• Posted: November 18, 2025
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Chicago Electrical Contractors, Electrical Contractors’ Association Chicago, IBEW Local 134 electricians, NECA Convention Chicago, The Power of Better

 

Each year, the NECA Convention brings together the brightest minds in the electrical industry. But few see the teamwork, precision, and craftsmanship that make it all possible.

In Episode 18 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago takes viewers behind the scenes at McCormick Place West to see how Powering Chicago members powered one of the industry’s largest events—the NECA Convention. The episode captures how the region’s highly trained workforce and long-standing partnerships continue to define Chicago as a leader in electrical excellence.

Building the Convention from the Ground Up

Transforming 100,000 square feet of exhibit space into a fully powered, interactive environment requires precision, teamwork, and expertise. For NECA 2025, more than 100 IBEW Local 134 electricians worked across four days to install lighting, truss motors, and sound systems throughout McCormick Place West—an effort captured in striking time-lapse footage that highlights the scale and coordination involved.

“A lot of the NECA representatives were very surprised to learn that we did all of the overhead truss motors and lighting that we were operating, all the sound boards and their general sessions, because that’s work that’s traditionally done by the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) and other parts of the country,” said John Keenor, General Foreman and House Electrician at McCormick Place.

It’s work that reflects the depth of experience and training within Chicago’s electrical workforce, as well as the long-standing partnership between the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) of Chicago and Cook County and IBEW Local 134.

A Partnership That Defines Chicago Labor

For Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President of the ECA of Chicago and Cook County, hosting NECA in Chicago was an opportunity to showcase the strength of that partnership.

“This is a labor town, and we are tied at the hip willingly with our IBEW partners,” said Thomas. When you talk about labor in Chicago, IBEW is recognized, right? And we want to be recognized as ECA, as their partner also.”

That collaboration is what makes large-scale projects like NECA possible, and it continues to drive the success of the region’s electrical industry.

A National Stage for Innovation

The NECA Convention is known for more than its scale. It’s where leaders, innovators, and contractors come together to learn from one another and explore new technology.

The 2025 convention featured an opening session with NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, who spoke to a packed crowd about teamwork, dedication, and Chicago pride—themes that mirror the spirit of the event. Across the show floor, exhibitors introduced new tools, systems, and solutions designed to make the industry safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

Representatives from Milwaukee Tool and Graybar discussed how conventions like NECA enable them to understand industry challenges better and build stronger partnerships with the contractors and tradespeople they serve.

A Reflection of Craftsmanship and Community

At the close of the event, Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President of the ECA of Chicago and Cook County, reflected on what makes McCormick Place special.

“You’re here at McCormick Place, one of the best convention centers in the country, if not the best,” said Thomas. “And the convention space and the convention set up. The entire team that works here is fantastic. I don’t think you’ll find a better convention center in the country.”

His words embody the coordination, craftsmanship, and union pride that power every successful event and continue to define Chicago’s electrical industry.

Watch the Full Episode

The NECA Convention stands as a reminder of what’s possible when labor and management work together toward a common goal.

Watch the latest episode of The Power of Better and subscribe to Powering Chicago’s YouTube channel to see how signatory contractors and IBEW Local 134 electricians are building better construction, better careers, and better communities across Chicagoland.