IBEW delegates from across North America traveled to Chicago for the 40th International Convention, which was delayed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking place every five years, this assembly of leaders from across the IBEW fulfills the mandate in our Constitution to choose our leaders, set and confirm our policies, and renew the values at the heart of our union.
The IBEW’s daily newsletters reported each day’s events and important information. In the days leading up to the Convention, union brothers and sisters participated in the IBEW Day of Service and RENEW/NextGen Caucus on May 5, the Women's Caucus and Government Affairs Caucus on May 6, and the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) on May 7. The Convention was underway May 9-13. The week’s highlights included: the keynote address by President Joe Biden, the first time the IBEW International Convention hosted a sitting president; the re-election of International President Lonnie R. Stephenson, International Secretary-Treasurer Kenneth Cooper, and International Executive Council Chairman and Business Manager Christopher Erikson; and the historic election of 4th District International Vice President Gina Cooper, the first woman ever elected an international officer in the IBEW.
On the closing day, International President Stephenson announced that the 41st IBEW International Convention will be hosted in San Diego, California in 2026.
