In this 2026 midyear outlook, the grip of economic anxiety remains. What was previously confined to actions coming out of Washington now expands to the global effects of the Iran war. For construction, however, these headwinds have not spelled disaster. Megaprojects abound, although they do mask tamped down activity elsewhere. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine
Meta contracted Turner, Mortenson and DPR to build the Richland Parish facility, which will support 7,500 construction jobs at peak construction. The parent company of Facebook and Instagram said the money represents one of the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure investments in the world. Construction Dive
NECA NEWS
2026 Profile of the Electrical Contractor
Every two years, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine surveys the industry to uncover the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping electrical construction. Part 1 of the 2026 Profile of the Electrical Contractor is now available! Revealing how contractors are navigating a changing market, from shifting project demand and rising costs to continued growth in service, maintenance, low-voltage and residential work. Discover the latest insights from this year’s industry-wide research study!
ELECTRI International has released a new report to help electrical contractors prepare for opportunities in the emerging small modular reactor (SMR) market. Small Modular Reactors: A Roadmap for Electrical Contractors looks at where the market is headed, what electrical scopes are involved, and what contractors need to do now to be ready. SMRs mean new work in power distribution, instrumentation and controls, cybersecurity, digital integration, and more, but only for those who prepare early. Access the report for free by creating an account on ELECTRI.org!
NECA 2026 is happening Oct. 4-7 at Mandalay Bay, and it's a BIG one! We're hitting our 125th anniversary this year, and we wanted to do it right. Think thousands of contractors in one place, all trying to figure out the same things you are: how to grow, how to compete, how to keep up with an industry that's moving fast. You'll get real education sessions, not just theory. You'll walk a trade show floor packed with the tools and tech that are actually changing how you work. A milestone like 125 years deserves a real celebration, and Vegas is the right place for it. Lock in your spot before prices go up!
The deadline for the NECA Office and Overhead Compensation Study has been extended to July 31, giving you extra time to share your company's data. Your input helps build the industry's most trusted benchmarking tool for officer and overhead personnel compensation and fringe benefits. The survey is confidential, takes less than 30 minutes, and no company is ever identified in the results. Respondents receive a complimentary copy of the study, a customized Company Compensation Report, an officer-level compensation calculator, and a key-results infographic.
Bid Smarter, Install Smoother: Standby Power Webinar Aug. 6
When the power goes out, your customers count on you. And you count on equipment built to perform. Join Caterpillar to learn how to bid smarter, install smoother and stand behind every standby power project you deliver. This upcoming ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine webinar, sponsored by Catepillar, will cover sizing, fuel selection, site planning, code compliance and the field details you need to know for what's next. Mark your calendar for August 6 at 2 p.m. ET!
Accepting Applications & Nominations for Innovation Institute
Who's your next innovation leader? NECA Innovation Institute candidates are future executives and construction visionaries, individuals well-positioned to move their companies forward. These candidates can come from any level within a firm. Selected nominees will learn and train together for one year, sharpening their ability to apply innovation techniques and problem-solving strategies through a hands-on Capstone Project.
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