The leadup to the first day of the convention was filled with food, fun and reconnecting with IBEW friends and family in the beautiful city of Chicago. Delegates and guests served the Chicago community on Thursday before settling in for caucuses and meaningful discussions about the future of the greatest union in the world.

The IBEW convention opened with pomp and spectacle before getting down to the serious business of electing international officers and reporting on the state of the union. Read more about it in Tuesday’s Convention Highlights.

Day 2 of the IBEW’s 40th International Convention was a homecoming for AFL-CIO President and Portland, Ore., Local 125 member Liz Shuler, who challenged delegates and guests to think outside the box to grow the labor movement. Convention business also got underway with numerous amendments and resolutions debated. Read more in today’s Convention Highlights.

President Joe Biden made a historic visit to the IBEW’s 40th International Convention on Wednesday, the first time in the brotherhood’s 131-year history that a sitting president spoke to convention delegates. Read more about his visit and Day 3’s other speakers and business in today’s Convention Highlights.

On Thursday, delegates heard from labor leaders, newly elected IBEW officers and completed much of the business of the Convention. In a historic moment, Fourth District Vice President Gina Cooper became the first woman elected to IBEW International office.

The IBEW’s 40th International Convention wrapped up on Friday, May 13, with a call to action for delegates and guests: “Keep organizing! Keep fighting! Keep the faith,” International President Lonnie Stephenson implored. “And don’t stop until every working person seeking a better life knows these for letters: I. B. E. W.”