The Wire Association International (WAI) successfully hosted Wire Expo 2024 on June 11–12 at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The event attracted strong participation from across the wire and cable manufacturing industry.
Wire Expo 2024 Showcases Industry Engagement
Wire Expo 2024 welcomed 1,108 attendees from 38 U.S. states and 21 countries. Participants filled both the exhibit hall and conference sessions, demonstrating continued demand for in-person industry events.
The event returned to Mohegan Sun for the first time since 2016. In addition, WAI hosted its Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course on June 10, which drew 130 participants.
Exhibits and Conference Participation
The exhibition featured 168 companies showcasing products, equipment, and services. Conference sessions attracted representatives from 300 companies, creating strong opportunities for networking and business development.
Keynote Speakers Highlight Manufacturing Excellence
Two keynote speakers delivered presentations focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence:
- H.O. Woltz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Insteel Industries (https://www.insteel.com), presented “Success Based on Continuous Improvement and a Passion for Manufacturing.” He also received the 2024 WAI Champion Award.
- Paul Furtado, COO of Prysmian (https://www.prysmiangroup.com), presented “Elevating Operations: Paving the Way to Manufacturing Excellence.”
Industry Awards and Recognition
WAI presented top industry honors during the event:
- William Bigbee received the Mordica Memorial Award
- Jan Sørige received the Donnellan Memorial Award
- Raúl García Martínez received the President’s Award
Networking and Event Highlights
More than 400 attendees joined the Welcome Reception on the Sun Patio. The outdoor event featured refreshments, live music, and valuable networking opportunities.
WAI President Daniel Blais emphasized the importance of innovation and connection, noting that strong attendance reflected the industry’s commitment to collaboration and growth.
Event Sponsors and Industry Support
Wire Expo 2024 received support from leading industry sponsors, including:
- Elite sponsors: Encore Wire (https://www.encorewire.com), James Monroe Wire & Cable (https://www.jamesmonroewire.com), Prysmian, SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS (https://www.lafargacopperworks.com), Southwire (https://www.southwire.com), Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.
- Platinum sponsors: Carris Reels (https://www.carris.com), Gem Gravure (https://www.gemgravure.com), Insteel Industries
- Silver sponsors: Blachford (https://www.blachford.com), Niehoff Endex (https://www.niehoff-endex.com), RichardsApex (https://www.richardsapex.com), Sikora (https://www.sikora.net), Sonoco Reels & Spools (https://www.sonoco.com)
- Bronze sponsors: Baum’s Castorine (https://www.baumscastorine.com), Cable Components Group (https://www.cablecomponents.com), Fort Wayne Wire Die (https://www.fwwd.com), Gendon Polymer Services (https://www.gendon.com), Graham Engineering (https://www.grahamengineering.com), Precision Payoff Systems (https://www.prepay.com)
The Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association (WCISA) (https://www.wcisaonline.org) also supported the event as an industry partner.
Looking Ahead
WAI will host its next Operations Summit & Wire Expo in spring 2026, continuing its commitment to industry education and connection.
To learn more, visit https://www.wirenet.org.
