10/09/2026
2026 NECA Convention & Trade Show - October 4 -7, 2026
The Convention was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
2026 NECA Convention & Trade Show
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
October 4 -7, 2026
The NECA Convention & Trade Show was held in Las Vegas on October 4 – 7, 2026. The Chapter had over 100 registrants for the Convention. The Chapter hosted numerous activities concurrent with the NECA National events.
Highlights of the Chapter and National program included the following:
Chicago Chapter Events
Saturday, October 3, 2026
“Welcome to Las Vegas” Event
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay -- Upper Deck-Pool area
Monday, October 5, 2026
Chapter Reception / Dinner
House of Blues Mandalay Bay -- Vinyl Room Lower Lounge and Terrace
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Congratulations / Recognition of:
Ken Bauwens, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc., induction into the Academy of Electrical Contracting – and Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President on his upcoming retirement.
Hazel Coffee & Cocktails area – Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Wednesday October 7, 2026
Pre-Closing Event Reception
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay -- Palm Room
National Events:
Student Chapter “Change Order” Award
The NECA-Illinois Tech Student Committee participated in the Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC). They placed 5th overall and won the “Change Order” Award!
The NECA Opening Reception was held at T-Mobile Arena.
NECA Prayer Breakfast – “Connecting by Faith and Prayer”
Tim Taylor, ECA Assistant Manager, assisted with the session.
The Opening General Session featured Nick Saban, the most iconic coach in college football history with a legacy defined by leadership, culture, and championship success was the keynote speaker. The Academy of Electrical Contracting Inductees were acknowledged during the session. The ECA congratulates Ken Bauwens, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. for his induction into the Academy of Electrical Contracting.
The Second General Session featured Andre Agassi, Tennis Champion, Educational Entrepreneur, Author was the guest speaker. The NECA / ELECTRI Project Management Apprentice Graduates, as well as the Advanced Executive Leadership Seminar participants, NECA Innovation Institute Cohorts were acknowledged.
The ECA congratulates the following graduates:
Advanced Executive Leadership Seminar participant:
Chris Teneyck, Conelly Electric, Inc.
NECA / ELECTRI Project Management Apprentice Graduates:
James DiFiore, Candor Electric, Inc.;
Ethan Hepding, Nolan Gasta, Sean Neveril, Drew Tomaszewski,Continental Electrical Construction Company;
Mohamed Saleck, Neil Winkler, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc., and
Jeff McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.
The Closing General Session featured Melissa Stockwell - 2016 Paralympic Bronze Medalist, World Champion, Veteran, Author.
The NECA Closing Celebration was held at the Beach at Mandalay Bay. The beachside music festival atmosphere invited attendees to dance and celebrate the night away with live entertainment featuring sets by Oar and Live+! A live DJ also provided music sets throughout the evening and closed the event out with a late-night set that reinforced the festival vibe.
The Association congratulates all those recognized during the Convention, and thanks all that were able to participate in representing the Chicago & Cook County Chapter during NECA’s 125-year celebration!
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE PHOTOS!
Pictured from left to right are:
Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company,
Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Advisor, and
Ken Bauwens, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Pictured below:
Graduates for the Project Management Apprentice program
Chris Teneyck, Connelly Electric, Inc.
(Advanced Executive Leadership Seminar participant)
Pictured from left to right at the Governors Meeting are:
Bob Fimbianti, NECA Governor, Linear Electric, Inc., and
Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company.
Pictured from left to right:
Tajesh Panda, Dr. Daniel Tomal, Max Niesman - Illinois Tech representatives.
NECA - Illinois Tech Student Chapter received "Change Order" Award.
Pictured above is Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company,
as she opened up the Chapter Dinner at the Vinyl Room - House of Blues.