IWMA Year in Review 2025

As we reflect on 2025, it is clear that this has been one of the most dynamic and rewarding years for the IWMA in recent memory. The association has grown in strength, reach and purpose, delivering on our promises within the five-year strategy to enhance networking, expand educational opportunities and increase industry insight. More importantly, we have done all this while creating meaningful, memorable experiences for our members around the world. Networking no longer means standing next to a lukewarm coffee pot hoping someone else will break the silence. This year, networking has happened under the wings of Concorde, on riverbanks, rooftops and even beside the Marmara Sea, proving that connection can be both valuable and enjoyable.

Our first event of the year was in March with the UK Industry Lunch at the iconic Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester. This was the first time we had hosted the event in such a historic and awe inspiring setting, and member feedback confirmed it was a huge success. Attendees enjoyed guided tours of Concorde, an inspiring talk from John Tye, former Concorde pilot, and industry updates from the IWMA Executive Management Committee. The enthusiasm has carried straight into planning for our next UK Industry Lunch in February 2026 at the Silverstone Museum, which overlooks the world-famous racing track and is already almost fully sold out.

The exhibition calendar was one of the busiest we have ever delivered. At wire Mexico, members benefited from our pavilion and a warm, relaxed networking evening on the terrace of El Lingote Restaurant at the Museo de Acero. Our debut at wire Eurasia surpassed expectations, offering four productive days followed by a memorable evening at Albatross Lounge overlooking the Marmara Sea. Interwire provided another key platform for connection and visibility across the North American market, reinforcing IWMA’s commitment to global engagement. wire Southeast Asia then rounded off the year’s major exhibitions with a member pavilion, a full IWMA Seminar Day and a spectacular networking event at Cielo Sky Bar, where members shared insight, ideas and panoramic views of Bangkok.

Our presence at international exhibitions continues to grow, supported by IWMA pavilions which make it easier than ever for companies to exhibit, increase visibility and connect with like minded exhibitors. These shared spaces have become an important driver of member value and one of the clearest demonstrations of our commitment to helping companies expand globally. We extend our sincere thanks to Messe Düsseldorf for their excellent exhibitions, exceptional organisation and continued industry partnership.

Another highlight of the year was the wire and cable conference in Krakow, which brought together more than 180 delegates from across the global supply chain. The conference was a powerful demonstration of the importance of inter association collaboration. By working closely with partner organisations, we created a platform for open dialogue, technical learning and a unified industry voice. The strong turnout and enthusiastic feedback reaffirmed that when associations join forces, the entire industry benefits.

Membership has also been a major success story in 2025. We welcomed more new members than ever before, demonstrating the growing relevance and value of the association. Whether companies joined us for technical insight, global networking, exhibition support or simply because life is better when you have a global association cheering you on, every new member strengthens the energy and expertise of our community. At the same time, we celebrated several landmark anniversaries, with members reaching milestones of ten, twenty, thirty, forty and even fifty years. Their loyalty and constant support remind us that IWMA’s success is built not only on innovation but on decades of commitment from those who believe in our mission and choose to remain part of the journey. You can find out more about member anniversaries on page 34.

The IWMA office team has grown too. In March we welcomed Olivia, who oversees events and digital marketing. Olivia has integrated seamlessly into the office and has played a key role in strengthening our LinkedIn presence, helping us showcase member achievements, put on more events than ever before and broadcast IWMA successes to a wider global audience. In July we were delighted to welcome Jason, who brings with him many years of experience from Intras (Eurowire Magazine) and a wealth of industry knowledge. His insight into our members and the wider sector is proving invaluable as he leads advertising sales and helps elevate IWMA Insider as we continue working to make it the most influential magazine in the industry.

This magazine remains at the heart of the association. IWMA Insider continues to evolve into a leading source of information for the sector, showcasing member stories, technical updates and global insight into the politics, policy and trends shaping the future of wire and cable. We are equally proud that our content reaches beyond our own industry, drawing on expertise from specialists in other fields who are leaders within their disciplines. Their knowledge, while rooted outside the wire and cable sector, offers highly applicable insight that our members can use to navigate challenges, explore emerging opportunities and broaden strategic thinking. These contributions from experts who are masters of their field further strengthen our commitment to delivering engaging and informative coverage. Our partnerships with respected organisations such as Expometals and CRU continue to bring valuable global perspectives, ensuring our members stay informed, well equipped and inspired as the global landscape evolves.

Our leadership also enters an exciting new chapter. This year marked the beginning of Willibert Dautzenberg’s first year as Chairman, having formally taken over the role in March 2025. Alongside him, President Bernd Lohmüller is now in his second year, providing continuity with refreshing energy and direction. We were pleased to welcome Jonathan Horsfall to the Executive Management Committee, adding further depth of experience. Steve Smith continues to guide the Technical Committee, while our Board of Directors with David Robinson as Treasurer provides essential financial and policy oversight as we move forward with confidence.

For clarity and to ensure members know who represents them at executive level, the full EMC for 2025–2026 is as follows:

Chairman: Willibert Dautzenberg, ACOTEQ GmbH

President/Director: Bernd Lohmüller, Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH

Treasurer/Director: David Robinson, XL Technologies

Vice Treasurer/Director: Amanda Shehab, Althrey Holdings

Director: Martin Van Der Zwan, CableTapes Ltd

Director: Peter Large, Interlink

Director: Steven Rika, Bar Products & Services Ltd

Technical Sub Committee Chairman: Steve Smith, Bridon Bekaert

Immediate Past Chairman: Don Neville, Consultant

EMC Member: Albin Dickert, DLB

EMC Member: Brian Cutts, Temco Wire Ltd

EMC Member: Geoff Church, Consultant

EMC Member: Jonathan Horsfall, Webster and Horsfall

EMC Member: Jörg Inhelder, FMS Force Measuring Systems AG

EMC Member: Kamal Babu Batchu, Mikrotek Machines

EMC Member: Richard Johnstone, Pentre Group

EMC Member: Stuart Duff, Q8Oils

There are also seats available on the Executive Management Committee, and we encourage long standing members who want to make a meaningful difference in the wider industry to consider putting themselves forward. If you wish to help shape the future, champion new ideas and contribute to a stronger collective voice for the sector, please contact a member of the EMC, a Director or our Executive Manager, Jessica Bennett, to be nominated for election at the next AGM. Our next Annual General Meeting takes place in February 2025, and nominations remain open for those who want to have an active role in driving change and progress across the global industry.

Supported the Executive Management Committee is out IWMA office team. The IWMA office team works behind the scenes to manage membership, deliver international events, support pavilions at exhibitions, produce IWMA Insider, coordinate partnerships, oversee budgets and sponsorships, and ensure that members have strong networking and educational opportunities with expert industry insight at every touchpoint:

Jessica Bennett, Executive Manager

Katie Houston, Marketing Executive

Olivia Pearce, Events and Marketing Assistant

Jason Smith, Advertising, Sales and Publications

Eden Maye, Administrator

As we look back on the year, it is clear that we are delivering on the promises made within our five-year strategy. We committed to providing better networking opportunities, broader educational access and richer industry insight, and this year we have done exactly that. Our expanding programme of international events, our strengthened magazine and digital presence, our growing membership and our new training initiatives all demonstrate that IWMA is moving confidently into its next phase.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. We will be starting work on launching a brand-new Members Area on the IWMA website to provide easier access to resources, improved event information/booking and exclusive member content. Our revitalised Training Fundamentals programme will offer hands on learning and networking packaged into focused single day courses. We are preparing for major wire exhibitions in Düsseldorf, China and India, along with a full calendar of networking events including the return of the IWMA Golf and Summer Social. With a strong leadership team, a dedicated office and an engaged global membership, the association is well positioned for another year of growth, innovation and connection.

2025 has shown us what is possible when we work together with purpose and enthusiasm. Thank you to all our members for your ongoing support, energy and commitment. We look forward to an even brighter year ahead and to seeing you throughout 2026 as we continue to connect, collaborate and grow as a global community.