Education & Training

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee plans annual continuing education programs to  keep ECA members on top of the latest technology and business practices, workforce development issues, and more so that they can lead the Chicagoland electrical construction industry.

Here is a snapshot of the 2025 programs.  Upcoming events are listed below.

October 2025

Wed
15
2025
October 15, 2025

Honor Flight 2025 (Powering Chicago Sponsorship)

October 15, 2025

Midway Airport in Chicago, IL

WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION FOR WWII, KOREAN WAR and VIETNAM WAR VETERANS WEDNESDAY, October 15, 2025, 8:30 P.M. Baggage Claim (Lower Level), South End

Thu
23
2025
October 23, 2025

"Project Planning for Small Projects " - October 23, 2025 - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!

The event to be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Hyatt Lodge Hotel - Oak Brook, IL.

Hyatt Lodge Hotel - 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL

Thursday, October 23, 2025 "Project Planning for Small Projects" Hyatt Lodge Hotel - 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL Q Room (seminar) / Piazza area (breakfast / lunch) 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mark, Federle, Marquette University - Facilitator

Mon
27
2025
October 27 - 29, 2025

"Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction & Calculating Shop Burden" - NEW DATES!!! - October 27 - 29, 2025 (3-day Seminar)

The event to be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 - Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at INTECH.

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) - 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL.

Monday, October 27, 2025 - Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (3-day Seminar) "Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction / Calculating Shop Burden" 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (for the first two days; 8:00 am - 12:00 pm on the third day) IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) - 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL. Michael Bill, NECA Estimating Training Faculty Member - Facilitator Walead Atiyeh, NECA Training Faculty Member / Consultant - Facilitator

November 2025

Thu
6
2025
November 6, 2025

Electric Association Membership Awards Dinner

Thursday, November 6, 2025

TBA

Electric Association Membership Awards Dinner Thursday, November 6, 2025 TBA

Wed
12
2025
November 12, 2025
8:00AM - 10:00AM

ECA Regular Membership Meeting - November 12, 2025

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - BREAKFAST SESSION!

Gibsons Steakhouse 2105 Spring Road Oak Brook, IL 60523

ECA Membership Meeting Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Gibsons Steakhouse 2105 Spring Road Oak Brook, IL 60523

Thu
13
2025
November 13, 2025

"Increasing Engagement, Retention, and Development for Employees" - November 13, 2025

The event to be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Maggiano's Banquets

Maggiano's Banquets - 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL

Thursday, November 13, 2025 "Increasing Engagement, Retention, and Development for Employees" Maggiano's Banquets - 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL Barbarossa Room 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Stephane McShane, Maxim Consulting Group - Facilitator

December 2025

Sat
6
2025
December 6, 2025

ECA President's Party & Holiday Celebration --

ECA Holiday Party is on December 6, 2025

Morgan Manufacturing- Fulton Market District / Emily Hotel

ECA Holiday Party -- Saturday, December 6, 2025 Morgan Manufacturing -- 401 N. Morgan Street in Chicago, IL 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm This event includes an optional complimentary overnight stay at the Emily Hotel -Arrival on Saturday, December 6 with Departure on Sunday, December 7. (Final day to secure a room is November 12 or earlier if room block is full).

January 2026

Mon
26
2026
January 26 - 28, 2026

2026 MEP Innovation Conference

January 26 - 28, 2026

The Marriott Austin Downtown - Austin, TX

2026 MEP Innovation Conference January 26 - 28, 2026 The Marriott Austin Downtown Austin, TX

Mon
26
2026
January 26 - 28, 2026

NECA 2026 Safety Professionals Conference

May 18 - 20, 2026

The Peachtree Plaza - Atlanta, GA

NECA 2026 Safety Professionals Conference May 18 - 20, 2026 The Westin Peachtree Plaza Atlanta, GA

Mon
26
2026
January 26 - 28, 2026

Chicago Build 2025 Expo

October 29 - 30, 2025

McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

The Chicago Build 2025 Expo will be held October 29 - 30, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Powering Chicago is a sponsor for this event. Jerry McGlynn, ECA Safety Committee Chair, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc., is a panelist scheduled for October 30, 2025.

February 2026

Mon
2
2026
February 2 - 4, 2026

Women in NECA Conference

February 2 - 4, 2026

Dallas, TX

Women in NECA Conference February 2 - 4, 2026 Hotel Crescent Court Dallas, TX

March 2026

Tue
10
2026
March 10 - 13, 2026

MIdwestern Region Conference

March 10 - 13, 2026

Waikoloa, HI

Midwest Region Conference March 10 - 13, 2026 The Hilton Waikoloa Village Waikoloa, HI

April 2026

Mon
13
2026
April 13 - 15, 2026

2026 NECA Emerge Conference

April 13 - 15, 2026

Atlanta Marriott Marquis - Atlanta, GA

2026 NECA Emerge Conference April 13 - 15, 2026 Atlanta Marriott Marquis Atlanta, GA

June 2026

Mon
15
2026
June 15 - 17, 2026

NECA 2026 Future Leaders Conference

June 15 - 17, 2026

Omni William Penn Hotel - Pittsburgh, PA

NECA 2026 Future Leaders Conference June 15 - 17, 2026 Omni William Penn Hotel Pittsburgh, PA

October 2026

Sun
4
2026
October 4 - 7, 2026

NECA Convention & Trade Show 2026

October 4 - 7, 2026

Las Vegas, NV

NECA Convention & Trade Show October 4 - 7, 2026 Las Vegas, NV