The National Electrical Contractors Association Embraced the Philadelphia Spirit
Date
September 4, 2024
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), with the help of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (PHLCVB) Destination Services team, gave their attendees the full Philadelphia experience at their 2023 Convention and Trade Show.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center hosted the annual gathering of the electrical construction industry, with memorable, engaging activities taking place throughout the city.
On opening day, attendees were treated to a massive opening party at Lincoln Financial Field — home of the Philadelphia Eagles. The reception featured a stunning drone show, performances from the Eagles Drumline, and tours of the Eagles’ locker room, complete with photoshoots of the 2018 Super Bowl Vince Lombardi Trophy. Guests enjoyed local fare served from the “NECA Terminal Market,” an homage to Philadelphia’s historic Reading Terminal Market.
During the show, the Convention Center floor was teeming with thousands of electrical construction industry members who were testing new products, learning new solutions, and networking with their peers. Sunday featured Apprentice Appreciation Day, 1,500 attendees from several states came for a special program and day at the show.
Attendees not only took part in seminars led by industry experts but also had the unique opportunity to learn from local Philadelphia icons, including retired Villanova Coach Jay Wright and former Philadelphia 76er, Julius “Dr. J” Erving. As the convention reached its conclusion, participants were dazzled at a show-stopping concert at the grand Fillmore Philadelphia, marking a spectacular finale to the event.
In between these festivities, the group left a lasting mark on Philadelphia through their community engagement efforts. With the NECA Adopt-a-school program, the Local Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter of NECA, along with several other NECA exhibitors and sponsors adopted a local technical school — Mercy Career & Technical High School — and provided them with donations of goods, services, and school improvements. The school also received proceeds from a silent auction held on the exhibit hall floor.
NECA 2023 Closing Party at the Fillmore.
NECA blended its charitable efforts with the spirit of the city when the local Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter hosted a “Rocky Run” on the final day of the conference. Runners participated in a race along the scenic Schuylkill River Trail and up the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, recreating Rocky’s triumphant run from the film. Proceeds from the event went to support the Philadelphia Police Athletic League, which helps underserved children in Philadelphia.
The success of the 2023 NECA Convention and Trade Show was greatly enhanced by the collaborative efforts of NECA and the PHLCVB’s Destination Services team. From onset to convention completion, the Services team helped NECA’s planners, from sourcing hotel blocks to recommendations for venues like Lincoln Financial Field, the Filmore, and SPiN Philadelphia — a ping pong social club that hosted the group’s student chapter reception.
The Services team also played a crucial role in fostering connections between the convention and the city of Philadelphia. Whether organizing the iconic Rocky Run, recommending dynamic speakers, or sharing their profound knowledge of the city, the team was instrumental in ensuring that the 2023 Convention and Trade Show seamlessly embraced the distinctive spirit of Philadelphia.
The Sales and Services team at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Convention Center have decades of combined experience to maximize your investment. Contact PHLCVB’s Destination Services team for assistance with your next Philadelphia meeting.
