A Mid-Year Message from the IWMA Chairman

Dear IWMA Members,

As we move into the summer period, IWMA is already looking ahead with real focus and energy to the rest of 2026 and, in particular, to the important opportunities still to come at wire China and wire India.

The months ahead remain very important for our industry. While businesses across the world continue to navigate uncertainty, rising costs and wider geopolitical pressures, our sector continues to show resilience, adaptability and ambition. This was very clear at wire Düsseldorf earlier this year, where the mood across the exhibition was one of determination, international collaboration and a clear willingness to keep moving forward. That same spirit will be just as important as we look towards Shanghai and Mumbai.

IWMA will once again be there in full force to support our members through our stand presence, hospitality, networking activity and pavilions. These exhibitions are far more than trade fairs. They are opportunities to strengthen international relationships, develop business, build visibility in key markets and keep our industry connected in a world that continues to change quickly.

One of the highlights at wire China will be our networking event on Wednesday 23 September, taking place at CHAR Bar, on top of Hotel Indigo, with its fantastic setting overlooking The Bund and the Huangpu River. We are very much looking forward to another memorable evening in true IWMA style, bringing members and industry colleagues together in a relaxed setting after the exhibition. Each member company will receive two complimentary tickets, with any additional tickets priced at €60 each. Tickets will go on sale around one month before the event, but I would strongly encourage you to keep the date free in your diaries now. It promises to be a fantastic evening. If you have any queries in the meantime, please contact Olivia Pearce at olivia@iwma.org.

Looking further ahead, our wire India networking event will take place on 1 December. It may seem a long way off at the moment, but we all know how quickly these dates come around. Once again, the evening will be held in true IWMA fashion, together with our friends at Mikrotek, Niehoff and other valued supporters. We are very grateful for their continued support and look forward to another strong event alongside the exhibition.

As always, I would encourage every member to make full use of their IWMA membership. The members who gain most are those who stay visible, stay engaged and make the most of the opportunities available to them. Whether through exhibitions, events, networking, publications or wider member services, IWMA is here to support your business and help you stay connected to the wider global industry.

I hope many of you will join us at wire China and wire India in the months ahead, and in the meantime, I would like to wish all of our members a fantastic summer and, hopefully, some well-earned time to enjoy the sunshine.

With warm regards,

Willibert Dautzenberg
Chairman, IWMA