builders convention
August 10–12, 2026 • Burbank Marriott Convention Center, Burbank, California
Three incredible days. Hundreds of dedicated professionals. One powerful mission: Lift up the electrical trades through hands-on mastery, code education, and workforce development.
The Builder's Convention 2026 brought electrical contractors, apprentices, educators, and industry leaders together right here in Southern California — and the energy was undeniable. Whether you were there in person or are hearing the recap now, we’re excited to share what happened, what was learned, and why this event matters for every single one of us in this trade.
Investing in the Next Generation
One of the most inspiring parts of the convention was seeing local trade schools from across California bring their students to participate. These future electricians walked the floor, asked questions, touched real equipment, and saw firsthand exactly what this trade has to offer. It was a powerful showcase — proof that the pipeline is strong, and the next generation is hungry to build great careers.
We also want to give a special shout-out to Howatt, who was absolutely amazing with the younger generation throughout the event. Their energy, mentorship, and genuine care for the students made a lasting impression — showing these new learners that they are welcome, valued, and have a clear path forward.
We were also honored to host instructors who traveled from across the entire country to teach, mentor, and share their wisdom. They came to show the new wave of electricians exactly what this profession offers — and to raise the standard for all of us.
Four Hands-On Skill Stations: Where Theory Meets Action
The heart of the convention was our four hands-on skill stations — where theory turned into practice right on the show floor. What was most exciting? Electricians showed up ready to learn — and immediately applied what they picked up. You could watch confidence grow and skills sharpen in real time. That is what this work is all about.
- Data Center Course: Unpacking critical infrastructure and high-density power distribution for today’s fastest-growing electrical market.
- Renewable Energy Training: Exploring solar integration, battery storage, and sustainable systems—the bedrock of modern grid infrastructure.
- Pipe Bending: Mastering precision, layout geometry, offsets, and true craftsmanship in conduit installation.
- Rough Wall & Load Center Installation: Working through framing wiring, box placement, panel layout, and safe termination practices from the ground up.
Lessons Beyond the Tools: Leadership & Financial Literacy
Too often, people think training on leadership, team delegation, and business management is only meant for established contractors. We strongly disagree.
If you want to build a long-term, lucrative career, these concepts need to be learned early in your journey:
- Leadership & Delegation: Learning how to delegate tasks, build trust, and train those coming up behind you early on makes the transition to running jobs (or running your own company) seamless later in life.
- Financial Literacy & Job Pricing: Everyone talks about how lucrative the trades can be—but if you don't know how to accurately price jobs, manage overhead, and protect your margins, you can lose money from day one.
Teaching these business and leadership principles alongside technical skills ensures our young electricians aren't just great craftspeople—they are future business leaders built to thrive.
How Our Sponsors & Partners Are Moving the Industry Forward
An event like this doesn’t happen on enthusiasm alone — it takes resources, generosity, and belief in workforce development. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
- Milwaukee Tool: For supplying all the high-caliber tools and essential PPE that kept our hands-on stations fully equipped, professional, and safe.
- Canoga Electrical Supply: Our proud California partner who continuously steps up to support local education, supply chains, and trade growth.
- Leviton: For bringing cutting-edge product innovation, device technology, and safety expertise to our attendees.
- Hubbell Manufacturing: For providing top-tier equipment and structural industry insights that elevate floor standards.
- Skills Jam: champion vocational education on a national stage, elevating hands-on trade skills, spotlighting young talent, and proving that trade careers are premier career paths.
- Ninja VA: Beyond the tools, running a modern electrical business requires seamless backend organization. NinjaVA stepped up in helping contractors strengthen their business operations through marketing, delegation, virtual assistants, and office systems.
Your contribution and belief in raising the standard of our trade made this entire event possible. Thank you.
What’s Next?
To everyone who attended, taught, volunteered, or supported — THANK YOU. You helped make The Builder’s Convention 2026 something truly special.
Let’s keep this momentum going! Take what you learned, share it with your crews, and keep pushing the trade forward. We can’t wait to see you all at the next one!
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— The Energize Us EDU Team
