NECA 2011 San Diego A Smashing Success
Nearly 5,000 Participate in Convention, Trade Show
BETHESDA, MD – The National Electrical Contractors Association wrapped up its 2011 Convention and Trade Show several exciting days of education and exploration at the San Diego Convention Center. Close to 5,000 attendees enjoyed inspiring presentations from retired four-star Gen. Stanley McChyrstal and “extreme leadership” guru Steve Farber, plus 275 exhibitors from across the electrical construction industry.
“We had a great convention in San Diego, and I think there’s a good chance we’ll go back sooner the next time,” said Beth Ellis, NECA Executive Director, Convention/Expo. The association last convened in San Diego 17 years ago. “We did a lot of things this year to reflect how electrical contractors’ businesses have changed and what’s new in the electrical construction market.”
One new feature that Ellis hopes will return at NECA 2012 Las Vegas (Sept. 29-Oct. 2) will be the NECA Energy Forum. “The Energy Forum was a great peer-learning environment, with electrical contractors from all over the country sharing their experiences about entering the energy efficiency and renewable energy market,” Ellis said.
“Green is the color of the future," said Stan Lazarian, chair of NECA’s Energy Solutions Task Force, who helped develop the program. “Our goal with the Energy Forum was to show NECA contractors exactly how they can add energy solutions to their existing companies – because this work is here to stay.”
Another popular activity at this year’s program was the Lifestyle Session featuring conservationist extraordinaire Joan Embery. Embery brought nearly 30 animals out on stage with her to showcase the remarkable creatures she’s worked with at the San Diego Zoo and gave five “lucky” audience members a taste of zookeeper duty when they helped hold up a 13-foot Burmese python.
NECA 2011 San Diego kicked off with a gala reception aboard the USS Midway, and former Beach Boy Al Jardine and his Endless Summer Band closed the event with an outdoor concert. The good weather held for convention-goers to enjoy one last night of catching up with old friends and making new ones.
NECA’s 2012 Convention and Trade Show will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center, Sept. 29-Oct. 2. Preliminary meeting information can be found on www.necaconvention.org and highlights, pictures and daily video broadcasts from NECA 2011 San Diego can be found on blog.necaconvention.org.
About NECA: NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S. NECA’s national office and local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org.
Contact Information
Beth Margulies, Director, Communications
301-215-4526, beth.margulies@necanet.org
