NECA16 Opening Reception from NECAnet on Vimeo.

NECA members and their guests got exclusive access to the Museum of Science, a mecca of revolutionary discovery, as NECA 2016 Boston hit the ground running and welcomed thousands to New England for a convention filled opportunities for education, inspiration, networking, and fun.

Attendees also got to light up their night with the intriguing Theater of Electricity sponsored by Southwire. Indoor bolts produced by the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator sparked exciting explorations of lightning, conductors, insulators, electricity, magnetism and storm safety.

By popular demand, the Blue Wing’s main stage featured the return of Milwaukee Tool’s Tool Shed Band.

There was truly something for everyone – interactive exhibits, inspiring encounters and tantalizing cuisine inspired by the regional elements of New England. Heavy hors d’oeuvres were served along with open bars featuring an outdoor Oktoberfest, sponsored by Thomas & Betts.

On Saturday, the NECA Show, the No. 1 trade show of its kind in the electrical construction industry, opened its doors at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center. NECA is proud to present the largest gathering of manufacturers and distributors showcasing thousands of solutions contractors need to save time and money on the job, and grow their business.

The Show Floor will reopen on Sunday and Monday.

Start your day at the Disruptive Technology Pavilion or in the Showstopper Showcase, the industry’s most prominent awards program sponsored by NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine. Check out all the winners while you see the newest products and services available!

The majestic Corinthian columns in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall. Photo by Hoachlander Davis

The National Building Museum, America’s leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment, will host the NECA 2013 Washington DC Opening Reception.

“The National Building Museum is the perfect location for NECA,” said Beth Ellis, Executive Director, Convention/Expo. “The entire museum focuses on the best in the building industry, and that is definitely what NECA members do.”

The landmark red brick building was built by U.S. Army Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs between 1882 and 1887. It formerly housed the U.S. Pension Bureau. Despite its bureaucratic beginnings, the interior of the building is dominated by a grand central space, the Great Hall. It’s in this expansive space that NECA will kick off its 2013 Convention and Trade Show in style.

The Great Hall and its soaring Corinthian columns are the perfect setting for the bands and dance floors that always make the NECA Opening Reception a party for all ages. Special musical guest Millennium will rock the museum throughout the night, along with the Pete Fields Jazz Trio in the Greenlee Whiskey & Cigar Club and the Tequila Town Duo in the Southwire Sponsor Club. If you think could try out for American Idol like Millennium’s Travis Tucker did, feel free to take the stage at the Karaoke Lounge.

Guests will be able to browse exhibits featuring innovative and historic construction when they need a break from dancing. Other entertainers will perform along the museum perimeter, including Mike the Magician and Alain Nu, Mentalist. A special event photo booth will let you and your friends record your favorite moments of the night.  “Plus, a Great Hall needs great food and drink, so we’ll have catering stations throughout the venue,” Ellis added.

“The National Building Museum has hosted some of the greatest and grandest parties in Washington’s history, and NECA is incredibly lucky to have secured this beautiful space,” Ellis said. “The museum has focused on great construction and progress since it was created. Just like NECA, the museum has embraced technology and become a world-class entertaining space.” She adds, “Just wait until our members see the lighting we can use at the museum!”

Check out the history of the National Building Museum and current exhibits online at www.nbm.org.