SPARK: Power Tomorrow—Expo Hall Energized by the Power of the Electrical Contracting Industry, Its People, Products
SPARK: Power Tomorrow’s state-of-the-art Expo Hall will showcase the innovative products and technologies from more than 75 exhibitors from the contracting industry’s biggest companies during the week and engage more than 2,000 attendees on the show floor.
Arlington, VA, September 27, 2022—The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) annual event, SPARK: Power Tomorrow, taking place October 5-8, 2022, in the Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Kentucky, will showcase the breadth of products, services, solutions, technologies and talent delivered by some of the electrical contracting industry’s biggest and most innovative companies.
IEC 2022 President, Troy Corrigan, president of Corrigan Electric, is looking forward to celebrating the work of industry peers during the week. “Our Expo Hall is the beating heart of SPARK. It is here that we will focus on the achievements of our talented apprentices in competition, demonstrate the accomplishments of our IEC member companies, and celebrate the successes of our industry over the past year.”
The SPARK: Power Tomorrow Expo Hall will be home base during the event for over 75 exhibitors and their booths and expected to receive some 2,000 attendees visiting the floor through the end of the expo. This year, the Expo Hall is also the place to be to enjoy several other SPARK features including, the Apprentice of the Year Competition, product demonstrations, giveaways, and more.
“The annual meeting provides Eaton the opportunity to showcase our innovative products and highlight new products that will be of interest to meeting attendees,” said Larry D. Buchholtz, Eaton’s Agent Engagement Director. “Additionally, the event provides the opportunity for Eaton personnel to interact with IEC members to express our thanks for their continued patronage and support the individual local chapters that we value the ability to interact with.”
The Expo Hall brings the electrical contracting industry together, allowing visitors to the show to discover and learn:
• The latest in innovative technology and interactive product demonstrations,
• Up-to-the-minute news and trends in the electrical field,
• Business and career opportunities from successful brands, and contractors, and
• Networking opportunities and engaging with industry partners and leaders, including The Home Depot, Southwire, Milwaukee Tool, and much more!
David Moeller, Director Customer Markets at Graybar, stressed the importance of industry networking, “The IEC SPARK event is a vital place for Graybar to meet our contractors in person, have discussions about business efficiencies, digital engagement, and best practices to collaborate for productivity.”
Featured exhibitors in the Expo Hall will embrace some of the best industry-leading technology companies in the field, including, Eaton, Graybar, The Home Depot, Ideal, MCA Inc., McCormick, Milwaukee Tool, Schneider Electric, Scorpion, Siemens, Sonepar USA, Southwire, United Rentals, ABB, Atkore, ATP and more. Entry to the Expo floor is free with an Expo-only pass.
The IEC National Apprentice of the Year Competition is a tradition of SPARK, which features the top graduates from the IEC apprentice training programs across the U.S. as they engage in head-to-head challenges for exciting prizes and recognition as the IEC National Apprentice of the Year. Expo Hall attendees are able to watch this competition unfold and cheer on the apprentices.
"The rising workforce shortage has revealed just how important it is for electrical contractors to have access to the latest and most in-demand products and services to drive efficiencies on the job site," said The Home Depot spokesperson Lindsey Hill, Director of National Accounts." IEC’s SPARK-Power Tomorrow will equip electrical contractors with the tools they need to continue serving their clients while maximizing productivity.”
On Thursday, October 6th, courtesy of the IEC Florida West Coast Chapter’s sponsorship, Expo goers will be able to meet NASCAR driver JJ Yeley and see his NASCAR #66 car, which will be on display in booth #107, while driver JJ Yeley will be on the show floor autographing hero cards starting at 1:00 PM on Thursday.
In a fun, light-hearted Kentucky touch, SPARK showgoers are invited to purchase a personalized Derby Hat to wear at the Awards Gala on Friday night. The Hattitude Booth #543 allows attendees to select
from over 30 options in both men’s and women’s styles and watch their hats being assembled in front of them.
Exhibitor Kristy Phillips, Manager of Customer Enablement at Southwire, said, “Southwire is excited to participate in SPARK 2022! At Southwire, it is our mission to provide our customers solutions to make their jobs safer, easier, and more efficient. SPARK 2022 is an opportunity to share these solutions through a tactile experience with our product ambassadors and customers.”
The brand new, “lab on wheels,” the IEC Volt Wagon will be on display at Booth #471 to all those who walk the Expo floor. The Volt Wagon is being raffled off to raise money for the IEC Foundation (IECF) and will be awarded to a chapter or member whose raffle ticket is drawn at the Amped-Up Luncheon on Friday.
Scott Kopriva, Vice President of Skilled Trades & Safety at Milwaukee Tool, is keen to point out the value of partnerships between industry and trade, “For nearly 100 years, it has been Milwaukee Tool’s mission to deliver advanced, trade-specific solutions to professional contractors. Through trade partnerships, we have opportunities to work with members to better understand their needs to continue improving workplace safety and enhancing productivity.”
There are many other features to be found in the Expo Hall, including the inaugural “Contractor Olympics,” various competitions and the “Emerging Leader Shark Tank” among them.
For more information about or to register for SPARK: PowerTomorrow, visit bit.ly/SPARKpowertomorrow.
For more information about the IEC and its activities and members, visit ieci.org or contact membership@ieci.org
About Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
IEC is a merit shop electrical and systems contractor’s trade association. Our core focus is to increase the professionalism of our industry. Through increased educational standards and training, we are dedicated to fostering a positive business climate for all IEC Contractor Members. We offer professional development opportunities, code and safety representation, emerging trends, and multiple conferences throughout the year. There are 51 independent chapters within the Independent Electrical Contractors Association. Each chapter works with local electrical and low voltage contractors to assist in the development of their businesses by networking with contractors. We also provide a four-year apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor with nearly 14,000 apprentices throughout the nation. Our IEC National office offers opportunities for networking across the nation with forum groups and national meetings designed to help IEC chapters grow their members’ businesses.
PRESS CONTACT
Mikayla Hrinowich | Publicist | mhrinowich@ieci.org