About IWCS

The IWCS was started in 1952 by key government and industry representatives devoted to the development of improved wires and cables for military applications. The first Symposium was held in Asbury Park, NJ and was called “Symposium on Technical Progress and Communication Wire and Cables”.

As it grew, it attracted international attention and by 1967, the meeting drew over 100 representatives from various foreign countries. As a result of the increase in foreign participation, the name of the Symposium was changed to the “International Wire and Cable Symposium”.

The IWCS was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on January 7, 1987. Its purpose was to plan, promote, initiate and coordinate the exchange of technical information on wire, cable and fiber optics within industry and government, through an annual IWCS Symposium.

An office staff, headed by a President/Director handled the day-to-day operations. A Board of Trustees ran the business and affairs of the corporation. Trustees were individuals active in the cable industry and other related categories and served for a predetermined period of time.

After years of operating as a single governing committee, the IWCS decided in the year 2000 to effect a reorganization to improve the efficiency of operation and long-term planning. The new organization has two parts, a Board of Directors and a Symposium Committee.

The Board of Directors has oversight responsibilities, focusing on mission setting, long-term planning, strategy development, budget approval, compensation and senior management objectives.

The Symposium Committee has primary responsibility for organizing the symposium. This includes review of abstracts, selection of papers, establishing technical sessions, organizing invited guest speakers and special sessions, and monitoring all aspects of the symposium.

On September 19, 2000, the Board of Directors of the IWCS announced that it had completed the acquisition of the Wire & Cable Focus Conference. This action was part of a continuing effort to provide the industry with the most important technical symposium devoted to wire and cable technology.

In July of 2021, IWCS announced the new branding for what was once named the “International Cable & Connectivity Symposium”. The event is now branded the “Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum by IWCS”. Along with the new brand launch, IWCS also revealed a new website.