For many attendees, education at Wire Expo 2026 begins even before the exhibit floor opens with The Wire Association International’s Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course, a full-day pre-conference program that consistently ranks among WAI’s most popular training offerings.
A practical foundation for wire and cable professionals
Designed as both an introduction and a refresher, the Fundamentals course delivers a concentrated, practical overview of the core processes, terminology, and problem-solving principles that define wire and cable manufacturing. The program provides particular value for new hires, early-career engineers, sales and technical service teams, and operations personnel who benefit from understanding how individual processes connect across the full manufacturing lifecycle.
“This course is about giving people confidence,” said John Markowski, WAI’s Manager of Education. “When attendees leave the Fundamentals program, they have a clearer picture of how wire is made, why certain challenges occur, and how different departments and disciplines fit together inside a manufacturing operation.”
Core concepts and focused breakout tracks
The course begins with general sessions that establish a shared technical baseline. Topics include wire drawing, dies and lubrication, wire breaks, surface damage, and structured approaches to troubleshooting and process improvement.
After lunch, participants move into targeted breakout tracks aligned with their primary areas of interest:
- Ferrous Track: Introduction to ferrous metallurgy, cleaning and coating processes, property testing, and heat treatment
- Nonferrous Track: Stranding and cabling, extrusion, electrical testing, and marking and printing
This structure allows attendees to combine broad manufacturing context with deeper, application-specific learning.
Industry-led instruction and lasting resources
Experienced industry professionals lead all instruction, drawing on years of hands-on experience across wire production, equipment supply, and technical services. Participants receive digital course materials that remain accessible before, during, and after the event, enabling continued reference and reinforcement long after the course concludes.
The Fundamentals course runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and includes a continental breakfast, coffee breaks, lunch, and a closing social hour. The informal end-of-day gathering encourages open discussion and peer-to-peer learning among attendees and instructors.
Registration details
The Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course is available as an add-on to Wire Expo registration and must be selected during the initial registration process. Advance pricing is $275 for existing and joining WAI members and $345 for non-members. Advance registration closes April 24, 2026.
By offering structured, hands-on education ahead of the main conference, WAI continues to position Wire Expo 2026 as a comprehensive learning experience that supports both individual growth and operational excellence across the wire and cable industry.
To register now for Wire Expo 2026, please visit the Wire Expo 2026 website.