While people have lived in southern Nevada for more than 10,000 years, in 1821, Rafael Rivera went looking for trade routes and instead found a valley of spring-fed grass. He called it Las Vegas, meaning “the meadows.” It wouldn’t be until 1941 that the first casino opened up on what would be know as “the Strip.” 

We’re telling everyone: the NECA Convention and Trade Show is coming back to Las Vegas on Oct. 4–7. And we’ve got a full issue to celebrate. To get us in the mood, Susan DeGrane profiled contractors in the city to hear what they’re working on, including the Sphere, the West Las Vegas Public Library and more. Flip to page 24 to read “Heavenly Work in Sin City.” Jared Christman gives a sneak peek of tech you’ll see on the show floor in “Show and Tech” on page 72. And if you want to get started on planning, flip to page 48 to see the schedule and other highlights.

For those of you who can’t make it to Vegas, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. For starters, everyone is talking about data centers—and for good reason. But what about other megaprojects? On page 36, Jeff Gavin talks to economists about how other commercial, industrial and civil projects make a mark too. Check out “The Mega Influence of Megaprojects.”

Then Jeff talks to experts on why the residential construction sector’s success has relied on multifamily. Single-family has softened, but some regulatory headwinds ahead may affect multifamily. “Multifamily Hangs On” is on page 84.

We’ve got a special section in this special issue we’re calling “Industry Influencers.” First, Chelsea Croft profiles Mike Holt, our new code contributor on page 98 (be sure to check out his Code Review column on page 88). Holt shares his unique background and how he got started teaching others in the electrical construction industry. We also highlight two new inductees into the Academy of Electrical Contracting, an online influencer, two maintenance gurus, two manufacturing pioneers and a safety leader. 

Finally, Susan DeGrane flies us out to Alaska and Indiana as she looks at contractors’ work at airports of a variety of sizes. Read on to see how this steady work source clears customs for contractors in “Clearing the Air(port)" on page 110.

If you are in Vegas, be sure to visit us at booth No. 6737. We’d love to talk about what you’d like to see in these pages while subscribing your willing colleagues. It’ll be fun! 

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