Commanding the Stage: David Returns as MC for NECA 2024
June 6, 2025David Meade returned as MC for NECA’s biggest-ever convention, blending insight, energy, and entertainment for 10,000+ attendees.
2024 NECA Convention
When 10,000 industry professionals descended on San Diego for the 2024 NECA Convention — the largest in the organisation’s history — one constant presence tied the experience together: David Meade. As the event’s professional MC for the seventh consecutive year, Meade was once again the steady hand. The energising voice, and the connective thread running through a packed programme of speakers, celebrations, and showstopping moments.
NECA, the National Electrical Contractors Association, represents the interests of electrical contractors across the United States and beyond. With a reputation for excellence in advocacy, education, and innovation, NECA is a cornerstone of the electrical construction industry. Its annual convention is the flagship event — part trade show, part leadership summit, part reunion of some of the sector’s most forward-thinking leaders.
The 2024 edition in San Diego was nothing short of monumental. Drawing thousands of attendees from across North America and further afield, the event featured a roster of high-profile keynote speakers, including sports legends, entertainment icons, and industry trailblazers. The atmosphere on stage was electric — and David Meade’s role was to make sure it stayed that way.
As professional MC and keynote speaker, Meade’s responsibilities extended far beyond introducing speakers. For months leading up to the event, he worked in close collaboration with NECA’s executive team to fully understand the challenges and opportunities facing electrical contractors in 2024. From labour shortages to technology integration, Meade immersed himself in the sector’s pulse — ensuring every on-stage moment felt timely, tailored, and tuned in.
“David doesn’t just show up and read a script,” one organiser noted. “He becomes part of the team. He learns our world and reflects it back to us in a way that feels energising and real.
More than a MC
A major part of his role was also behind the scenes — working with the keynote speakers themselves. Meade personally coached, prepped, and supported the lineup of celebrity guests to ensure their messages were not only relevant to the electrical contracting audience, but delivered with clarity and confidence.
One guest speaker remarked, “David made it so easy. His prep work and insight helped me tailor my message, and walk out on that stage. I felt like I had a partner in my corner.”
That deep involvement paid off. Whether opening the morning general sessions, hosting the annual awards ceremony, or interviewing international celebrities, Meade brought not only professionalism but personality. His energy was infectious, his timing razor-sharp, and his sense of connection with the audience — honed over seven years of partnership — was unmistakable.
“After this many years,” Meade said, “you start to feel like family. I know what matters to this audience. I know what makes them laugh, what inspires them, and what they need to hear to feel motivated to take on what’s next.”
From scripting seamless transitions to maintaining momentum across a multi-day agenda, Meade’s contribution helped ensure the San Diego convention ran like clockwork — and felt more like a high-end television production than a typical trade show.
As the lights dimmed on the final session, the feedback was clear. Delegates left feeling inspired, educated, and re-energised for the future. “” one audience member shared. “And David Meade played a huge part in that.”
What’s Next with NECA?
“I’m grateful every year to be invited back,”
Looking ahead, Meade is already gearing up for NECA Now — the organisation’s executive leadership conference scheduled for April. And with plans well underway for the 2025 Convention in Chicago, the longstanding partnership between NECA and David Meade shows no sign of slowing down.
“I’m grateful every year to be invited back,” Meade said. “It’s a privilege to support an organisation that’s moving an entire industry forward — and I can’t wait to see what we create together next.”
Book David Meade
If you’re looking for a Host & MC for your next event, get in touch with David’s team today.