NECA 2025 ChicagoWebsite Sponsored by
Hear directly from fellow contractors who have successfully integrated high-tech and low-tech solutions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and boost profitability. This session will provide real-world examples, actionable best practices, and practical insights to help you apply innovative solutions to your business today while building a roadmap for future growth.
The use of building information modeling (BIM) and prefabrication is steadily increasing. Understanding conduit installation and the interaction with the prefabrication equipment is a must to improve efficiency and reduce costly errors. This session will explore various practices, tricks, and conduit bending limitations that should be considered in the design. Tools that focus on the conduit runs to optimize the layout will also be discussed.
Staying ahead in the electrical industry means embracing technology and innovation-but where do you start, and how do you ensure long-term success? In this session, leading contractors will share proven strategies, real-world applications, and game-changing insights on applying innovation to drive efficiency, profitability, and business growth. You’ll walk away with practical steps to implement today and a clear vision for leveraging innovation to stay competitive for years to come.
Moderated by Jason Thurner.
In an era where construction leaders need to stay connected to their projects without constant travel, many turn to technology to monitor projects remotely. This session will dicuss how several NECA contractors, of various sizes, are leveraging technology to stay ahead.
Fault Managed Power technology is gaining traction, and while recent code changes may seem challenging, this session will highlight how FMP adoption can be a business opportunity for electrical contractors. The current state of FMP technology, its applications, relevant codes and standards, and how the FMP Alliance supports industry adoption will be addressed. You will learn how FMP can lead to faster project turnarounds, improved productivity, expanded project bids, and potential service model deployments.
Moderated by Jeff Beavers.
As technology advances and industries converge, electrical and limited energy contractors are facing new challenges and evolving expectations. This session will discuss how increasing project demands are driving the need for cross-disciplinary skills, deeper collaboration, and a shift in the contractor’s role to that of a proactive problem solver. The session also highlights disruptive trends, such as Class 4 Fault-Managed Power, and the critical role of strategic partnerships in navigating the industry’s future.
Moderated by Tom Beros.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful ally in reducing risk across contracts and construction projects. This session will discuss how leading builders are leveraging AI to enhance project execution from the back office to final handoff. How to select the right tools and technologies to ensure teams meet contract requirements; create AI-driven playbooks that clarify objectives, break down silos, and enhance collaboration within complex project constraints; and tap into collective data and intelligence to identify risks early, improve efficiency, and deliver more predictable outcomes will be discussed.
As IT and OT systems converge and connected devices become more widespread, contractors face growing cybersecurity risks, even in traditional electrical installations like smart load centers. This panel will explore the evolving cybersecurity demands in connected buildings and discuss how the industry is preparing the workforce to meet these new challenges.
By leveraging IoT, AI, and advanced analytics, converged building technologies optimize energy consumption, streamline maintenance, and provide actionable insights. This session will explore how converged building technologies integrate HVAC, lighting, security, and communications into smart, efficient systems. Power over Ethernet (PoE), energy codes, and operational technology (OT) networks enhance building performance, as well as real-world applications will be discussed.
Discover firsthand how contractors leverage the latest technology to solve industry challenges and stay ahead of the competition. From job site automation to data-driven decision-making, this session will equip you with immediately applicable strategies and long-term innovation tactics to elevate your business now and in the future.