Devil in the White City sponsored by Atkore
- After Party sponsored by Milwaukee Tool
Housing Desk
Closing Celebration: Motown Showdown featuring The Temptations and The Four Tops
Get ready for the ultimate battle of the hits at the Motown Showdown, the NECA 2025 Chicago Closing Celebration! Two of the most iconic Motown groups of all time—The Temptations and The Four Tops—will go head-to-head in an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and Motown magic.
The stage will be set for a musical showdown as The Temptations bring their signature smooth moves and timeless harmonies, delivering unforgettable hits like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” Then, get ready to groove as The Four Tops take the spotlight, belting out legendary tracks like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” and “Bernadette.”
The night will feature an open bar, plenty of room for dancing, and both indoor and outdoor spaces offering breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan. Interactive entertainment will keep the energy high as you celebrate with your peers in a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere.
Whether you’re a lifelong Motown fan or discovering these iconic hits for the first time, the Motown Showdown will be the perfect way to close out a week of industry collaboration, networking, and inspiration.
Join us for a night of music, dancing, and the ultimate Motown showdown—it’s going to be a celebration to remember!
Sponsored by ABB.