It's Electric!

Visit the Electric Expo 2011!

Each year attendees flock to the exhibit hall to see new products and services, network with vendors, and mingle with not just industry peers, but friends that have been made through various IEC conventions and events. It’s no secret that the exhibit hall is one of the liveliest parts of the convention. This year, enjoy a packed expo hall full of meaningful business opportunities, new information, and special events.

“I attend the Electric Expo because I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and I get a chance to see new products and talk to the vendors, as well as see old friends.” – Marty Lyts, Beneco

With more than 60 exhibitors (and the numbers are steadily rising!) to visit, you will have a multitude of products and services to browse, such as:

• Wire, cable, and conduit manufacturers 
• Insurance Providers
• Training programs
• Safety products
• Signaling and signage companies
• Construction equipment
• Tools
• Light bulb manufacturers
• Telecommunications providers
• And other electrical equipment manufacturers and service providers 

“I love the camaraderie with everybody and the ability to learn every time I come to the tradeshow. I enjoy seeing new products and technologies that I can bring back to my company and implement.” – Stephen Borrelli, All-Brite Electric, Inc.

Besides buying new products and networking with suppliers, there are also opportunities to have a good time while walking the expo floor. The Apprentice of the Year Wire-Off Competition will be held in the middle of the expo. An attendee favorite, come watch IEC’s top fourth-year apprentices compete in this hands-on leg of the competition.  If your chapter’s apprentice is in the running, stop by to show your support and cheer him/her on!

If you want to shop for a good cause, be sure to visit the LiveWires Silent Auction. Browse different products and bid on your favorites. Last year, the LiveWires raised well over a $1,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Remember, it’s not considered “spending money” if it’s for a good cause!

Get your taste of Kentucky. We are planning on having some fun, Kentucky-themed activities for you to participate in while visiting the Expo. If you can’t make the Kentucky Bourbon Tours (or can’t get enough), then stop by the bourbon tasting table. Do you enjoy a good cigar? Then be sure to stop by the Kentucky tobacco cigar presentation.

To learn a bit more about the IEC Electric Expo, view this short video below: 

If you haven’t been to the IEC Electric Expo before, you are in for a great experience. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind before your trip:

1. Be sure to bring your business cards; you will want to pass them out when meeting vendors.
2. Know your numbers! Have an idea of price points you have in mind for specific products and services. Also know how much money you have in your budget if you wish to make a purchase directly at the expo hall.
3. Come with something to write with/on. If you are serious about purchasing new items for your company, it’s best to take notes to review when you get back to the office. If you plan on making a purchase directly at the trade show, make sure you have your company’s method of payment.
4. Save room in your suitcase. Exhibitors like to give out fun prizes and freebies so be prepared to bring home some SWAG!
5. Here is a piece of advice from IEC member Steve Denier of Denier Electric, “Get to know people; don’t be afraid to go up and talk to someone!”
6. Have fun! As we've stated before, who says you can’t have fun while you learn? Make new friends and business partners. Who knows, they may be a huge help to your career one day. 

Expo Location/Dates:

The expo will be located at the Kentucky International Convention Center

October 13, 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
October 14, 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Interested in exhibiting?

The IEC Electric Expo is a great way to meet the top electrical and systems contractors in the country. For more information on exhibiting opportunities, visit the IEC National website, or contact Rich Ryan at (330) 686-0353. 

And the Award Goes to….

Each year, IEC members and chapter staff dress to the nines to honor the best and brightest within the association at the convention’s President’s Reception and Awards Gala. Last year in Arizona, we couldn't ask for a nicer setting or a more talented group of winners.

This year will be no different as we are preparing an even better reception and gala for attendees. Since our host city, Louisville, is the horse racing capital of America, we invite you to the “Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle!” With good food, lively entertainment, and a unique atmosphere, you will surely get a taste of what it feels like to be a winner at the Kentucky Derby.

The President’s Reception and Awards Gala celebrates members, chapters, and apprentices who have truly shined this past year. The IEC National Chapter of the Year Award, Industry Achievement Award,  IEC Humanitarian Award, and the Awards of Excellence in Electrical Construction are all presented at this event.

Also announced at the gala is the crowd favorite, the Apprentice of the Year. For the duration of the convention, fourth-year apprentices from a range of IEC chapters gather to compete for the one coveted title, the Apprentice of the Year. After several days of written tests and a live Wire-Off competition (sponsored by Schneider Electric and The Home Depot), the student with the highest score is announced and receives a generous monetary gift from The Home Depot. 

The President’s Reception and Awards Gala is included in the convention registration price. You will receive your tickets in your registration packet and get your seat assignment at the registration desk upon checking-in to the convention. If you have not registered for the convention, register either online or use the registration form.

What to Wear

The gala is a black tie optional event. Men often wear nice suits to the event, and some will even be wearing tuxedos. Women normally wear nice dresses, long or short, to the gala and some type of shawl or wrap…it can get cold in the ballroom! We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, whether it’s a suit or a tux, your favorite cocktail dress, or that bridesmaid gown you’ve been dying to recycle.

Award Nominations

If you want to see your chapter staff or your electrical project receiving an award in the “winner’s circle,” you need to submit a nomination today! The deadline for all nominations is Monday, August 8, 2011. Being that this is the end of July, you better get started on your application!  If you would like to see a list of award categories, download the IEC National Awards Brochure. 

Meet Your Keynote Speaker: The Wingman

You may have already heard the news, but this year’s keynote speaker will take you to new heights. All puns aside, we would like to introduce you to Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, otherwise known as “The Wingman.”  A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Waldman had to overcome many challenges, such as claustrophobia and a fear of heights, to reach his goal of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot.

Not only has he lead combat missions over Kosovo and Iraq, Waldo has also obtained an MBA in Organizational Behavior and is ranked as one of the top 40 business leaders in Georgia. His business prowess matched with his fearless, fighter pilot attitude is bound to give attendees a memorable, and motivating experience.

“In business and life, you should never fly solo. You need Wingmen to win!” – Waldman 

Waldman’s approach to getting ahead is plain and simple: “winners never fly solo.” He believes that in a highly competitive environment, businesses (even competitors!) must work together to come out on top.  What an idea, huh? Work together because if one goes down, we all go down.

See for yourself why you shouldn’t miss this inspiring keynote speaker. Click on the video below to get a taste of what you will experience by attending the convention’s Keynote General Session.

For more information on Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, visit his website, or follow him on Twitter, @waldowaldman.

Gain Exposure at the Convention!

Not only is the convention a fun learning experience, but it’s also a great way for your company to gain publicity to a large group of savvy business owners and some of the best electrical contractors in the country. IEC provides many opportunities for you to showcase your brand name.

“This event provides the perfect venue for companies, new and old – big and small, to showcase their names and their products,” says IEC National Interim Executive Vice President/CEO Tim Welsh.

This year, we’ve created new and innovative opportunities to get your name out to our attendees. Besides our traditional aisle signs, badge holders, and beverage breaks, you can also start advertising digitally. IEC will be using a smartphone application for the convention which will include various sponsorship opportunities. We will also be offering multimedia options; your company will be able to sponsor a short video at the registration desk. 

Check out all the opportunities available to get your company excellent exposure at this year’s Convention and Electric Expo! For a comprehensive list of sponsorship opportunities, look through our brochure, which details different sponsorships, pricing, and more.