BICSI 2025 Winter Conference

From pre-conference master classes to cutting-edge technology exhibits, the 2025 BICSI Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida, was packed with valuable insights for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals. It was an event Steve Rinkewich, CNC’s RCDD Certified Project Executive, was eager to attend — a welcoming break from the New York snow. Steve had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and bring back key takeaways for his team. The main highlights he shared upon returning to the office were: expansion of electrical codes , workforce shortages across different regions – an action plan, and the innovative Lonestar Lunar mission.

Electrical Code Expansion

The expansion of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is having a significant impact on the low voltage industry, particularly when it comes to data centers. Steve participated in a masterclass led by Leo Marsh, RCDD Certified Project Engineer at Jacobs, which focused on emerging changes in the NEC. This session covered a range of topics, including PoE (Power over Ethernet) standards, grounding, and clearances, along with fire alarm and communications systems under NFPA 72 & 75. A key takeaway for Low Voltage designers was investing in the expansion of the newer 2023 National Electrical Code and the future trend of Quantum Computing, both often overlooked and underutilized in the industry.

Attracting Talent (Based on location)

Workforce shortages are a growing concern in the electrical telecommunications industry, especially with the demand for qualified electricians outpacing supply due to large-scale projects. A key issue discussed at a recent conference was the difficulty in attracting young talent, particularly in relation to regional wages and cost of living. In areas like Washington, DC, and New York's Capital Region, the shortage is especially pronounced. In the Capital Region, for instance, only one new worker enters the trade for every 10 retirees, despite competitive wages and benefits for union electricians. Washington, DC, faces similar challenges with its own mega projects, though wages are slightly higher reflecting cost of living difference. Overall, the aging workforce and slow influx of new workers are exacerbating the labor gap, a trend observed nationwide.

So what is the action plan? The consensus across regions is clear: invest in workforce development early to strengthen and expand telecommunications capabilities. Steve shared his involvement with organizations like NCTWC, BOCES, and HVCC, which aim to expose young people to the trades. Many companies are increasing apprenticeships and internships, providing hands-on experience to help bridge the skills gap and make it easier for new workers to enter the industry. Telecom and electrical companies are also partnering with community colleges, technical schools, and universities to create tailored programs that teach the technical skills needed. In addition, industry bodies and companies are using social media, career fairs, and trade shows to promote the benefits of these careers, emphasizing long-term, stable employment and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. At Martin Electric, we take a proactive approach to workforce development, encouraging both our medium voltage and telecommunications divisions to lead the charge rather than waiting for outside organizations. Specifically, Steve and the telecommunications division, Control Network, actively collaborate with schools to introduce students to the world of telecommunications.

Lonestar Lunar

In one of the more exciting presentations of the conference, Steve had the chance to hear from Lonestar Data Holdings. Their keynote speech revealed an ambitious and innovative venture plan: their Disaster Recovery mission to the moon. Yes, you read that correctly — operational data centers on the moon! Lonestar’s CEO discussed how the company is looking to reduce operational expenses while generating new revenue streams for their terrestrial partners by delivering Resiliency as a Service (RaaS) to a space market segment. The possibilities for using space technology to address global data challenges were fascinating, and although it’s unclear whether CNC’s Local Union will approve work on the moon anytime soon, the notion of space-based data centers signals a whole new frontier for innovation in the ICT space.

As Steve’s experience at the 2025 BICSI Winter Conference shows, there is no shortage of relevant and timely discussions happening in the ICT industry. From the expansion of electrical codes and the growing demand for skilled labor to groundbreaking innovations like Lonestar Lunar, this year’s event underscored the critical importance of staying connected, informed, and ahead of the curve. For professionals like Steve, attending conferences like BICSI is more than just a chance to learn—it’s an opportunity to build valuable relationships and stay at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry.

Learn more about the 2025 BICSI Winter Conference that Steve attended, here: 2025 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition