SIELA symposium is the oldest scientific event in Bulgaria in the area of electrical engineering. It started in 1971 as a symposium on low-voltage electrical apparatus. Later its range has been widened and now it includes several areas, covering practically all aspects of application of the electricity. It is now an event where specialists from the academia and from many firms get together.
Until 1995 the symposium was held every three years and after 1995 – every two years.
The symposium was traditionally held in Plovdiv until 2007. Since 2009, it has been held in Bourgas. Traditional time for the symposium is the end of May- beginning of June.
The typical number of participants is about 120-140, usually representing 15-20 countries.

There are several types of presentations in the symposium:
    - plenary session where presentations of the main companies that are sponsors of the symposium are given;
    - invited papers by keynote speakers who are distinguished specialists from all over the world;
    - paper presentations organized in oral and poster sessions;
    - panel discussion on a topic important for the country.

During the symposium exhibition is organized.
The main organizer of the symposium is the Union of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications (CEEC), together with IEEE Bulgaria Section and the support of Bulgarian technical universities and some regional organizations of the Scientific and Technical Unions in Bulgaria.
The Programme Committee of the Symposium is international and consists of renowned scientists.
Typically, main companies in the area support the symposium – about 10-15 companies.

This year’s edition – SIELA 2020 – is the 21st one.