WAI has set October 2 as the date for the Points Meeting for Wire Expo 2026 at its headquarters in Madison, Connecticut, where space allocation will officially launch for the event set for May 6-7, 2026, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Points Meeting is critical for companies to select exhibit spaces based on a points system that rewards frequent and long-time supporters. Director of Sales Shannon Timme commented that Wisconsin is an excellent location, with Milwaukee positioned in a key hub of the Midwest’s industrial corridor, while also offering visitors the chance to experience downtown and regional hospitality. Bolstered by co-location with EWPTE, Wire Expo 2026 is expected to see even greater results, she added.

At the last Points Meeting on Oct. 11, 2023, for Wire Expo 2024, 91 companies participated, resulting in 102 floor spaces being claimed for the expo held June 11-12, 2024, at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut—representing more than 60% of available booth space. Two months after the meeting, nearly 70% of 2024 expo floor space had been reserved, with 10% of exhibitors being new. The event sold out.

Vanessa Lewis has joined the Wire Association International as project manager, serving as the primary contact for WAI member relations.

Lewis, a 2024 graduate of Purchase College at SUNY, holds a B.S. degree in communications. She previously worked as a production assistant at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Her responsibilities include managing chapters, overseeing new member onboarding and renewals, and providing project management support for WAI’s meeting planning, circulation and association management software (AMS).

Lewis will act as the staff liaison to the Member Relations Committee and all chapters. She has already met with Member Relations Committee Chairman Brian Steinbruegge of Insteel Industries to ensure a smooth transition. Her first WAI event was the Ohio Valley Chapter Outing on August 21. She will provide on-site support at the New England and Southeast Chapter outings in September and October.

“I am pleased to have Vanessa join our dedicated team,” said WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll, who noted that in her short time at WAI, Lewis has already impressed her colleagues. Fetteroll added that Lewis will also be involved in WAI’s transition to a new AMS, which is in its early phases, as well as the upcoming deployment of the new wirenet.org site.

Fort Wayne Wire Die Inc. President Eric Bieberich recently sent the Wire Association International a photo showing the WAI flag flying alongside the U.S. flag at the company’s headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Bieberich, who is serving as WAI’s 2025 president, continued the tradition by displaying the flag, which WAI provides to each current president to be flown during their term.

This custom, embraced in recent years, highlights the close relationship between WAI leadership and its member companies and serves as a visual symbol of industry pride and association identity throughout the president’s tenure.

Aurora Material Solutions announced news about five positions in recent months. Renee Havrilla was named president of the company’s flexible compounds business segment. Most recently, she served as vice president of the solvents business for Monument Chemical in Indianapolis, Indiana. She previously held roles as vice president of global compounds for Westlake Corporation and general manager of the polyurethane spray foam business for Bayer Material Science (now Covestro). She holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. Daniel Lowery was named technology director of the company’s engineered thermoplastics (ETP) business segment. He most recently worked for EMS-Chemie, where he managed a team developing and commercializing specialty polyamides in niche markets. He also held leadership roles at Ascend Performance Materials, SABIC/GE and Eastman Kodak. Juan Bravo was named business development and technology manager for rigid specialties. He previously worked for Cruz Foam in Santa Cruz, California, where he most recently served as senior director of technology/operations. He has also worked for Struktol Company of America, Ferro Corporation, Trim-Tex, Alloyd Company, and Arlington Mills in various technical and management roles. He holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico. He has co-authored multiple patents in polymer and foam technologies. Megan Kravec was named a market segment manager, industrial. She previously worked at Valtris Specialty Chemicals in Independence, Ohio, as global product manager/operational marketing manager for polymer modifiers. She also worked for PPG Industries for 18 years in multiple technical roles and has extensive experience in product development, technical service and market development. She holds a B.S. degree in biology and chemistry and an MBA from Bowling Green State University. Brian Bejcek was named a regional sales manager. He has a proven track record of selling into distribution channels, OEMs and direct customers. He previously worked at EMS-Chemie (Grivory) North America, where he most recently served as distribution manager. Prior employers include PolyOne/Avient and EcoLab & Rogan Corporation. He holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University and a plastics engineering certificate from the American Injection Molding Institute. Based in Streetsboro, Ohio, Aurora Material Solutions makes custom PVC compounds and engineered polymers for sectors that include wire and cable.

Héctor Ferrer has been appointed segment manager, insert blanks & gears, at Hyperion Materials & Technologies. He has some eight years with the company, serving in roles that included business development specialist - carbide metal cutting, application engineer - metal forming and application engineer & product specialist - metal forming. He holds a B.S. degree in materials engineering from the Universitat de Barcelona. Based in Dublin, Ohio, Hyperion Materials & Technologies makes materials used to manufacture carbide nibs and wire die blanks, as well as PCD (polycrystalline diamond) blanks