The 2017 National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Convention & Trade Show will demonstrate how 70 percent of the nation’s electrical contractors are no longer just the installers.

(Image: National Electrical Contractors Association)

Due to rapidly changing building systems in a $130 billion market, the latest independent research shows that 70 percent of electrical contractors now perform design/build/assist work, 70 percent make system and brand decisions and 80 percent report a high or medium influence on overall electrical design. 

The electrical construction industry’s largest event runs Oct. 7-10 in Seattle, now ranked third in the nation on the City Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Surveys show that 68 percent of attendees purchase new products, and 66 percent do not attend any other show.

A new Disruptive Technology/Digital Media Pavilion called Techtopia reflects electrical contractors’ growing activity in the Internet of Things (IoT), Net Zero Energy (NZE) building, a network economy, solar system design, energy storage, Smart Cities and more. Featured events include a NECA Presentation Theater with 18-minute talks by industry leaders, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine’s annual Showstopper Awards and 19 free technical workshops.

"The NECA Convention offers an unmatched experience featuring the largest audience of decision makers with the latest technology, training, education and networking opportunities,” said NECA President David A. Hardt, owner and president, Hardt Electric Inc., Chicago, Illinois.

Approximately 300 exhibitors will demonstrate the trend toward Integrated Systems Contractors (ISCs) – 70 percent of the nation’s electrical contractors who design, specify, install, integrate and service low-voltage systems including security, energy management, building control systems, communication and fire/life safety.

Headliner speakers, programs and special events include:

-        Annual ELECTRI International Green Energy Challenge: Friday, Oct. 7, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

         NECA student chapter team finalists present creative solutions to electrical problems

-        Student Job Fair: Saturday, Oct. 7: 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

-        Opening General Session: Sunday, Oct. 8, 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

         Amy Purdy, top-ranked snowboarder, actress, model, designer

-        Monday General Session: Monday, Oct. 9, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

         Jim Donald, named one of the Top 25 CEOs in the world

-        2017 Showstoppers Awards: Honoring the most innovative products

-        Women in NECA (WIN) roundtable: Monday, Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

-        Seveneducational tracks

-        19 Free Technical Workshops

-        Closing General Session: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

         Polar Explorer Ben Saunders, the first to retrace a 105-day trek on foot to the South Pole

-        Closing Celebration: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 8:15 p.m. Hitmakers Huey Lewis and the News

NECA 2017 is open to all electrical professionals, including non-members. Free admission:

go to Attendee Registration and use code NECA17.