From October 5–8, 2007, if there is an electrical problem in San Francisco, there will be plenty of electricians on hand to help. Those are the dates of this year’s National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) convention and trade show, and if you have not registered already, there still is time to be a part of what may be one of the biggest shows of the year. NECA has planned some exciting events, many taking place for the first time ever in direct response to attendee demand.

NECA is devoting a full day to the alternative energy and sustainable building trend. “Think Green” day on Sunday, Oct 7 will offer technical workshops on alternative energy topics. Also, the “Green Alley” section of the show floor will showcase the latest innovations and products. And, it is appropriate that California is playing host for this “Think Green” day, as it has been the United States’ biggest proponent of green building and alternative energy thus far.

For the first time, NECA will host a Labor Relations Town Hall meeting, where attendees will have an opportunity to hear directly from NECA and IBEW leaders on current and critical issues. The hosts also will invite those in the audience to share concerns and opinions.

The NECA show also will feature some big names. NASCAR driver Alli Owens will step on the brakes long enough to visit the NECA trade show floor, sign autographs and meet with the leaders of the industry she is helping to promote. As a spokesperson for ElectrifyingCareers.com, a website devoted to getting young people interested in electrical careers, she is helping to keep the electrical work force up in numbers. Her No. 22 race car will be parked on the show floor at booth No. 939.

National Football League Hall-of-Famer Steve Young will kick off the opening general session of the NECA convention and trade show on Sat., Oct. 6. Young will speak on how to create a championship team. With three Super Bowl rings, Young knows the keys to winning in a very competitive environment. Whether you are a 49ers fan or not, attendees will benefit from what Young has to say.

On the final day, Nando Parrado will speak about teamwork, determination and leadership. You may not recognize the name, but you know the story. Thirty years ago, a plane transporting the Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes Mountains. More than two months passed until their rescue. This story became a best-selling book and motion picture titled “Alive.” Parrado, who published his own memoir last year, will speak on doing what it takes, even the previously unthinkable, to defeat even the most competitive opponents—death. In your case—financial failure.

When all of the business of learning and networking is over, the many personalities of popular comedian Dana Carvey will take the stage in the Masonic Auditorium at the closing celebration on Oct. 8. Carvey is best known for the six years he worked on “Saturday Night Live,” playing such notable characters as the Church Lady; Hans, the Austrian body builder; Garth Algar of Wayne’s World; and even the 41st president of the United States, George H. W. Bush. His appearance is sure to be something special that will certainly “pump you up.” No way, you say? Way.

This year’s NECA convention and trade show certainly is not to be missed. To register or get more information, visit www.necaconvention.org.