EuroWire November 2023

IWCS 2023 Review

inversion of jobs and robots that is readily changing due to society’s reliance on artificial intelligence and robotics. After the keynote, attendees moved to the Supplier Exhibition ™ , which was filled with more than 80 exhibitors, many of which were long-time exhibitors at IWCS, as well as the following ten new participating companies: AdvanSix, Aurora Plastics, Daytone, Delesun, Mathiasen Machinery, Orion, Roblon US, TDC, Wacker Chemical Corporation, and Xaloy. Supplier spotlight presentations, which took place on a stage in the exhibition hall, allowed 14 exhibitors to share their company’s newest developments with the audience on Monday afternoon. A ‘Havana Nights’ themed welcome reception, complete with music, libations, cigar rolling, games and food concluded Monday’s programme. The technical symposium, which is the cornerstone of the event, featured more than 80 technical research papers and posters, covering technologies related to cable design, applications, standards, manufacturing and installation. Authors had the opportunity to present their research in one of 14 technical sessions categorised by topics or as poster displays. As always, audience members had the opportunity to ask the presenting authors questions about their research at the end of each presentation. Further strengthening the technical symposium, IWCS added three special sessions on the topics of industry sustainability and emerging technologies to this year’s programme. The Chemours Company sponsored a panel discussion titled “Environmental Sustainability and Recycling for the Cable and Connectivity Industry.” Featuring expert panellists from The Chemours Company, Copperweld Bimetallics, Fluoropolymer Resources USA, Superior Essex Communications and the Vinyl Sustainability Council, this panel discussion highlighted the

Featuring award-winning economist Robert Fry, of Robert Fry Economics, Monday’s executive session in- cluded six presentations related to opportunities, risks and advancements impacting our industry on a global scale. Chenfei Wang, of CRU, shared an over view of market conditions for optical and metallic wire and cable. Stephen Eaves, the founder of Digital Electricity and CEO of VoltServer, and Luis Suau of Sinclair Digital Services dis cussed a novel approach and case stud ies to manage and distribute electricity. The technology discussed was recently adopted into the National Electrical Code® in 2023 under the generic industry term “fault-managed power systems” or FMPS. Concluding this compelling session, Scott Klososky, founder of Future Point of View, shared with the audience tips to lead a successful business in the world of AI and electrification. Mr Klososky declared, “How well you can use technology can define how successful you are or are not.” Attendees then gathered for the plenary luncheon, followed by opening remarks, recognition, and 2022 technical paper awards presented by IWCS representatives David Kiddoo, CEO; Ben Waite, vice-chairman of the board; and Bianca Hydutsky, 2023 symposium committee chair. Scott Klososky took to the stage again to share a keynote presentation titled “Disruptive Opportunities: Building The Ambient Intelligence Backbone.” He held attendees’ attention by discussing radical ideas such as the

Bo Xu of Superior Essex Communications presented a technical paper on innovative materials for cable jackets

importance of adopting sustainable practices as the industry adapts to support the growing demand for increased connectivity. The sustainability message carried through to the “renewable/offshore energy” special session sponsored by Prysmian Powerlink. Brian Risch, R&D materials technology manager of Prysmian Group, and Richard Ellis, principal of Cable Materials Inc, took to the stage to review technological advancements that allow cables and connectors to support the unprecedented growth currently taking place in the renewable energy market. Expanding upon “digital electricity” from the executive session, as well as details discussed in the “codes and standards” technical session, UL Solutions sponsored a panel discussion titled “Fault-Managed Power – A Safe and Disruptive Innovation for Powering the Future.” Panellists from Belden, Superior Essex, UL Solutions and VoltServer shared their perspectives on technical standards and safety listing requirements for the new Class 4 fault-managed power systems and cables. Attendees asked the panellists thought provoking questions about this novel class of cable, which was added to the National Electrical Code® in 2023. The next IWCS forum will take place from 14 to 17 October 2024 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. IWCS www.iwcs.org Attendees and exhibitors gathered in the exhibition hall for a prize draw sponsored by BASF

Colleagues enjoyed a refreshment break during the Supplier Exhibition™

2023 IWCS symposium committee chair Bianca Hydutsky introduced panellists for an industry sustainability discussion

Guests enjoyed networking, cocktails, food and games during the ‘Havana Nights’ themed welcome reception

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November 2023