ECA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR 2026

The ECA Research and Education Committee has six programs already scheduled with registration availability. Three additional programs are pending. Please review and register, soon!

January 29 - TENTATIVE

“Crew Level Production and Execution: Set Goals

and Win"

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Presented by Walead Atiyeh

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

February 19

“Leadership for the Field and Office”

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Presented by Mark Federle, Marquette University

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

March 26

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

“Effective Client Communication”

Presented by David Ashcraft, Advantage Learning Systems

Maggiano’s Banquets – 240 Oakbrook Center - Oak Brook, IL

April - ANTICIPATE

AI in Construction; and

Reasonable Suspicion / Sexual Harassment Prevention 

April 27 - 29 - TENTATIVE

8:00 am - 4:00 pm (all three dates)

“Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction”

Presented by Michael Bill, NECA Education

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

September 21 – September 22 (2-day Seminar)

8:00 am - 4:00 pm (both dates)

“Advanced Estimating Strategies”

Presented by Michael Bill, NECA Education

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

October 15 

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

“Prefabrication and Preplanning Construction”

Presented by Mark Federle, Marquette University

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL 

November 12

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

“Managing Work in Progress”

Facilitated by Doug Reitz, Maxim Consulting Group

Maggiano’s Banquets – 240 Oakbrook Center - Oak Brook, IL

Joint Safety Directors' Forum 
December 9, 2025

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Safety Committee along with the Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA were proud to have sponsored a special Joint Safety Directors' Forum. The event was held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 11:30 am – 4:00 pm at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

ECA President’s Party & Holiday Celebration

December 6, 2025

The ECA held its ECA President’s Party & Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago. Over 130 registered for this event!  

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

-End of Year Highlight - NECA Chicago Convention
Pre-Convention through Closing Celebration Videos

The NECA Convention & Trade Show was held in Chicago on September 12 - 15, 2025. The Chapter had over 90 registrants for the Convention, along with numerous Trade Show only attendees. This was the largest NECA Convention with over 10,000 registrants. The Chapter had numerous activities.

CLICK HERE FOR THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEOS

Highlights of the local and national program can be found by CLICKING HERE.

FREE Safety Training - 2026

CSC is offering a series of complimentary programs!

The Construction Safety Council (CSC) been awarded an OSHA grant to support local delivery of five high-demand training topics:


• Workzone Hazards
• Excavation Dangers
• Harmful Silica
• Fall Protection
• Electrical Safety

Each session includes four hours of in-person instruction, which requires a 4.5 timeline for delivery (e.g., 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). This Awareness-Level training is available to employers and employees, locally or nationwide. Their trainers are subject matter experts, who will engage participants in interactive lectures, demonstrations, and discussions about construction workplace hazards and risk-prevention strategies.

The ECA is proud to join the CSC in sponsoring these training opportunities. Due to the availability of federal grant funding, all materials and instruction are available AT NO COST. The training is FREE OF CHARGE for all ECA members.


• OPEN ENROLLMENT courses hosted by CSC in Hillside, Illinois – 2026 training dates will be available at www.buildsafe.org after December 15.
• PRIVATE courses hosted by ECA members – at any time, on any day, at any location.

If any questions, please contact the CSC at: (708) 449-8604.


We hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity to participate with these sessions!

Don't Miss Your "Power of Better" Opportunity 
- A message from Powering Chicago -

Powering Chicago was built on partnership, and that includes you. As a signatory contractor, you’re part of a network that’s setting the standard for better construction across Chicago and Cook County. We’re continuing to spotlight the people and companies behind that standard through blogs, videos, social media, and the "The Power of Better" video series.

This is your opportunity to take full advantage of being part of Powering Chicago by promoting your work, your team, and the projects that make you stand out.


Here’s how it benefits you:

• Professional Credibility
• Reach future clients online
• Marketing content you can share
• Build trust with real examples

Your story has the power to inspire trust, attract new opportunities, and strengthen the entire Powering Chicago network.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.


Learn more about showcasing your work.

EVENTS

ECA Membership Meeting

Thursday, January 22, 2025

The event is being held on Thursday, January 22, 2026

(in conjunction with the EA Annual Conference).

Drury Lane Conference Center 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, IL (630) 530-8300

Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting.

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:

ECA Membership Meeting

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Drury Lane Conference Center - Crystal Room

100 Drury Lane

Oakbrook Terrace, IL

(630) 530-8300

Registration / Networking: 11:30 am

Lunch begins: 12:00 pm

Business Session: 12:30 pm

Event Concludes: 1:30 pm

The times above are approximate as full agenda of EA Conference is being finalized.

This luncheon program is being held in conjunction with the Electric Association's Annual Conference on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The ECA Membership meeting will feature industry updates and a guest presentation by Brian Witt, Rivet VP of Revenue and Gary Fuchs, Sr., Rivet Workforce Management Advisor, called "Work -- Partnerships & Special Projects." Their presentation is a Labor Operations Master Class.

We look forward to seeing you, there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Midwestern Region Conference

March 10 - 13, 2026

Join us in paradise for NECA's Midwestern Region Conference at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii on March 10 -13, 2026. This unforgettable event is your chance to network with industry leaders, learn from top experts, and gain insights from inspiring speakers—all while enjoying the beauty of Hawaii!

We are delighted to announce that activities options are now available for the Midwestern Region Conference! 

Here is a link to their events page: Midwestern Region Conference Activities

To edit your registration, log into NECAnet.org, click on your name on the top right and go to My Profile. On the left hand side, you will see “My Registrations” and select the event you want to edit/update. You will be able to add activities from here. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Emily Palm Associate Director, Meetings, Events & Convention at 202-991-6277 with any questions.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

EDUCATION

Women in NECA (WIN) Conference
February 2 - 4, 2026

Register today to join NECA in Dallas, TX February 2-4, 2026! The Women in NECA (WIN) Leadership Conference provides a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of our field. Come to WIN and experience a dynamic community of forward-thinking professionals committed to empowering women and advancing leadership across the electrical contracting industry.


CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION / REGISTRATION

"Leadership for the Field and Office" Seminar
Thursday, February 19, 2026

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee workshop called, "Leadership for the Field and Office" is being conducted by Mark Federle, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the OPUS College of Engineering at Marquette University, and the program will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) at 6201 W. 115th Street in Alsip, IL 60803 (708) 389-1340. Breakfast & Lunch are to be served. (A Continental Breakfast is to be available at 7:45 am.)

Leadership for the Field and Office

This course will help the participants develop the skills and understanding they need to lead others. The will learn to persuade others, negotiate and problem solve and develop collaboration among team members.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain how to effectively deal with different people (and different behavior styles)
• Apply Situational Leadership in coaching situations
• Build consensus, cohesion, buy-in, and team commitment
• Diagnose the focus and source of conflicts
• Utilize appropriate conflict management strategies
• Resolve interpersonal confrontations through collaborations 

Registration is open for "Leadership for the Field and Office"
Thursday, February 19, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
INTECH

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"Effective Client Communication" Seminar

Thursday, March 26, 2026

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "Effective Client Communication" seminar on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at Maggiano's Banquets - 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL - Barbarossa Room) (630) 368-0300. (Breakfast to be available at 7:45 am). The session is to be facilitated by David Ashcraft, Advantage Learning Systems.

Effective Client Communication

Multiple factors influence effective client communications including self-awareness, self-improvement, social awareness and relationship management. In this session, you will learn how to attract, build and maintain long lasting client relations. Better communication skills lead to more client trust, faster decisions and more referrals. This class will benefit those with 1 or 20 plus years of experience.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain how to build stronger rapport and trust (and maintain it)
• Discuss ideas to connect with clients faster
• Ask better questions to uncover client priorities (Hot Buttons) and their pet peeves.
• Identify techniques that improve listening skills (You can’t ask great questions if you aren’t listening)
• Identify distracting appearance and auditory behaviors and how to reduce them
• List tips to illustrate ideas and improve collaborative communication
• Analyze characteristics of a poor listener
• Explain how to interpret nonverbal responses 

Registration is open for "Effective Client Communication"
Thursday, March 26, 2026
8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Maggiano's Banquets 
Oak Brook, IL

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Culture of Collaboration Workshop

Transforming Our Industry Together: Introducing the DEI Program for ECA of Chicago

The ECA is continuing its exciting journey to shape our future with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at its core. We've partnered with Leadership Surge to bring a specially designed DEI program to the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) of Chicago, and you’re invited to be a part of this transformative experience.

Please use the scheduling form below to secure a date and register your companies for the live 2-hr DEI Training session:

Scheduling Form

The goal is to have each company choose their preferred training and capture their contact information and preferred training location.

Here’s what's in store for us:

• Tailored Training Sessions: From senior leadership to our valued front-line employees, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to dive into interactive sessions that will empower us to lead and participate in a more inclusive workplace.

• Engaging Learning Formats: Whether it's live workshops or on-the-go learning through a mobile app, this program offers flexible ways to engage with DEI principles. Plus, Toolbox Talks will bring DEI conversations right into our daily routines.

• A United Effort: This isn't just training; it's a movement towards building a workplace where every voice is heard and every contribution valued. We're not just aiming for compliance; we're striving for commitment and change.

Program Intro

IMSCA PAC Funding Drive

Your voice matters in Illinois! 

By contributing to the IMSCA Political Action Committee (PAC), you help support candidates and initiatives that align with the values and goals of IMSCA. Any contribution, no matter the level of support, is incredibly helpful. We hope that you will consider a contribution.


Click Here for further information.

Document Crunch

Contractors who sign up for the service will have exclusive access to an ELECTRI-specific solution through Document Crunch’s innovative platform.

Watch Demo Video



If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Nancy Sheehy at nsheehy@documentcrunch.com.

Sign Up for Access

Click Here for recent Update.

AllOne Health - 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders

As a valued AllOne Health EAP partner, you already have access to essential mental health and employee assistance services. But did you know your relationship with us also provides access to Whole Health Solutions that support both employee well-being and leadership success? 

Through AllOne Consulting, our 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders program equips organizations with proven leadership strategies that drive engagement, retention, and business success. Participants gain hands-on experience applying these principles to strengthen accountability, trust, and vision within their teams. 

Key Benefits: 

• Develop leaders who inspire and align teams 

• Enhance productivity and profitability 

• Create a thriving organizational culture 

Schedule a No-Obligation Consultation to explore how leadership transformation can elevate your workforce. 

P.S. A healthy leader fosters a healthy workplace. Pair leadership development with Wellness Coaching or any of our Stress Management Programs to support holistic well-being. 

Schedule a Meeting

AllOne Health Organizational Consulting and Wellness solutions has numerous programs available, including these 5 most popular and impactful programs right now: 

Organizational Consulting--

Communication Boundaries—Staying Unified in Polarizing Times

Help your team navigate tense conversations and stay connected. 

Designing Teamwork—How We Work, Together

A multi-part framework to align purpose, values, and roles, to improve collaboration and effectiveness.

Cultures of Belonging—Leading Through Tough Times

A 4-part series that helps leaders build authentic connections and inclusive environments, even during tough times. 

Wellness--

Shift Happens

A 1-hour session on navigating change and building resilience.  

Zone In—Developing Body and Mind Awareness

A 1-hour session to help your teams understand stress and respond with intention. 

These specialized services are available at an additional investment beyond your EAP — and are designed to help teams reset, realign, and rebuild when it matters most. 

Ready to learn more? 

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

2026 CBC Merit Awards

Project Submissions Due December 31

Now in its 70th year, the CBC Merit Awards recognize Chicagoland's most outstanding construction projects from the past three years.

Key Details:

• Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025
• Entry Fee:
• Members $300
• Non-members $600
• Projects must be completed by December 31, 2025
• Projects may be re-entered if within the 3-year window
• Submit to one primary category (CBC Equity Champion + CBC Community Impact may be added at no extra cost)
  

Categories include: Education – Pre K through 12 • Education – Higher Education • Healthcare • Residential/Hospitality • Commercial Construction UNDER $50 Million • Commercial Construction OVER $50 Million • Renovation & Adaptive Reuse UNDER $20 Million • Renovation & Adaptive Reuse OVER $20 Million • Infrastructure or Industrial Construction • Interior Build-Out • CBC Equity Champion • CBC Community Impact

Judging Criteria: Design Creativity • Project Challenges/Complexity of Construction • Safety Record • Impact on the Community & Inclusion

Ready to Enter?

Click below to submit your project. After entering, you’ll receive the Project Details Form.

Call for Judges

CBC is accepting applications for 2026 Merit Awards judges. Applicants must be current CBC members. 

APPLY HERE / SUBMIT A PROJECT

EP 18: Inside the Electrical Setup of the NECA Convention

In Episode 18 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago takes viewers inside the McCormick Place West to see how IBEW Local 134 electricians and member contractors brought the 2025 NECA Convention to life.

Over four days, more than 100 electricians installed lighting, truss motors, and sound systems in a 100,000-square-foot exhibit space for nearly 400 exhibitors with precision and pride.

Watch Now

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

It is an unfortunate fact that construction has the highest rate of suicide of any industry in America. We lose about 53 out of every 100,000 members of our industry EVERY YEAR to suicide. We are four times the average of other industries. We have a crisis in construction and we need to do something about it. You can visit the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention website and learn more. We urge all to take the pledge to STAND UP for suicide prevention and address it as a health and safety priority.