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Attending an electrical trade show is an excellent opportunity to network with professionals from your field and build valuable business connections, while learning about all of the latest technological advances.
Make sure that your booth layout and electrical requirements are submitted on time for most shows; most require that an electrician supply power for both pre-show setup and dismantling of your exhibit.
IBEW Convention
Delegates have been meeting to review and vote on resolutions that will govern the Brotherhood for the next five years.
Resolutions related to diversity and full inclusion also passed at this meeting, including one calling on local unions to encourage women’s committees. A third resolution calls upon IBEW to continue supporting RENEW/NextGen and recognizes that young workers are essential components of its future.
Resolutions 9 and 10 were examined jointly by the resolutions committee. They decided against expanding union policy allowing limited virtual meetings due to their belief that attending in person fosters solidarity more effectively than online participation can.
The committee also approved legislation allowing applicants for membership to sign an Oath of Admission by writing in situations when it would be impractical for them to do so in front of IBEW members; such an amendment requires approval by the international president. Another change to Article XVII, Section 4 allows locals to make electronic payments instead of sending paper copies directly to International Office for per capita tax submissions.
NECA Show
The 2021 NECA Show brings together thousands of products and services from manufacturers, suppliers and solution providers that can assist electrical contractors to stay abreast of advances in technology. From equipment for installation to staple items like ballasts, alarm systems and wiring devices as well as cutting-edge telecom devices and solar cells – everything electrical contractors could possibly need can be found under one roof at this event.
NECA members have access to an extensive array of management and business resources, such as publications from NECA (ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine is their trade journal), estimating programs, WHS&S training courses, specialist technical training programs, management development courses and other resources. Members can also obtain advice from national, district and local representatives regarding legislative affairs or industrial relations matters.
NECA is committed to the safety of workers, project owners and the general public. Their safety services include training on proper use of tools and equipment as well as current safety practices; as well as representing members at local and national levels with regards to Davis-Bacon laws, contract compliance issues, inspection procedures and OSHA regulations.
IEC Con
Attendees at IEC conference can expect more than educational seminars and touring the state-of-the-art Expo Hall; they can also benefit from numerous networking events. Apprentices competing in head-to-head challenges will draw their cheer. In addition, attendees can purchase raffle tickets for a Greenlee 855GX Intellibender; proceeds from ticket sales go toward supporting IEC Foundation training programs for independent electrical contractors.
IEC National Office provides additional benefits to its members through the IEC Education & Community Funds (IECF) program, which funds grants and scholarships. As this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations made are tax deductible.
Local chapters of the IEC provide members with additional networking opportunities. They provide apprenticeship training, help with labor issues and manage a shared manpower program to allow loaning/borrowing of workers, while acting as industry watchdog to inform members about changes to regulations. Furthermore, toolbox talks and an extensive safety manual are offered through this membership organization.
Local Conventions
Understanding local conventions is integral to creating brand strategies for foreign markets. Conventions form part of the culture and can often be rigid; when flexible enough they provide opportunities to introduce new values.
As corporate-sponsored conventions gain in size and become more mainstream, smaller independent local conventions face their own unique set of obstacles. SYFY WIRE met with organizers of four local conventions–221B Con, an event dedicated to Sherlock Holmes; WHOlanta, an East Coast alternative to the Big Four Doctor Who conventions; Scarydad’s Haunted Halloween Show of Texas horror and SqueeCon (an event celebrating women and diversity within fandom), in order to understand what drives their success. These insights offer invaluable lessons for any independent convention organizers seeking to host their own. Local conventions tend to bring new knowledge, experiences and expertise that can benefit host destinations by drawing delegates with new skillsets that benefit the local communities they call home.
