Electric Expo 2024 … People, Product, Projects

Recently I attended the Electrical Association of Philadelphia’s Electric Expo, which is held every two years. This year’s show attracted over 2200 people to view over 200 manufacturer booths. This year, unlike Electric Expo 2022, there were also a number of lighting manufacturers in attendance, some HVAC manufacturers, three of the four major switchgear manufacturers, and a number of manufacturers who were unfamiliar as they sell direct to either distributors or, in some cases, contractors. This year’s show also attracted a number of HVAC contractors, in some cases reflecting the dual-trade contractor model that Ferguson is pursuing.

• While I wandered the aisles, reconnecting with many regional managers (and some national people) from manufacturers, distributors and reps from the market, some things I noticed:
• As mentioned, lighting companies were in attendance, many there due to a few lighting agents and others with their “supply” manufacturer reps. Acuity had three booths (so, 30’) whereas Current and Cooper each only had 10’. Mostly it was contractor-oriented lines.
• A few manufacturers had traveling vehicle exhibits including Atkore, Eaton, Schneider Electric, LedVance, ABB. ELA + Synergy, a rep, had a new Sprinter painted in their bright colors.
• Schneider Electric, Eaton (Gear), and ABB was present.
• The tone was upbeat. The show was very busy day one. Feedback from exhibitors was positive with one regional manager commenting “Where else could I go and see 50-60 contractors interested in my product in one day.” It was that busy.
• Each exhibiting distributor – American Power Electric Supply, Billows / Cooper, Colonial Electric, Manna Supply, and Yale Electric had top of aisle booths (called hospitality suites) to promote “why them” with the enticement being beverages (including beer) and food.) Each was busy and all were congenial, allowing their non-exhibiting competitors to partake (and at least one competitor, from a national chain, asked EAP “how do I exhibit” and essentially the response was “we just need to know who to contact and receive a timely response.”
• Lots of product being shown. I stopped at a number of booths and noticed that manufacturers were featuring their core offerings, some items that made them “unique” (in their opinion) but few new products
• EAP has a unique layout. Rather than aisles going up and down, the entrance essentially forces attendees to meander, almost like a maze, through the exhibit hall. To get to the end you must walk by every booth. For those manufacturers who know how to work a show and “pull” someone into their booth it is very effective. And then there are others …
• Manufacturers were grouped by their rep agency, enabling agency personnel to team with manufacturer personnel to man booths. The rep knows the contractors, the manufacturer can add additional insights regarding the product. I overheard specific projects being discussed. The other benefit of the reps being involved … follow-up! Every manufacturer who exhibited should expect a list of follow-up activities from their rep and manufacturer marketing departments should be able to get follow-up lists and should send a direct marketing communication (NOT SOLELY AN EMAIL) to generate some remembrance.
• PECO, the local utility, was also a sponsor
• After the first day, a number of reps took manufacturers out for dinner as an expression of their appreciation for their support. Reportedly at least one distributor entertained a group of contractors.

EAP shared a press release overviewing the Expo.

Electric Expo 2024: A Thriving Hub of Innovation and Networking!

Electric Expo 2024, held at the bustling hub of King of Prussia, PA, brought together over 2,200 electrical industry professionals eager to explore the latest innovations and technology. Sponsored by PECO, the two-day event highlighted cutting-edge products from over 200 exhibitors, featuring power systems, EV chargers, HVAC equipment, lighting solutions, essential wiring, tools, accessories, and more.

This year’s Expo was a huge success for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees alike. With unseasonably warm fall weather, the event’s atmosphere felt more like a sunny summer gathering, creating a vibrant setting for networking and exploration. Eight sponsored buses, provided by Colonial Electric Supply, Cooper/Billows Electric Supply, and Yale Electric Supply, helped over 200 attendees make it to the event, ensuring access for industry professionals across the region.

Hospitality suite sponsors—American Power Electric Supply, Colonial Electric Supply, Cooper/Billows Electric, Manna Supply, and Yale Electric Supply—kept the event lively, offering top-notch networking spaces, with open bars and food aplenty, facilitating connections and conversations among industry experts.

An impressive 95% of attendees reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the Expo, a reflection of the exceptional offerings and vibrant environment fostered by exhibitors and sponsors. Seven trade schools also attended, bringing students, the industry’s future, face-to-face with the latest technologies and trends.

As a highlight, we were thrilled to announce Anthony Muhammed of A.M. Electric as the Expo Grand Prize winner. Anthony and a guest will head to Tampa, Florida, for a week of sun, relaxation, and Phillies Spring Training. Congratulations, Anthony!

Electric Expo 2024 demonstrated the thriving energy of the industry, providing invaluable opportunities for connection, innovation, and growth. We look forward to seeing what our next Expo will bring, returning in October of 2026!

EAP had a show photographer. If you would like to experience the show, or see if you, or your company, was captured in our images click here Images of Expo 24

Questions? Contact Sarah Hagy, Executive Director & CEO: sarah@eap.org or (610) 825-1600 x3.

Electric Expo is hosted and produced by the Electrical Association of Philadelphia; a nonprofit trade association based in the Philadelphia region. The Expo has taken place in some form or fashion for well over 75 years, keeping the region’s electrical industry “plugged in.”  Learn more at www.eap.org.

Take Aways

In an era where manufacturer rep / lighting agent shows have proliferated in seemingly every market, Electric Expo 2024 brought electrical supplies, and more, together in the Philadelphia market, to the benefit of contractors, and the industry.

In speaking with manufacturers, localized shows enable them to cost-effectively meet with many contractors. Since COVID, it has been more difficult for the face-to-face interaction to occur for manufacturers. Contractors, engineers, and others are less inclined to “visit for the sake of visiting.” All are short-staffed and don’t have time hence have a “WIIFM” view. These types of shows enable attendees to achieve much in a limited time, and then decide where / who to spend more time with.

Overall, lots to see, lots to talk to. If you were a contractor who took 3-5 hours to attend (the show was 2 afternoons), it was worthwhile. For manufacturers and reps, time and money well spent.

If you are a manufacturer and your company was absent and you want to make sure you attend in 2026, contact Sarah Hagy to get put on the list.