By all indications, Wire Expo 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is on track to matchโand potentially surpassโthe strong results of the 2024 event held at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. With strong advance interest from exhibitors and attendees, the event is shaping up as a must-attend gathering for wire and cable manufacturers, suppliers, and technology providers.
While the educational program remains a central focus, Wire Expo continues to reinforce its reputation as the industryโs premier networking and business development venue. The combination of exhibits, technical sessions, and face-to-face interaction positions the show as the โgo-toโ meeting place for the wire and cable supply chain.
Strong exhibitor participation and early demand
โWeโre going to have approximately 200 companies represented in more than 160 booths,โ said Shannon Timme, director of sales at The Wire Association International (WAI). She added that roughly 10% of exhibitors will be first-time participants, highlighting continued growth and new interest across the industry.
โAt this time, we have about 50 booths left to fill, and thatโs being done on a first-come, first-served basis,โ Timme said. โIf a company wants to be there, itโs time to act.โ
Baird Center enables co-located industry experience
Timme also pointed to the Baird Center in Milwaukee as a major advantage for the 2026 event. The modern venue enables co-location with the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE), allowing both events to run side by side under one roof.
The co-located format creates a unified, one-stop experience for attendees, combining complementary exhibits and technical sessions across the wire, cable, and wire processing sectors.
Shared schedule and networking highlight
Wire Expo and EWPTE will share the same exhibit and conference schedule:
- Wednesday, May 6: 9:00 a.m. โ 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 7: 9:00 a.m. โ 3:00 p.m.
Day one will conclude with the Wire Expo Opening Reception, scheduled for Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the 4th Floor Ballroom Terrace. The reception will offer refreshments, informal networking, and panoramic views of the Milwaukee skyline, providing an ideal setting for meaningful industry connections.
With strong early momentum, a high-quality venue, and a growing exhibitor base, Wire Expo 2026 is positioning itself as a standout event on the wire and cable industry calendar.
Visit the Wire Expo 2026 website to learn more.
