Get ready. We’re headed to Columbus, Ohio, October 21–24, 2026.
Need assistance? Reach us at IECSPARK@showcare.com.
SPARK is IEC’s premier event for electrical contractors and industry professionals who want to grow their businesses, strengthen their teams, and stay ahead of where the electrical industry is headed.
Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
SPARK is the go-to event for electrical and systems contractors, business owners, chapter leaders, and industry pros. Showcase the latest tools and technology, share practical tips in hands-on sessions, and connect with people who need your solutions.
SPARK 2025 had it all — informative sessions, new products on display, the Apprentice of the Year competition, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other contractors and leaders. Watch the video recaps and see why everyone’s talking about it.
Preliminary schedule — full agenda and session details coming soon.
• Project Management Program – starts 10/19
• Foreman Training Program – starts 10/20
• Safety Summit Pre-Conference
• IEC Foundation Board Meeting
• Committee & Task Force Meetings
• Orientation
• Ladder Diagram Contest
• Written Exam
• Registration Opens
• First-Time Attendee Breakfast
• Educational Sessions Begin
Archie Griffin
Expo Tailgate Party
• Educational Sessions Continue
• Expo Hall Open
• Future Electrician Showcase
• Regional Caucus Meetings
• Emerging Leaders Presentation Breakfast
• The Great Idea Swap
• Committee Meetings
• IEC Board of Directors Meeting
Explore expert-led sessions designed to equip you with practical strategies, industry insights, and actionable takeaways that help your business grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving electrical landscape.
CEU Credits are available for select sessions.
Strategic insights and leadership skills to scale your electrical contracting business.
Stay ahead with the latest tools, smart systems, and industry innovations.
Best practices for job site efficiency, risk management, and team protection.
Stay ahead with the latest tools, smart systems, and industry innovations.
SPARK 2026 brings together electrical industry professionals to connect, learn, and grow through meaningful networking and education opportunities.
Connect with contractors, exhibitors, and industry leaders in the Expo Hall and at the SPARK Tailgate Happy Hour filled with activations, conversations, food, and drinks.
From education sessions and hallway conversations to receptions and fireside chats, SPARK is designed to keep attendees connecting throughout the entire event experience.
Celebrate the industry at the IEC National Awards Celebration, hear fresh workforce development ideas from Women in Power and Emerging Leaders, and exchange real-world solutions at The Great Idea Swap.
Watch the industry’s top apprentices compete in a high-skill, timed challenge that showcases technical excellence, precision, and future leadership. This competition celebrates the next generation of electrical professionals and their dedication to the craft.
One rigorous challenge that tests their electrical knowledge, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Witness top apprentices from IEC chapters across the country at work.
Winners recognized at the IEC National Awards ceremony.
Ahead of the full conference, participate in the Safety Summit Pre-Conference and the Fundamentals of Project Management Program and Foreman Training Program.
In-depth discussions, practical strategies, and expert insights to help organizations strengthen their safety culture and stay ahead of evolving industry standards.
Participants work collaboratively, solve problems as teams, and practice leadership behaviors in live environments that mirror the realities of the electrical construction industry.
A program to teach journeymen and new foremen how to effectively manage crews, communicate, plan, collaborate, lead from the front, and provide role clarity.
Early bird pricing available through July 20, 2026. Additional offerings available during registration.
Complete access to everything SPARK 2026 has to offer
Early Bird Pricing Available
Want to know more about SPARK 2026 or need assistance? Send us an email, and a member of our team will reach out.
The Ohio State University
Born at University Hospital nearly in the shadow of Ohio Stadium, Archie Griffin has been a Buckeye his whole life.
After serving for 11 years as president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Griffin stepped back in 2015 to a consultant role as senior advisor in the Office of Advancement at Ohio State. During his tenure leading the OSUAA, Griffin led an expanded effort to embrace young alumni and began initiatives focusing on career assistance and establishing an Office of Volunteer Relations.
Known to the world as the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy, Griffin is also one of a select group of Buckeyes to be named a three-time All American during his playing days from 1972-1975. A member of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame and current board of directors, Griffin is a member of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, and was named the All-Century Player by the Tournament of Roses Association during the centennial celebration of the Rose Bowl in 2014. Griffin is one of two players in NCAA history to start in four Rose Bowls.
Following his storied career at Ohio State, Griffin graduated from Ohio State in 1976 with a degree in industrial relations. He was a first-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as co-captain and played for seven seasons. He returned to Ohio State in 1984, and rose to become associate director of athletics for sports before taking the leadership position at the Ohio State University Alumni Association.
Playing under the legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, Griffin learned the life lesson of paying forward in life, devoting countless hours to philanthropic causes. At Ohio State, Griffin created the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund, which benefits Ohio State’s Olympic sports programs. In the central Ohio community, The Archie and Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund helps develop sports, educational, and travel programs for youth as they inspire the next generation to dream big. Griffin has three children: Anthony, Andre, and Adam as well as three grandchildren. Archie and his spouse, Bonita, split their time between a home in Westerville, Ohio and another home in Florida.
Locally, Griffin has been inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association Circle of Champions, which recognizes former high school student athletes who have demonstrated outstanding character and accomplishments on and off the field. He was inducted to the National Federation of State High School Association Hall of Fame in 1996. He was also honored in May 2015 to be the commencement speaker during spring graduation ceremonies at Ohio State. Archie was recently selected as the No. 4 all-time player in college football history by ESPN.
Legendary Ohio State football coach Wayne Woodrow Hayes famously said of Archie Griffin, “He’s a better young man than he is a football player, and he’s the best football player I’ve ever seen.”
A sought-after speaker and humanitarian, Griffin serves on many boards and foundations. He is a former Director of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Mr. Griffin serves as a Director of Encova Insurance Company, Member of the board of directors for The Columbus Youth Foundation, and a member of the Board of Directors for AAA Club Alliance.
