Event Highlights

WAI is proud to once again hold a live event where exhibitors can share their technology and solutions as well as the traditional elements, while the 2022 Operations Summit will address how best to maneuver during this uniquely demanding period. At Dallas, attendees can again hold irreplaceable face-to-face discussions, and make new connections.

The backdrop is good. More live trade show events are being held, and WAI has been focused on making the Dallas event a robust one. We look forward to seeing you there. Indeed, the time is right to be an active participant. The WAI will also be at wire Düsseldorf in June and Springworld in October.

Brian Schulties, chief procurement officer, Prysmian Group, North America

Brian Schulties will share his insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the wire and cable industry supply chain in this era of tight supplies. See p. 18.

The industry thrives on technology, and more than a hundred tabletops have been taken by suppliers ready to discuss their latest solutions. If you have a project or want to consider alternatives, this is the place to flush out possibilities.

Encore Wire Vice President of Sales Kevin Heffernan will share how the company’s vision and commitment to partnership at the expense of shortterm gains allowed it to flourish during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. See p. 30.

Ty Garrison, senior vice president of operations, Commercial Metals Co.

Ty Garrison will discuss how to maintain a business during uncertain times, when manufacturing challenges can be both multiple and complex. See p. 18.

This year’s winner is Anand Bhagwat, manager, quality and technology, at Minova USA, Inc. The award honors an individual for his or her technical contributions to the wire and cable industry. See p. 22.

This year’s winner is Richard Wagner, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Insteel Industries. The award honors an individual for providing exemplary service to the WAI. See p. 23.

This year’s winner is Joe Downes, a long-time Leggett & Platt sales executive who retired in 2015. The individual is chosen by the current president of the Wire Association International. See p. 24.

How should companies approach their workforce strategy? The below executives will discuss their view on the crucial subject of staffing during continued challenging times at 11:30 am on Wednesday, June 8.

Kurt Breischaft president, SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS

VP, human resources Insteel Industries

director technology & development, Viakable

Robert McKinzie VP, quality, CI/Lean, EH&S, Legget & Platt

WAI receptions have always offered an ideal setting to informally meet colleagues, acquaintances and customers or suppliers. This year the reception will be held at the Monduel’s Atrium, located inside the Dallas Hyatt Regency, making it even simpler to attend. There will be no lack of topics to discuss, and with the long gap since the last such staging,this will make the 2022 venue that much more memorable. See p. 16.

Attendees can hear two employment specialists—Chuck McLendon, director of recruiting, Southwire Co. (p. 30), and Pati Kelly, executive recruiter, Egret Consulting Group (p. 34)—share their perspective on recruiting and retaining staff. Also, do attend the above-cited Panel Discussion.

CRU International’s Michael Finch, head of wire and cable, will present a global rundown of key developments and the outlook for the wire and cable industry, including demand, Covid and major risks and opportunities. See p. 34.

Tour participants will be able to experience first-hand one of the greatest success stories in the wire and cable industry. Encore Wire started out in 1989 as a 68,000-sq-ft warehouse building in McKinney, Texas. Today, its multiple plants collectively account for approximately three million sq. ft. See p. 20.