The NECA Show is the biggest trade show and convention in electrical construction. Each year, more than 300 exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together in a different city to network, learn, and grow as individuals and businesses. This year, the NECA Show is in Seattle, and whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie, here is what you have to look forward to. Of course, if you're unable to make it to the Emerald City, stay tuned because we will be bringing you the latest innovations, news and trends straight from the show floor. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-the-minute news, images and commentary.

Headliner events

Each year, the NECA Show attracts some well-known public figures to address attendees with their wisdom and wealth of life experiences or to entertain in events attendees will never forget.

This year, NECA will kick off the show with an opening general session featuring Amy Purdy, top-ranked snowboarder, dancer, model, actress and designer. Purdy's achievements are notable by any standard, but as a double amputee, she's faced and overcome challenges most people can't even imagine.

Monday's general session will feature Jim Donald, renowned business executive. Named one of the “Top 25 CEOs in the World” by the Best Practice Institute and Business Travel News, Donald has earned a reputation for turning around financially ailing companies.  

The closing general session will put the spotlight on Ben Saunders, polar explorer. Saunders was the first person to finish the epic, 105-day, 1,800-mile trek on foot to retrace Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated 1910 journey to the South Pole—equivalent to running 69 marathons back to back.

Finally, at the closing celebration, Huey Lewis and the News will take the stage and play hits such as "Heart and Soul," "I Want a New Drug," "Stuck with You," "The Heart of Rock n’ Roll," and "The Power of Love."

Exhibitors

The NECA Show exhibitor floor will feature over 300 manufacturers and distributors. Together, they will showcase thousands of products and solutions that electrical contractors can use to grow their business. It is the largest annual gathering of manufacturers and distributors focusing on the electrical construction industry in the United States. See who's going to be there or check out the show floor ahead of time by clicking here.

Showstoppers

Sponsored by ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, the Showstopper Awards is the most prestigious recognition event for manufacturers in the electrical construction industry. The Showcase features some 200 entries representing the latest solutions on the market. These innovative advancements help electrical contractors on the job and in the office. The Showstopper Showcase opens one hour before the NECA Show each day, so if you're going to be there, don’t miss it! Check out all of the Showstopper entries right here. For the Showstoppers from last year, click here.

Technical workshops

As education opportunities go, these aren't to be missed. Every day of the show, technical workshops are scheduled to take place on the show floor, and they are free for every attendee. Read more about the educational opportunities at the NECA Show here, and for a full list of technical workshops, click here.

NEW: Techtopia

The Digital Media Lounge and the Disruptive Technology Pavilion were well attended at NECA 2016 in Boston. So, NECA combined these emerging technologies under the new Techtopia umbrella. At booth 1341, attendees will find hands-on guidance and learn the newest technologies that emerge daily. Experts will help attendees determine the latest trends, tools, and solutions for you and your business. Read more about tech offerings at the NECA Show here, and for more on Techtopia, specifically, click here.

NEW: Presentation Theater

For the first time, NECA is offering the chance for 2017 NECA Show exhibitors to talk about their products and solutions for our industry in a formal setting. These 18-minute "TED Talk" type sessions will be product or service specific. They take place in an open presentation area directly on the NECA Show floor in booth 238 next to the Showstopper Showcase. For more about the Presentation Theater, click here.

The NECA Show offers plenty for any electrical contractor looking to expand horizons while having a good time. No matter what markets you're in, if you're in the electrical industry, this show is for you, and even if you can't make it to Seattle this year, be on the look out for new products and promotions, breaking news, and other developments from the biggest names in electrical constructions. Something you see or learn could make all the difference.