MADISON, Connecticut, USA – June 14, 2024 – The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. reports another successful staging of its Wire Expo trade event on June 11-12, 2024, at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA.

1108 participants from 38 states and 21 countries filled the exhibit hall and conference rooms for this much-anticipated occasion. The biennial event was last staged at the Mohegan Sun in 2016.

WAI’s popular Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course on June 10 preceded the activities with 130 participants.

The exhibit included a full complement of products and supplies from 168 participating companies. Conference attendees represented 300 discrete companies.

Describing the event WAI 2024 President Daniel Blais said “What a great turnout at this year’s Wire Expo. We held the annual clock winding ceremony outside of the WAI headquarters for the first time. Breaking with tradition reminds us that our industry is in constant evolution and that we should never be afraid to try something different. The increased attendance and energy this week show how important it is for our members to stay connected and learn firsthand what is happening within our industry. A truly great week!”

Added highlights:

Keynote Speakers
This year’s keynote speakers shared their perspectives on improvement and manufacturing excellence, both to a full audience.

On Tuesday, June 11, H.O. Woltz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Insteel Industries presented his keynote address “Success based on committing to continuous improvement and a passion for manufacturing.” On that same day he accepted the 2024 WAI Champion Award, an honor given to an individual from the wire industry in recognition of being a strong supporter of The Wire Association International and the wire industry.

Paul Furtado, COO, Prysmian presented his keynote address on Wednesday, June 12, titled: “Elevating operations: Paving the way to manufacturing excellence.”

Top Honors
WAI presented its highest honors on Wednesday to award recipients: William Bigbee – Mordica Memorial Award; Jan Sørige - Donnellan Memorial Award; Raúl García Martínez - President’s Award. 

Welcome Reception
This year more than 400 attendees gathered outside for WAI’s Welcome Reception on the Sun Patio to network and relax with refreshments and live music.

WAI had the generous support of the following sponsors:
Elite: Encore Wire; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp., Lloyd & Bouvier Inc.; Prysmian; SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS; Southwire Co.; and Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp; Platinum: Carris Reels Inc.; Gem Gravure Co. Inc.; and Insteel Industries Inc. Silver: Blachford; Niehoff Endex; RichardsApex Inc.; Sikora International Corp.; and Sonoco Reels & Spools Bronze: Baum’s Castorine; Cable Components Group; Fort Wayne Wire Die; Gendon Polymer Services Inc., Graham Engineering; and Precision Payoff Systems.

The Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association (WCISA) is an industry partner with WAI.

WAI’s Operations Summit & Wire Expo will be held in the spring of 2026.

About the Organizer:
WAI, founded in 1930, is a not-for-profit association with 1,800 individual members in 50 countries. The association serves the educational needs of the wire and cable manufacturing industry through a variety of products and services. WAI manages the Interwire Trade Exhibition and the WAI Operations Summit & Wire Expo and publishes the Wire Journal International and the Wire Journal International Reference Guide.