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The Wire Association International’s Wire Expo to Co-Locate with the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE)
July 16, 2025 | Global Electronics AssociationEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Wire Association International Inc. (WAI) announces plans to co-locate its biennial Wire Expo with the Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA)/Global Electronics Association’s Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) May 6-7, 2026. The two shows will co-locate at the Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
The adjacency of the Expos brings together the complete wire and cable ecosystem under one roof, creating meaningful opportunities for industry professionals to explore the entire value chain. The co-location enables manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and end-users to see and experience novel technologies, forge strategic partnerships, and advance the industry.
Championing the Partnerships
Commenting on the events, WAI’s First Vice President David Fisher said, “I am looking forward to the Wire Expo and the EWPTE being held together next May. It’s a great chance for both groups to co-mingle and truly get a feel for each side of the wire and cable industry—from manufacturing to downstream end use, and all the products and equipment that go into it. The people who make this happen are key to the success of both groups.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to have the Wire Expo back to Milwaukee and to continue our great partnership with the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo,” said Wisconsin Center District Vice President of Sales Megan Seppmann. “Thanks to the recent expansion of Baird Center, we’re uniquely positioned to host these two exceptional international trade shows side by side, unlocking a more dynamic and immersive experience for all attendees. Our expanded convention center makes it possible for both events to thrive simultaneously. We can’t wait to welcome global guests to our state-of-the-art venue and showcase the best of Milwaukee’s signature Midwestern hospitality.”
“The co-location of the Wire Expo and the EWPTE will create a unique opportunity for attendees to collaborate, establish valuable new contacts, and learn from industry leaders and experts,” said David Bergman, VP, international relations, Global Electronics Association, and executive director, WHMA. “I’m pleased for all our members and attendees to be able to participate in these two outstanding trade shows in one place.”
Event Details
Date: May 6 – 7, 2026
Location: Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT (May 6) and 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT (May 7)
Access: Reciprocal access to both exhibition halls is offered during exhibit hours (except for exclusive reception times).
Registration
• Wire Expo
• EWPTE
Building on Proven Success
The 2026 event marks the second co-location of these industry-leading trade shows, building on the inaugural joint staging in 2010 at the venue now known as the Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisc., USA.
The reunion comes at a time of industry growth and technological advancement, positioning the combined event as a catalyst for discovery and collaboration.
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05/01/2026 | Joanne Harris, Tech-2marketingWalk the floor of a modern wire harness manufacturing facility, and the investment in technology is hard to miss. Automated wire cutting and stripping machines process thousands of cuts an hour with sub-millimeter precision. Computerized crimping presses deliver consistent, validated terminations that a hand tool never could. Laser wire markers, automated test benches, and vision-guided assembly stations represent hundreds of thousands of dollars of capital investment, all in service of building a better harness faster and more reliably than the competition.
Mexico’s Wire Harness Pivot Point
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Breaking the Manual Quoting Bottleneck in Wire Harness
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Wire Harness Taking a Step in the Right Direction
04/08/2026 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineTo fully understand the modernization of wire harness design and assembly, we met with members of the Innovation Advisory Team for the Wire Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA) to outline the current challenges facing wire harnesses and the specific steps to implement a digital data flow from OEM to manufacturer and back. In some ways, the wire harness industry is moving from 19th-century to 21st-century technology. But in the meantime, the real challenge isn’t building the harness—manufacturers are very good at that.
From Panels to Post-its
04/07/2026 | Lorena Villanueva, Global Electronics Association MexicoLast January, I attended the Global Leadership Summit of the Wire Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA) in Las Vegas, and there was a subtle shift in one of the events that everyone could feel. We still had the traditional conference rhythm: strong keynote, well-prepared panels, and smart people in the room. There were also, sometimes, some careful answers—useful, but not always candid. So, I was curious when WHMA introduced a new peer-to-peer format for one session.