The Wire Association International (WAI) will host its WAI Annual Meeting at Wire Expo 2026 on May 7. The event will recognize industry achievements while also exploring future-focused insights.
In addition to the annual meeting, attendees can learn more about the event at Wire Expo 2026.
WAI Annual Meeting Recognizes Industry Leaders
During the meeting, WAI will present four major industry awards:
- Mordica Memorial Award: Kiran Manchiraju, Southwire Company
- Donnellan Memorial Award: Jim York, WAI’s 2022 president
- President’s Award: Marco Gerardo, MFL Group
- Champion Award: John W. Mellowes, CEO of Charter Manufacturing
Each award highlights a unique contribution to the wire and cable industry. Specifically, they recognize advancements in technology, leadership, volunteer service, and overall industry impact.
Awards Reflect Industry Contributions
The Mordica Memorial Award honors innovation and technical advancement. Meanwhile, the Donnellan Memorial Award recognizes outstanding volunteer service to WAI.
In addition, the President’s Award reflects the current president’s selection, while the Champion Award represents recognition from WAI’s board of directors. Together, these honors showcase the range of contributions driving industry progress.
AI Keynote Explores Digital Transformation
The event will also feature a keynote presentation by Dr. John Sviokla, Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School.
Dr. Sviokla brings extensive experience in artificial intelligence and digital competition. He has advised senior executives on technology-driven transformation across industries.
At Wire Expo 2026, he will discuss how organizations are shifting from human-centered models to hybrid systems that combine human expertise with AI. He will also offer practical strategies for navigating this transition.
Meeting Combines Recognition and Insight
Although the meeting itself remains brief and procedural, it plays an important role in the event. It recognizes industry leadership while also addressing emerging trends.
By combining award presentations with forward-looking insights, the WAI Annual Meeting at Wire Expo 2026 continues to deliver value across both technical and strategic areas.
