Each year, I circle one event on my calendar in bold red ink—the NECA Convention & Trade Show. But this year is something special. This September, we’re heading to Chicago for NECA 2025, and I could not be more excited to welcome thousands of NECA members, industry leaders and innovators to one of America’s great cities for what promises to be our most dynamic convention yet.

There is an energy that comes with gathering our entire industry under one roof. You feel it in the hallways between education sessions, on the trade show floor and with every handshake and conversation. It’s more than a meeting—it’s a reunion of people who are building the future of electrical construction every single day.

Let’s talk about education. NECA 2025 Chicago will offer thousands of minutes of education through preconvention workshops, 30 convention education and 33 trade show education sessions led by experts who live and breathe this industry. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a rising project manager, you’ll find content that speaks directly to the challenges you face and the opportunities ahead. From business management to the latest in emerging technologies, this is where learning meets real-world application.

Then there’s the NECA Show—an absolute powerhouse of innovation. With more than 350 exhibitors across hundreds of thousands of square feet, you’ll see the latest tools, technologies and solutions that are transforming how we work. This is where ideas become partnerships and the future of the job site is on full display.

And of course, we’re bringing in some incredible keynote speakers. First, we open with seven-time NBA All-Star, six-time NBA Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Scottie Pippen. For our closing session we will have Emmy Award-winning actor, author, director and producer Henry Winkler. These are voices that inspire, challenge and motivate—industry visionaries, leadership experts and even a few surprises you’ll be talking about long after you leave Chicago.

For me, personally, NECA 2025 Chicago is a celebration of everything our members have built together. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, but more important, to look ahead with confidence. We face new challenges—from workforce development to supply chain issues—but I believe our industry is stronger, smarter and more connected than ever before.

So join us in Chicago this September. Bring your team, your ideas and your energy. I’ll be there shaking hands, swapping stories and standing alongside the best contractors in the world. NECA 2025 Chicago isn’t just an event—it’s our moment. Let’s make the most of it.

David Long
NECA CEO