In an effort to supplement the Technical Symposium—which is the cornerstone of the 72-year strong IWCS conference—with the exchange of information related to high-level industry innovation and trends, topical panel discussions were recently introduced into the IWCS Forum. Attendees reported great value from the Industry Innovation panel discussions that were recently introduced, along with a desire continue them in future years. We are pleased to announce the 2024 IWCS Forum is enhanced by multiple panel discussions featuring influential industry leaders. The panel discussions will include a question-and-answer period that allows the audience to engage with the panelists.
Several back-to-back panel discussions will take place throughout the day on Wednesday, October 16 as part of the “Navigating the Energy Transition: Smart Grid and Broadband Connectivity” breakout program. Stick around to experience more industry innovation on Thursday, October 17, featuring another panel discussion focused on sustainability and recycling.
Wednesday, October 16
5G / Smart Grid Network – Present and Future Deployment Tactics and Policies
Our modern era demands an unprecedented level of connectivity and electrification. From smart cars, to smart cities, to smart healthcare—the list goes on and on. What hurdles must we overcome to deliver reliable energy and communication networks for everyone and everything—in rural, urban, and all areas in between? What impact does government investment and legislative policy, including the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, have on the supply chain, utility and telecommunications providers, and, ultimately, communities?
Opening Presentation: Middle Mile Networks: The Digital Economy Enabler in Rural America
- Jose Castro, Research Manager, Panduit
Panel Discussion
- Ben Segura, Technical Lead of Corporate Development, Google Fiber
- Stuart Freiman, Federal Program Officer, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
- Jose Castro, Research Manager, Panduit
The Latest Innovations Affecting Power and Communications Cables
To keep up with data center and power demand like we’ve never seen before, cable manufacturers are faced with the challenge to produce products that meet a multitude of functions, rather than via the traditional split of low-, medium-, and high-voltage cables. How will cabling infrastructure and other multi-technology systems operate together to enable the grid of the future? How have manufacturers shown their commitments and capital expenditures to meet project requirements such as the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA)?
Opening Presentation: Feasibility Analysis on Fiber Optic and Primary Power Hybrid Cable Concepts
- Jay Herman, Principal Technical Leader – ICT Program, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Panel Discussion
- Jay Herman, Principal Technical Leader – ICT Program, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
- Maura Nespoli, VP of Sales for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Solutions, Power Distribution North America, Prysmian
- Kai Zhou, Director of Product Management, UL Solutions
- Kate Fegley, Marketing Project & Partner Manager, Superior Essex
Supply Chain – Impact and Effects of the Future Energy Grid
What impact does the alternate energy and smart grid of the future have on materials such as copper, aluminum, and fiber? Join us to learn how evolving infrastructure is affecting the demand and procurement process for these materials.
Panel Discussion
- Natalie Noor-Drugan, Principal Analyst – Base Metals, CRU
- Aisling Hubert, Senior Analyst – Base Metals, CRU
- Bessie Williams, North America Chief Procurement Officer, Prysmian
- John Gross, Commodity Analyst & Publisher, The Copper Journal
Critical Updates on Utility Infrastructure and Smart Grid Reliability & Resilience
The United States has an aging electricity grid with many of its systems being 25 years or older. Let’s discuss policies and infrastructure solutions critical to modernizing and creating a more reliable and efficient grid. How are utilities leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to automate systems and deliver power more efficiently? What challenges are presented by the introduction of AI on network infrastructure?
Opening Presentation: Green Valley Underground Power Distribution Case Study
- Holly Campbell Joiner, Connectivity Supervisor for Fiber to Distribution Program, Southern Company (Alabama Power)
Panel Discussion
- Massoud Amin, “Father of the Smart Grid”, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Energy Policy & Security (EPS) Associates, Chief Technology Officer, Renewable Energy Partners (REP)
- Holly Campbell Joiner, Connectivity Supervisor for Fiber to Distribution Program, Southern Company (Alabama Power)
- Rashmi Varma, CEO, QuantaWatt
Thursday, October 17
Advancements in Sustainability and Recycling for the Cable & Connectivity Industry
The cable and connectivity industry is mission-critical to achieve our global sustainability objectives. Attend this panel discussion on Thursday, October 17, directly following Technical Paper presentations in Session 10: “Cable Sustainability and Recycling”. This interactive discussion focuses on how our industry can meet vital sustainable goals through collaborative initiatives and industry partnerships, the selection of materials, and innovative product designs. A diverse panel includes perspectives from chemical and compound suppliers such as Chemours, Dow, Covestro, and Teknor Apex; associations such as Fluoropolymer Resources Lab (FRL) and Performance Fluoropolymer Partnership (PFP), optical fiber material supplier Teijin Aramid, and manufacturer Prysmian. Panelists and presenters will discuss:
- Performance and Safety Considerations of Sustainable Materials
- Transparency of Products and Processes
- Responsible Manufacturing Practices (such as raw material procurement, emissions monitoring, and eligibility of products for energy credits)
- Recycling Initiatives Driving Supply Chain Circularity
Introduction of the Sustainable Optical Fiber Industry Alliance
- David Lindsay, Head of Marketing & Sales for Wire & Cable USA, Borealis
- Marie Ange Vatin, Global Sales Manager Fiber Optic Material, Covestro
- Anthony Musa, President, Heraeus Quartz North America, Heraeus
- Alain Giraud, Sales Director, Nextrom
- Enrique Mendez, Senior Global Market Manager Industrial, Teijin Aramid
- Jeff Koch, Senior Commercial Manager, Umicore
Panel Discussion
- Cy Genna, Industry Advocacy Leader – Advanced Performance Materials, North America, Chemours
- Paul Brigandi, Application Technology Leader, Specialty Plastics – Wire & Cable, Dow
- Marie Ange Vatin, Global Sales Manager Fiber Optic Material, Covestro
- Mike Patel, Director of Marketing, Teknor Apex
- Maura Nespoli, VP of Sales for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Solutions, Prysmian
- Enrique Mendez, Senior Global Market Manager Industrial, Teijin Aramid
- Kevin Buchanan, President, Fluoropolymer Resources LLC
- Jay West, Senior Director, American Chemistry Council; Executive Director, Performance Fluoropolymer Partnership
