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.

Madison, Connecticut, and Bannockburn, Illinois, USA - July 15, 2025 - 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: https://wireexpo26.com
EWPTE: https://www.electricalwireshow.com
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.

About Wire Expo
Wire Expo is held biennially in a different industry hub within the U.S. for the wire and cable manufacturing industry. The event attracts participants from 38 states and 21 countries. It incorporates practical paper presentations, a comprehensive exhibit, on-floor production solutions demonstrations, and networking activities. Wire Expo offers global industry information in a regional setting and a timely meeting point for suppliers, manufacturers, buyers, researchers, and industry pioneers who represent the ferrous, nonferrous, and electrical segments of the industry.

About WAI
WAI, founded in 1930, is a not-for-profit association with 1700 individual members in 38 countries and Wire Journal International subscribers in 94 countries. The association serves the educational needs of the wire and cable manufacturing industry through a variety of products and services. WAI manages the Interwire Conference & Trade Exhibition and Wire Expo; it publishes the Wire Journal International and the Wire Journal International Reference Guide.

About EWPTE
The EWPTE trade show attracts nearly 200 exhibitors and over 3,000 attendees from over 40 states and 25 countries for the electrical wire harness, wire, and cable processing industries. This exhibition connects buyers with local, national, and international manufacturers and distributors.

About WHMA
The Wiring Harness Manufacturer's Association® (WHMA) was established in 1993 to serve and dedicate their resources to the global cable and wire harness industry. WHMA is the only trade association exclusively representing the cable and wire harness manufacturing industry including manufacturers, their suppliers, and customers.