IEC’s SPARK 2026 is almost here, and IEC’s Government Affairs team is gearing up for an exciting week in Columbus, Ohio.
Taking place October 21–24, this year’s SPARK Electrician’s Expo will feature a tailgate-themed IEC booth, an impressive lineup of speakers and educational sessions, networking opportunities, and a dedicated Advocacy Desk where members can learn more about IEC’s efforts to advance merit shop priorities in Washington, D.C., and across the country.
Whether you’re interested in getting more involved in grassroots advocacy, supporting IEC’s political and issue advocacy efforts, or learning what the upcoming elections could mean for the electrical contracting industry, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the IEC Government Affairs team throughout SPARK.
Stop by the Advocacy Desk and Support the Freedom Fund
IEC government affairs lobbyist Ben Brubeck, Principal and CEO of Government Affairs Solutions, will staff the Advocacy Desk outside the educational hall on the morning of Thursday, October 22, and the afternoon of Friday, October 23.
Stop by to learn more about IEC’s federal legislative and regulatory priorities, discuss opportunities for chapter and grassroots involvement, or get a preview of IEC’s 2027 Policy Conference, scheduled for May 17–19.
Attendees can also support IEC’s Freedom Fund and enter drawings for exciting prizes, including Home Depot gift cards, Apple electronics, and a U.S. flag flown over the United States Capitol.
The Freedom Fund supports IEC’s efforts to advance merit shop priorities through issue advocacy, grassroots engagement, voter education, and coalition activities. Your support helps ensure IEC has the resources to advocate effectively on behalf of our members and the electrical contracting industry.
Get Involved: Attend an IEC Committee Meeting
One of the valuable opportunities SPARK offers members is the chance to attend IEC’s committee meetings in person. These meetings are open to the general membership and provide an inside look at how IEC staff and volunteer leaders help shape the association’s priorities and initiatives.
Members interested in IEC’s advocacy efforts are encouraged to attend two meetings during SPARK:
PAC/Freedom Fund Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 21 | 4 p.m. ET
Tibor, Hilton
Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Saturday, October 24 | 10:45 a.m. ET
Pheoris West, Hilton
The PAC/Freedom Fund Committee helps guide IEC’s political fundraising and expenditures through two distinct advocacy resources:
- IEC Political Action Committee (PAC): Makes lawful contributions to federal candidates who champion merit shop principles and policies important to the electrical contracting industry.
- IEC Freedom Fund: Supports IEC’s broader issue advocacy, grassroots mobilization, voter education, and coalition efforts to advance merit shop priorities.
Interested in taking your involvement a step further? Applications to serve on an IEC committee in 2027 are still open.
No prior committee experience is necessary. IEC welcomes members willing to share their expertise, contribute their perspectives, and dedicate a little time each month to advancing the association’s mission.
Members can apply to join a committee before or during SPARK. Additional information about committee roles and responsibilities is available here.
Don’t Miss IEC’s Government Affairs Update and Election Preview
With the November 3 midterm elections just around the corner, SPARK provides a timely opportunity to learn more about the federal policy landscape and what could be ahead for merit shop electrical contractors.
Join IEC federal lobbyist Ben Brubeck for a comprehensive update on the federal legislative and regulatory issues impacting merit shop electrical contractors. The session will examine IEC’s advocacy efforts in 2026, key developments affecting workforce development, apprenticeship and labor policy, and the implications of the upcoming midterm elections. Attendees will also get a preview of IEC’s strategy for advancing merit shop priorities in the 119th Congress’s final months and positioning the association for success in the 120th Congress, regardless of which party controls the House or Senate.
Session Details
Friday, October 23 | 1–2 p.m. ET
Massey, Hilton
See You in Columbus
Not registered for SPARK yet? There’s still time. Individual and group registration is available through the SPARK 2026 registration portal.
On behalf of IEC Government Affairs, thank you to all the members and chapters who have supported our advocacy efforts throughout the year. Your engagement strengthens IEC’s voice in Washington and helps us protect and advance the merit shop philosophy.
We look forward to seeing you in Columbus. Be sure to stop by the Advocacy Desk, say hello, and learn how you can help make IEC’s advocacy efforts even stronger in 2027.