A major format shift is coming to Wire Expo 2026: the entire 2026 conference program will take place directly on the exhibit floor inside the WAI Theater, creating a fully integrated experience that connects education with real-world technologies, equipment, and services.
Education meets application on the show floor
By relocating all sessions to the exhibit hall, The Wire Association International (WAI) is removing traditional barriers between learning and application. Attendees will move seamlessly between conference presentations and exhibitor booths, reinforcing the practical relevance of each topic discussed.
The new format encourages immediate engagement. Attendees can hear an idea during a session, see related technologies on the floor, and continue the conversation directly with suppliers and technical experts—without leaving the exhibit space.
“This format reflects how people actually learn at events,” said John Markowski, WAI’s Manager of Education. “You hear an idea, you see a solution on the floor, and you can have a conversation immediately. That integration is powerful.”
Simplified registration expands access
To support the integrated conference model, WAI has streamlined registration for Wire Expo 2026. The base registration option—Full Show Floor Access—now includes both conference sessions and access to the exhibit floor.
Advance registration rates are set at $125 for existing and joining WAI members and $225 for non-members. Advance pricing is available through April 24, 2026. On-site registration will also be offered for conference sessions and exhibits, although educational add-on programs must be selected in advance.
Designed for how professionals learn today
By bringing education directly to the exhibit floor, Wire Expo 2026 aligns learning with discovery, conversation, and hands-on exposure. The approach reflects how wire and cable professionals evaluate solutions, solve problems, and make purchasing and operational decisions in real manufacturing environments.
Additional details and updates on the event program, registration, and exhibitors are available at wireexpo26.com.