Keynote and Executive Session presentations announced for the 2023 IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum

IWCS provides an opportunity for international representatives from the communications, data, electronics, power, industrial, automotive, aerospace, and similar industries to gather in person for valuable networking, learning, and career and business growth at the annual Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum.

The 72^nd annual IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum takes place September 17–20, 2023 in Orlando, Florida, USA. This premier event features the traditional elements of the IWCS Forum, including a Technical Symposium featuring previously unpublished Technical Papers, Executive Session, Plenary Luncheon with influential Keynote Speaker, Supplier Exhibition^™, and Professional Development Courses. New enhancements include a “Havana Nights” themed welcome reception and expert panel discussions on topics related to emerging technologies and industry sustainability.

Continuing momentum from last year’s successful event in Providence, USA, which was the first in-person IWCS Forum held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IWCS Symposium Committee has crafted a robust program for the 2023 Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum. “The energetic networking and exchange of information displayed at last year’s Forum was refreshing,” shares IWCS Director/CEO David Kiddoo. He continues, “We look forward to picking up where we left off!” The event schedule, which can be previewed at iwcs.org/program, kicks off with optical fiber, copper cable, materials, and extrusion focused Professional Development Courses on Sunday, continues with concurrent sessions and the Supplier Exhibition^™ on Monday and Tuesday, and concludes with technical sessions on Wednesday. The highly anticipated Executive Session and Plenary Session with keynote speaker will take place on Monday, September 18.

The Executive Session is designed for the general management of the cable & connectivity industry supply chain companies. The following important issues and economic trends facing the industry in these uncertain times will be addressed by expert speakers.

• Global Economic Outlook, Robert Fry, Robert Fry Economics
• Metallic Wire and Cable: Recession Risk vs. Green Energy Transition, Chenfei Wang, CRU Group
• Optical Cable: Demand Growth Pared Back as Challenges Mount, Chenfei Wang, CRU Group
• Digital Electricity: Leading the Transition to an Energy Efficient World, Stephen Eaves, VoltServer and Luis Suau, Sinclair Digital Services
• Elements of an Industry Business Plan to be Successful in the World of AI and Electrification, Scott Klososky, Future Point of View, llc.

Following the Executive Session, Scott Klososky will take the stage during the Plenary Session luncheon to perform the keynote presentation titled, Disruptive Digital Transformation and Delivery of the Ambient Intelligence Backbone. Klososky, founding partner of digital strategy firm, Future Point of View, will offer thought-provoking insights on technological advancements that are fundamental to our social and professional lives.

The cornerstone of the IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum is the Technical Symposium, which is recognized around the world as the premier exchange of information related to cable and connectivity technologies. The Symposium allows attendees to experience previously unpublished Technical Papers featuring research and development for cabling and connector / interconnect technologies, components, materials, fabrication, performance, testing, and applications. The three-day Technical Symposium includes multiple presentations in each of the following sessions, organized by topic:

• Network Reliability & Measurements
• Design, Testing & Applications for Copper Ethernet, PoE and Energy Cables – (Parts 1 and 2)
• Specialty Applications
• High-Density Loose Tube
• Connectivity
• Fiber Manufacturing
• Multi-Core & Specialty Fiber
• Codes & Standards
• Cable Materials & Properties
• Cable Modeling & Design
• Optical Fiber Coating Materials
• Specialty Installation
• High-Density Ribbon

The Supplier Exhibition^™ continues its two-day program, providing plenty of opportunity and incentive for all attendees to visit with premier suppliers from around the world. “IWCS really helps individuals stay abreast of the latest technologies and trends within the industry,” says returning exhibitor Chris Huntly of Cimteq by UL Solutions. Huntly continues, “The event was well organized, in a good facility with very good exhibitor booths and interesting presentations.”

New this year, IWCS has added multiple expert panel discussions centered around emerging technologies and industry sustainability to the program for Tuesday, September 19^th and Wednesday, September 20^th. The topics include:

• Fault-Managed Power: A Safe and Disruptive Innovation for Powering the Future
• Renewable/ Offshore Energy
• Environmental Sustainability and Recycling for the Cable & Connectivity Industry

Registration is available on the IWCS website and on-site through the conclusion of the event.