IWCS reports successful cable and connectivity forum
IWCS welcomed attendees to the 73rd annual Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum in Providence, Rhode Island, in October 2024. The past three events have taken place in person
, following virtual events in 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Attendees and event organizers reported that the 2024 event was the first time the atmosphere and program felt truly back to normal since the pandemic, with strong quantity and quality of presentations and an energetic exhibition hall.
Overall, the 2024 IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum was one of the most dynamic and intriguing conferences we have ever produced,
said David Kiddoo, IWCS CEO/director. The content of the papers and presentations in the 14 technical sessions were described as high caliber
, and two in-depth supplemental breakout programs highlighted the energy transition and advancements in sustainability and recycling. These sessions were created to provide further context and expert commentary for each of the detailed innovations presented during the technical sessions.
The total number of attendees increased, representing an international audience from 24 countries. With a high amount of turnover and retirement in the wire and cable industry, IWCS is targeting a broader range of attendees, including academics and professionals who are early in their career — 35 percent of attendees were new to the event in 2024, as were 12 companies participating in the supplier exhibition.
IWCS marketing manager Becky Dippel commented on these growing numbers: It is evident IWCS is gaining traction and is appealing to a wider demographic.
In recent years, IWCS has reported an increase in young professionals, women, and attendees and exhibitors from new industry sectors and international regions.
Increased overseas participation was also evident at the 2024 event, owing to reduced travel restrictions as the world continues to rebound from the pandemic. Attendees from Japan traveled nearly 7,000 miles to attend.
However, Thomas Knychalski traveled less than a mile to present a technical study in the codes and standards session. The first-time presenter at the IWCS forum commented on his short commute, I would absolutely travel further for this event in the future. It was a great trade show and I enjoyed watching the other presentations and learned a lot.
IWCS hosted students from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware to experience expert instruction during the courses and enjoy the technical symposium and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Multiple academic researchers contributed technical papers to the event.
The next IWCS Forum will take place October 27-30, 2025, at the David L Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.