New “Hot” Topics Identified for IWCS’s 75th annual Technical Symposium

IWCS calls industry professionals and academic researchers to submit a brief 300–500 word abstract summarizing research or emerging technologies affecting the global cable and connectivity industry. Abstracts will be reviewed by the IWCS 2026 Technical Symposium Committee, and authors of accepted abstracts will gain international exposure for their work at the 2026 IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum and in the IWCS research archives. Participants have the option to present their Technical Paper as a presentation or a poster display during the 75th annual IWCS Forum, scheduled to take place November 1–4, 2026 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Papers will be published in the IWCS research archives and select papers may be featured in relevant industry magazines, providing each participant with additional recognition for themself and their company’s innovation. Additionally, presenters can receive prestigious awards for their research and presentation. The IWCS Technical Symposium Committee recently announced the following awards for papers presented during last year’s Forum.

• Kitts-Kingsley Award for Best Presentation: Chad Walker, Laserlinc, “How Traditional Measurement Techniques in Continuous Casting and Rolling Applications Can Exhibit Perfect Ovality Yet Fail Circularity Criteria”
• Award for Outstanding Poster Paper: Cheryl Sayer, Xaloy, “Additive Manufacturing for Corrosion Resistant Extrusion Barrels”
• Jack Spergel Memorial Award for Outstanding Technical Paper: Roman Shubochkin, Lightera, “Core Identification and Geometry Specifications”

Suggested technical topics – see more on our Call for Papers page

Examples of paper topics range from manufacturing processes of copper and optical fiber cables, innovative cable design, codes and standards, connectivity and assemblies, installation techniques, raw materials, renewable energy cabling, network infrastructure, and more.

In addition to traditional topics, IWCS seeks technical innovations related to several “hot” topics affecting the cable and connectivity industry. These are rapid technological advancements impacting the telecom, power, and cable manufacturing industries. Examples include: data center cables supporting the AI boom, materials aiding end-of-life recyclability, liquid cooling for cables, hyperscale connectivity, hybrid cables, thermal bundle management, twinax cable assemblies, and more. A complete list of suggested topics is available here. Additional topics are also welcome.

IWCS accepts submissions from all industry professionals, with no limitation of job title or level of experience. Examples of past authors’ roles include, but are not limited to: Engineering, Research & Development, Product Management, and Academia—in a variety of market and industry segments relevant to cable products, materials, processes, and applications.

Refer your colleagues – opportunity for complimentary event registration

A referral program is available for those who wish to refer their colleagues to submit a paper. When a colleague submits their abstract, they will be asked to enter your name as the referral source. The person who refers the most authors of accepted Technical Papers will receive complimentary full-access registration to the 2026 Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum.

How to participate

A complete list of suggested topics, submission criteria, and resources to refer colleagues can be found here. The deadline to submit a Technical Paper abstract is April 10, 2026.