NEWS
ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS Momentum building for Wire Expo 2026 in Milwaukee debut By all indications, Wire Expo 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will carry on—and likely surpass—the very satisfying results of the 2024 event at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The following pages look at the educational focus of the event, but in terms of being the “go to” place for suppliers and manufacturers to meet, the elements are all in place for a vibrant experience, and advance interest has been strong. “We’re going to have approximately 200 companies represented in more than 160 booths,” predicted Shannon Timme, WAI director of sales. She noted that some 10% of exhibitors will be brand new. “At this time, we have about 50 booths left to fill, and that’s being done on a first-come, first-served basis, so if a company wants to be there, it’s time to act.” Timme also pointed to the Baird Center in Milwaukee as a major draw, especially because it makes co-location possible. Wire Expo and the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) will run side by side, creating a one-stop, unified experience under-one-roof. Conference sessions and exhibits will share the same timing:
WAI’s John Markowski discusses Association advances at the WAI Theater at Interwire 2025. Wire Expo 2026 educational programs will all be held at the same show floor location. Wednesday, May 6, from 9 am to 5 pm, and Thursday, May 7, from 9 am to 3 pm. Day 1 will be capped off with the Opening Reception (6:30–8:30 pm, 4th Floor Ballroom Terrace) featuring refreshments, connections that matter, and a view of the Milwaukee skyline.
Education at the core: Wire Expo 2026 accelerates progress Wire, innovation and industry connect One constant remains as the wire and cable industry continues to navigate rapid technological change, evolving customer demand and an increasingly complex manufacturing landscape: progress depends on people who are well-trained, well-informed, and connected to one another. That belief is embodied in the content that will be presented at Wire Expo 2026 when it is hosted at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 6-7, with pre-conference education on May 5, and an expanded, integrated approach to learning. Organized by the Wire Association International (WAI), the Wire Expo Operations Summit & Exhibits
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has long served as a meeting point for wire and cable manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, plant managers, R&D professionals and industry executives. The scope of the educational programming for 2026 has been intentionally designed to meet attendees where they are. That means it is relevant for people who are new to the industry as well as for those managing complex operations or preparing their organizations for the next phase of digital transformation. With the theme “Accelerating Progress Together,” Wire Expo 2026 reinforces the idea that learning is not a standalone activity, but a shared endeavor that strengthens individual careers, company performance, and the industry as a whole. W W W. W I R E N E T. O R G