The 2014 NECA Convention and Trade Show will be held in the Windy City; Chicago, Illinois September 27th to the 30th.  The opening reception is to be held at the famous Field Museum, one of the world’s largest, premier natural history museums.  Be prepared to be taken back in time as the museum will be transformed into a lavish Roaring 20’s scene paying tribute to Chicago’s deep history.  Attendees will enjoy a truly glamorous evening and Sue, the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, will be in attendance too.  

Businessman, philanthropist, and motivational speaker Chris Gardner will be the speaker at this year’s opening general session.  Gardner’s story is memorialized in the blockbuster memoir “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith.  Today he is a multi-millionaire, international business man sharing what he learned and inspiring others.  

Equally exciting, the closing general session will be given by former Navy SEAL team leader, Rob O’Neill.  O’Neill has been deployed over a dozen times and held leadership roles in more than 400 combat missions.  He’s trained more than 800 special operations and tactical operators and has earned more than 52 honors.  He was a member of the team that rescued Captain Phillips from Somali pirates in 2009 and the team that rescued fellow SEAL Marcus Luttrell, as depicted in the recent blockbuster Lone Survivor with Mark Wahlberg.  O’Neill will provide his insight on leadership, decision making, and operating in uncertain environments to become the “best of the best.”

The convention will also include numerous workshops, management education opportunities, a labor relations special session and a convention show floor showcasing thousands of products and solutions for electrical contractors.  

This year’s Closing Celebration will be held at the House of Blues featuring Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band.  The Sacred Hearts Band is the official house band for the House of Blues and was joined in 2005 by Belushi.  Attendees will enjoy a night full of food, music, fun and unpredictability!  

Please contact Executive Director, Ryan Courtney, for additional details or to register for the convention.  Early registration ends August 7, 2014.