In an effort to supplement the Technical Symposium — which is the cornerstone of the 73-year strong annual IWCS conference — topical panel discussions were recently introduced into the IWCS Forum. These unique sessions promote the exchange of information related to high-level industry innovation and trends. We are pleased to announce the 2025 IWCS Forum will be enhanced by multiple special trend sessions featuring influential industry leaders, which will include a question-and-answer period that allows the audience to engage with the panelists and presenters.
Monday, October 27, 2025
During this special session on Monday afternoon, experts will share real-world examples of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in action, highlighting how these transformative technologies are already driving meaningful impact within the cable and connectivity industry. From accelerating research and innovation to enhancing efficiency, optimizing design and processes, improving forecasting, and enabling groundbreaking discoveries, AI and ML are reshaping processes and problem-solving approaches.
While the potential benefits are vast, we will also address common challenges, including high energy demands, infrastructure requirements, evolving regulations, and shifting societal perceptions. Attend this session to experience valuable insights into how AI and ML are already influencing our work and world today—and what the future offers.
Session Moderator: Dr. Bianca Hydutsky, Global Technology Director – Advanced Performance Materials, The Chemours Company
Bianca joined DuPont in 2008, after receiving her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Pennsylvania State University and B.S. in Chemistry from Millersville University. In her time with DuPont and Chemours she held business productivity and quality roles while leading global technology teams in Research & Development, Customer Technical Support, Sustainability, and New Product/New Application Development. Bianca is currently the Global Technology Director of the Advanced Performance Materials division of Chemours and is seated at their Chemours Discovery Hub in Newark, Delaware. Bianca also serves on the IWCS Board of Directors.
Bianca Hydutsky
Glenn Bleiler
John D’Ambrosia
Rich Baca
Carlee Joe-Wong
Roy Kusuma
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
This full-day special session will feature multiple panel discussions, invited talks, and the following technical paper presentations. Please check back for additional details and panel participants.
- Sustainable Options for XLPE Cable Scrap, Brian Risch, Prysmian
- Next Generation of Recycled Polyolefins for Outer Jacket in OSP Cables, Lucas Nogueira, Prysmian
- Sustainable Solutions for Cable Infrastructure, Tom Schelling, Teknor Apex Company
- New Sustainable Design for Category 6 Cables, Lucas Nogueira, Prysmian
Trend Session Moderator: Jon Mello, Global Market Manager – Wire & Cable Compounds, Teknor Apex
Jon Mello is the Global Marketing Manager for the Wire & Cable Compounds at Teknor Apex. He has 20+ years of experience in the market in sales, management, product development and business development.
Jon Mello
Maura Nespoli
Paul Brigandi
Tim Thiel
Bernard Lee
Harpreet Singh
Joee Kvetensky
SOFIA
Technical Session Moderator: Dr. Paul Brigandi, Application Technology Leader – Wire & Cable, Dow
Dr. Paul Brigandi serves as the Application Technology Leader for Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics’ Wire & Cable business and photovoltaic applications in North America, located in Collegeville, PA. With over 16 years of experience in the energy and communication cable industry, he focuses on key market segments driving the energy transition and digital transformation. His technical expertise encompasses formulation and processing of polyolefins, elastomers, and polymer composites. He actively participates in numerous industry organizations, including the IWCS symposium committee, Insulated Conductors Committee, Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative, and Fiber Broadband Association technical committees. He holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from Lehigh University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. Additionally, Paul is an active Adjunct Professor at Lehigh University in the Material Science & Engineering department.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
The IWCS 2025 Special Session, “Powering the Grid of the Future – Smart Connectivity, Resilience & Innovation”, brings together industry leaders, technologists, and policymakers to explore the evolving landscape of grid modernization. With a focus on the critical role of cabling, connectivity, and emerging technologies such as AI and digital twins, this session delves into the infrastructure, innovation, and strategic partnerships necessary to power an electrified economy. Designed for cable and fiber experts, smart grid engineers, and energy stakeholders, the session offers forward-looking insights and actionable dialogue to shape the next generation of resilient, intelligent grid systems.
Session Moderator: Rashmi Varma, CEO and Chief Researcher, QuantaWatt
Rashmi Varma is a multidimensional innovator working at the convergence of quantum photonics, advanced wireless networks, and scalable digital infrastructure. With over two decades of global experience—from leading multi-million dollar R&D initiatives at Fujitsu to founding education and next generation private ventures—Rashmi brings a rare synthesis of deep technical fluency, entrepreneurial agility, and systems-level thinking. As CEO and Chief Researcher of QuantaWatt, she explores the frontiers of quantum electrodynamics to reimagine how energy and information flow in future-ready networks. Her work applies foundational quantum research to real-world systems across communications, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. A sought-after speaker, visiting faculty at UT Dallas teaching Quantum Computing, and a past recipient of the North Texas Top Women in Tech award, Rashmi’s authentic edge lies in her ability to build connections between innovation and access.
Rashmi Varma
Kevin Chen
Travis Kavulla
Chris Bondurant
Craig Cavey
Sergey Golubtsov
Rishi Sharma
“The forum was well organized and provided a great opportunity to learn the state of the art for both copper and fiber cables. I enjoyed the networking opportunities, and the length of presentations was just right.”
“IWCS really helps individuals stay abreast of the latest technologies and trends within the industry. The event was well organized, in a good facility with very good exhibitor booths and interesting presentations.”
“This was an excellent conference that I recommend to all my friends in the wire & cable Industry. The show had it all, presentations on key topics and issues, and an excellent Supplier Exhibition featuring a lot of new technologies.”
“Great to be back live at IWCS where we were able to come together with our customers and numerous prospects and accomplish over several days what would normally take months to deliver. IWCS proved they have the professional acumen to deliver an exceptional business cultivating experience.”
