2026 NECA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW
October 4, 2026 – October 7, 2026
Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas, NV
The NECA Convention & Trade Show is coming to Las Vegas!
Visit www.necaconvention.org for more details and registration.
Convention Stipend
The ECA Executive Committee approved the stipend of the Registration Fee for up to two representatives and their guests from each ECA member firm that registers for the Convention. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Convention.
Registration
Registration is open; please visit www.necaconvention.org to register for the NECA Convention/Accommodations. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is located at 3950 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV.
The regular "in-person" NECA Convention registration fee is $2,300 per NECA member, and $1,460 for the member’s spouse / guest. However, those who register early (cut-off dated August 12) will receive the “early bird” price of $1,925 for members and $1,240 for the member’s spouse / guest.
After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
There are several ways to attend the Convention:
Full Convention registration
Includes: Opening Reception, Convention Education, Trade Show Education, NECA Show, Lunch all three days of the NECA Show, Admittance to General Sessions and Closing Celebration. Registering for the Full Convention also entitles you to admission to the NECA Show all 3 days as well as Convention Education sessions at no additional charge.
*Pre-Convention Workshops are an add-on to your NECA Convention experience and require a separate registration. Pricing information can be found at www.necaconvention.org.
Registering Children
Registration for children must be completed on-line. Children may attend the NECA Show floor for all three days, but must be registered and accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Child 16 – 21 years is $455; Child 7 - 15: $125; Child 6 and under is complimentary.
Convention Education Only Pricing
If you are not registering for the full Convention but you wish to attend any of the Convention Education classes, you can pay an early registration fee of $775 (price increases to $900 after August 12). This fee also entitles you to admission to the NECA Show all three days at no additional charge. Please note that General Sessions are not included.
Trade Show Only Pricing
Admission to the NECA Show for all three days is $150. The NECA Show is included if you register for Convention Education, Preconvention Workshops, or the Full Convention. Please note that General Sessions and lunches are not included.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations in this section refer to the cancellation of the registration in its entirety.
Refunds
Check refunds will be issued six to eight weeks after the convention date. Refunds will NOT be issued for cancellations received after September 16, 2026. Credit card refunds will be processed within six to eight weeks after receiving the cancellation.
No-Shows
Refunds will NOT be issued to participants who do not attend the Convention and do not cancel their registration by September 16, 2026.
Hotel Reservations
The Chicago & Cook County Chapter Hotel is the Four Seasons Mandalay Bay. 3950 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV.
Chicago Chapter Events
For those Chapter members that attend the NECA Convention, the Chicago and Cook County Chapter functions are listed below.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
“Welcome to Las Vegas” Event
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Upper Deck-Pool area
Monday, October 5, 2026
Chapter Reception / Dinner
7:00 pm start: Reception / Dinner
House of Blues Mandalay Bay
Vinyl Room Lower Lounge and Terrace
Wednesday October 7, 2026
Pre-Closing Event Reception
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Fountain Terrace
Convention Events
The Trade Show will be held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center
NECA Show Hours
NECA Prayer Breakfast- “Connecting by Faith and Prayer”
Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 7:00 am – 8:00 am.
NECA is offering this optional Prayer Breakfast “Connecting by Faith and Prayer.”
SIXTH ANNUAL Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge
Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
The Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) is ELECTRI International’s annual challenge for NECA Student Chapters. Student Chapter teams agree that the popular challenge is stimulating because it encourages problem solving through new and creative thinking. This year’s challenge focuses on the full project life cycle of an electrical construction project by integrating lessons from past competitions in bidding and estimating, project management, BIM coordination, and design-build innovation. Each faculty advisor and student team works with their local NECA chapter and contractors to develop a proposal for Customer Y’s new University Medical Innovation Center. Students place themselves in the role of an electrical contractor and perform tasks related to the design, coordination, management, estimating, scheduling, and execution of the project. Teams receive a narrative, site constraints, preliminary budget information, and a partial Revit model containing only architectural and structural elements. These materials, along with training sessions provided by ELECTRI, serve as the foundation for Student Chapter teams to design and virtually construct the most innovative and efficient electrical system to meet the customer’s needs.
Opening Reception – “The Power of Connection” T-Mobile Arena
Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm / After Party 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Get ready to spark connections and light up the night as we celebrate 125 years of empowering lives and building community! T-Mobile Arena is the ultimate gathering place where energy, excitement and inspiration come together. Multiple levels filled with exciting experiences, delicious food and live music. Join colleagues and new friends for this one-of-akind celebration to the cooperation, support and the values that have propelled NECA since 1901. Flux Capacitor Lounge sponsored by Graybar NHL Shootout Experience sponsored by Atkore EHV Elvi Lounge sponsored by NECA Australia Biergarten sponsored by Milwaukee Tool After Party sponsored by Milwaukee Tool (sponsors as of May 26, 2026).
Opening General Session
Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am will feature Nick Saban
Legendary Hall of Fame Football Coach, ESPY Icon Award Winner, Emmy Award Winner Monday, Nick Saban, is the most iconic coach in college football history with a legacy defined by leadership, culture, and championship success. Best known for restoring the University of Alabama to dominance, Saban led the Crimson Tide to 6 national titles. With another at LSU, he has 7 National Championships overall, a feat unmatched in the poll era. His reputation as an outstanding tactician, leader, organizer, and motivator through his consistent approach and disciplined leadership known as “The Process.”
NECA Apprentice Appreciation Day
Monday, October 5, 2026
Program: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Trade Show/Apprentice Challenge: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Join hundreds of apprentices for the NECA Apprentice Appreciation Day at NECA 2026 Las Vegas! We have planned a special program for apprentices working at all levels of electrical construction from first year to fifth year. Following the workshop, all participants can visit the NECA Show Floor for FREE!
Tuesday General Session – October 6, 2026, 2025 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am – Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi - Tennis Champion, Educational Entrepreneur, Author. After turning pro at the age of 16, tennis prodigy Andre Agassi rose to international fame, earning 60 men’s singles titles, including eight Grand Slam singles championships, over a 20-year career. A former World No. 1 player, Agassi is the first male player ever to win all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal. He was also a member of three winning Davis Cup teams. On July 9, 2011, Andre was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Sponsored by Schneider Electric.
Tuesday General Session – NECA Member Recognition / Project Excellence Awards
October 6, 2026, 2025 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Tuesday General Session NECA Member Recognition Tuesday, October 6 10:00–11:30 amJoin us as we celebrate members who exemplify excellence in our industry, recognizing achievements in project delivery, innovation, leadership and professional development. We will recognize graduates of the NECA Leadership Institutes— programs that develop electrical industry professionals, strengthening leadership, management and safety skills to advance both their organizations and the industry and the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship. Recipients of the NECA Project Excellence Awards, which acknowledge the extraordinary work performed throughout the year by NECA contractors, will also be acknowledged.
Closing General Session
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm will feature Melissa Stockwell.
Melissa Stockwell - 2016 Paralympic Bronze Medalist, World Champion, Veteran, Author. Melissa Stockwell was the first female American Soldier to lose a limb in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb on April 13, 2004, resulting in the loss of her left leg, above the knee. She was honored with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for her service. She has represented the US in three Paralympic Games and remains one of the world’s most elite Para-triathletes.
Closing Celebration - “Celebrate 125 Years!” The Beach at Mandalay Bay
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm (doors open); Music at 8:00 pm.
The Mandalay Bay Beach—a world-famous playground with a wave pool, 2,700 tons of real sand, and a concert stage front and center—sets the stage for an unforgettable closing celebration for NECA’s 2026 Convention in Las Vegas! This beachside music festival atmosphere invites attendees to dance and celebrate the night away with incredible live entertainment, food, drinks, and immersive experiences. A multiplatinum rock band will headline the evening, bringing their iconic catalog of hits to cap off our 125th anniversary celebration. A live DJ will provide music sets throughout the evening and will close out with a late-night set that reinforces the festival vibe. Blending nonstop entertainment, a dynamic festival atmosphere, and the unmatched energy of Mandalay Bay Beach, this once-in-125-years celebration promises to be a standout highlight of 2026 in Las Vegas. Main Sponsor: Greenlee Gold Supporter: ABB (sponsors as of May 26, 2026).
CLICK HERE FOR CONVENTION BROCHURE. CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFO.
Registration Times / Dates to Pick-up Registration Packets:
Saturday, October 3, 2026 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 4, 2026 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday, October 5, 2026 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE:
The Chapter has been assigned to the Four Seasons for NECA 2026. The hotel rates in Las Vegas differ by days – you will see this during the reservation process. Resort Fees are mandatory for all reservations and show in the room and tax section of reservations, as well are calculated into the expected room and tax total on reservations. Resort fee inclusions are noted in confirmations. Guests must be 21 years or older to check in.
Note that the Four Seasons has a different deposit policy than other hotels – Reservations are non-refundable after 9/9/2026 based on dates held at this deadline. Guests will be responsible for the full room and tax for the reservation dates held as on 9/9. Any date shortenings or cancellations will be non-refundable after that point. Reservations open on June 8th. To book reservations, login to the NECA Registration and Housing website with NECA Account credentials (email and password). Registration needs to be completed before confirming hotel reservations. Once housing is open, if you have any questions or reservation change needs, please contact necasupport@cmrus.com.
Reservations are due by 5pm Pacific on Wednesday, August 12th. Blocks are held until this date and are released after this deadline.
Please contact the Association office at (708) 531-0022 with any questions regarding this and any other Convention events/registration. Further information on Convention and Trade Show activities can be found on the NECA Convention website at: www.necaconvention.org.