NECA Blog

All The Latest News from NECA

Sep 27

Time Change: Green Energy Challenge Competition

The ELECTRI International/NECA Green Energy Challenge student competition has been rescheduled. Join us for it’s new time at 1:30pm on Sunday, September 28 in room Skyline A.

The ELECTRI International / NECA Green Energy Challenge marks a yearly highlight for NECA Student Chapters. Teams agree that the popular Challenge is stimulating because it makes them focus on problem solving by thinking in new, creative ways.

NECA Student Chapter teams demonstrate their ability to analyze particular electrical construction management “problems” outlined for them and create a comprehensive plan and budget for an appropriate retrofit.

A jury of contractors and industry partners evaluate written proposals. The top three student teams are then invited to the NECA Convention to make oral presentations of their project. The three finalist teams selected are Colorado State University, Iowa State University and San Diego State University.  The jury evaluates both the substance and the presentation.

Electrical construction companies and industry partners looking to hire the best and brightest students in the country appreciate the opportunity to assess the finalists’ work firsthand during the NECA Convention.

ELECTRI International provides financial awards to the winning school and assists with the cost of bringing the three finalist teams to the NECA Convention.

Sep 26

Important Travel Information for NECA 2014 Chicago Attendees

We are aware that a fire in the FAA air traffic facility has resulted in a ground stop at both O’Hare and Midway airports and that your arrival into Chicago will likely be delayed.

Please be assured that we have been in contact with our hotels and your room will be held for you. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at NECA 2014 Chicago this weekend!

 

Sep 22

Looking for a place you can go for everything you need to know about NECA 2014 Chicago?

There’s an app for that.The official app of NECA 2014 Chicago is now available for mobile devices to download from the iTunes and Google Play stores.

The free app, sponsored by NECA Premier Partner Graybar, is a one-stop shop for information on the association’s annual convention, September 27-30 in Chicago, IL.  Features include: a list of exhibitors, complete schedule of events and the ability to sort by educational track or topic, speaker bios and a detailed NECA Show floorplan.

There is also a function for planning. Users can make lists of “My Exhibitors” and “My Itinerary” to maximize their time in the Windy City. A directory of products will direct convention goers to the right booth armed with the information they need.

Finally, attendees can stay connected via Facebook and Twitter and catch up on the latest convention buzz. Information on hotels and restaurants and a walking map of Chicago can be found on the app as well.

Download the free app today for all your NECA 2014 Chicago needs.

NECA2014-icon

Search for “NECA 2014 Chicago” or “NECA” via the iTunes or Google Play app stores to download from your mobile device.

 

 

Learn more about NECA 2014 Chicago »

 


Download for iPhone or iPads in the Apple app store »

Download for tablet or phone via the Google Play store »

Sep 18

Safety Roundtable Recap

NECA 2014 Chicago provided attendees with useful information on new technologies, installation methods, tools, materials as well as safety resources. With this much information available, selecting which training session to attend can sometimes be challenging.

One session, the sixth-annual Safety Roundtable, was an excellent opportunity for contractors to have a two-way discussion on NECA’s safety-related activities, OSHA regulations, and general electrical industry safety needs. Wes Wheeler, NECA Director of Safety, moderated the 2-hour class which included reports from Palmer Hickman, ETI (NJATC) Director of Codes and Safety Standards, and Safety Task Force Chairman, George Adams.

The following is a recap of the core discussion topics:

  • Status of new or revised safety & health regulations – 2015 NFPA 70E released and now supersedes all previous editions (voluntary), OSHA formally delays crane operator certification requirements for 3 more years, Silica and Confined Space proposed rules pending, Haz-Com (GHS) written program required by June 2015, T&D arc flash hazard analysis and PPE requirements for 2015.
  • NECA Safety Resources – Application of Safety Meeting and PPE Selector Apps, newly revised employee safety handbooks, NFPA 70E guides – Contractor Responsibilities and 2015 Significant Changes.
  • Miscellaneous – OSHA / IBEW requirements for injury reporting, value of leading indicators when using prompt near miss reporting, uniformity between NECA contractors when dealing with energized electrical work tasks, challenges when dealing with safety related disciplinary issues.

The next Safety Roundtable takes place at the upcoming NECA Safety Professionals Conference, May 18-20, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. I encourage you, or your safety representative to attend if possible.

Sep 17

Stop by the NECA Booth #1038 for your NECA 2014 Chicago polo and wind shirt

Stop by the NECA Booth # 1038 on the show floor to check out our NECA 2014 Chicago polo and wind shirt.  We will also be selling the most up-to-date NECA publications.

NECA 2014 Chicago Apparel Hours

Sunday, September 28
11:30 am to 5:00 pm

Monday, September 29
11:30 am to 4:00 pm

Tuesday, September 30
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

2014 NECA Convention Store (Booth #1038)

  • 2014 NECA Navy Polo (SM-XL)……………..$50
  • 2014 NECA Navy Polo (2XL)………………….$53
  • 2014 NECA Navy Polo (3XL)…………………$56
  • 2014 NECA Cream Wind Shirt (SM-XL)…………$60
  • 2014 NECA Cream Wind Shirt (2XL)…………….$63
  • 2014 NECA Cream Wind Shirt (3XL)……………..$66

All orders and requests for custom embroidery quotes should be placed with Kara Melenez , Summit Group at 1-800-560-0088 or emailed to kara.melendez@summitmg.com.

Sep 09

Avoid Lines and Save an Trip to the Convention Center

Satellite Registration Areas Offer Extra Convenience for NECA 2014 Chicago Attendees

Avoid lines and save an extra trip to the convention center!

Arriving early for NECA 2014 ChicagoHere’s some great news! If you have already registered online by then, you won’t have to trek to all the way to the convention center at McCormick West and wait in long lines to pick up your badge, tickets and convention bag. We are offering satellite registration areas at two hotels where you can grab these items and be on your way. 

Temporary satellite registration will be available on Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27between the hours of 7:30am and 5:00pm both days, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (at 131 E. Wacker Drive) and Palmer House (at 17 E. Monroe Street). We have selected these two locations because they are in close proximity to other 2014 NECA Chicago Hotels. That means, every NECA 2014 Chicago registrant who arrives early can take advantage of this offer of extra convenience! 

Our satellite registration area at the Hyatt Regency Chicago will be located at Skyway 261, Blue Level, East Tower. To collect your badge, tickets and convention bag at Palmer House, go to Bay 3 & 4.

  • FYI 1: Nothing beats the convenience of having immediate access to a one-stop shop for NECA 2014 Chicago information. Get the FREE NECA 2014 Chicago mobile app.
  • FYI 2: Our registration area at McCormick West first opens at 7:30am Friday, September 26. For hours of operation (and details on anything related to NECA 2014 Chicago), check the full schedule.
  • FYI 3: Complimentary shuttle service begins Saturday morning, September 27. Get full shuttle information. – See more at: http://www.necanet.org/news/news-release-archive/news/2014/09/07/satellite-registration-areas-offer-extra-convenience-for-neca-2014-chicago-attendees#sthash.SsnVqHLe.dpuf