In an effort to supplement the Technical Symposium — which is the cornerstone of the 75-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 2026 IWCS Forum will be enhanced by two 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.
The sessions open with a keynote presentation on grid & energy policy by James Briones, Director of Reliability, Risk, and Assurance, US Department of Energy.
Tuesday, November 3, 1:30–3:45 PM
The rapid expansion of electrification, artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced communications is placing unprecedented demands on the world’s energy infrastructure. As utilities, governments, and industry work to modernize power systems, resilient grid networks and sustainable energy strategies have become essential to supporting future economic growth and digital connectivity.
This session will examine the evolving landscape of grid and energy policy, the growing imbalance between energy supply and demand, and the critical role that cable and connectivity technologies play in building a more reliable, efficient, and resilient electrical infrastructure.
Attendees will gain valuable insight into the technical, regulatory, and market forces shaping the future of power and communications infrastructure, along with the innovative solutions that will help bridge energy gaps and strengthen the resilient networks that power our connected world.
Opening Keynote: Policy Drivers for Sustainable and Resilient Energy Grids and Data Centers; James Briones, Deputy Ass’t. Secretary – Grid Updates, U.S. Dept of Energy, Office of Electricity
Featured Presentation: Bridging the Energy Gap: Sustainable Power and Connectivity Infrastructure; Dr. Badri Gomatam, Group Chief Technology Officer, Sterlite Technologies
Sustainable Conductors and Sustainable Power Cable Design; Flavia Pane, Sustainable Solutions & Product Development Senior Engineer, Prysmian
Material Science Powering Grid Modernization and Resilient Networks; Ilia Kobylianskii, Senior Marketing Manager, Dow
Demystifying Nuclear SMRs & Their Critical Role in Powering Tomorrow’s Energy Grid; Clay Williams, Senior Director – Industrial Customers, X-energy
Panel Discussion moderated by: Jon Mello, Global Market Manager – Wire & Cable, Teknor Apex
Tuesday, November 3, 4:15–6:00 PM
Gain insight into the technical challenges, emerging standards, and innovative solutions required to build resilient, high-performance connectivity infrastructure capable of supporting the explosive growth of AI driven applications. Whether designing, manufacturing, specifying, or deploying connectivity solutions, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the technologies and trends transforming the future of data center infrastructure.
Sustainable Solutions for Data Center Infrastructure; Roland Ruprecht, Director – Commercial
Lead, Teknor Apex
How AI and Data Centers are Reshaping the Cable Ecosystem; Kai Zhou, Global Product Management Director, UL Solutions
The Future Will Be Written in Light: Fiber as the Backbone of the AI Economy; Jimi Barker, Chief Business Officer – Hyperscale Data Centers & Optical Interconnectivity, Sterlite Technologies
Technology Solutions for Data Centers: Direct to Chip & Liquid Immersion; Nathan Blom, Vice President, Liquid Cooling, Chemours
Panel Discussion moderated by: Bianca Hydutsky, Global Technology Director – Advanced Performance Materials, Chemours
2026 Resources
- About the Event
- Hotel & Travel Information
- Event Program
- Attendee Registration
- Attendee Fees
- Reserve a Supplier Exhibition Booth
- Paper / Presenter Resources
- Sponsorship Options
- USA Visa
About the Annual Forum
“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.”
