The Wire Association International
The Wire Association International is a non-profit trade association founded in 1930 that serves the global wire and cable industry through trade shows (Interwire, Wire Expo), the Wire Journal International monthly publication, online education, and an industry directory for 2,000+ members across 45+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1930
- HeadquartersMadison, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Wire Association International does
The Wire Association International (WAI), founded in 1930 and headquartered in Madison, Connecticut, is a non-profit trade association serving as the worldwide technical society for the wire and cable industry. Its membership spans 2,000+ individual professionals and 63 corporate members across more than 45 countries, covering ferrous and nonferrous wire, electrical and fiber optic cable, and fabricated wire products. WAI's primary constituents are executives, engineers, technical and sales professionals, and purchasing agents engaged across the wire and cable manufacturing supply chain.
WAI operates a portfolio of content, education, and event assets. Core products include the Wire Journal International (WJI) monthly publication and its 5,600+ archived technical articles; the WAI Education Center, which delivers animation-based online courses (e.g., the Fundamentals of Wire Dies course developed with Fort Wayne Wire Die and Hyperion Materials & Technologies) and the broader Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing program; the WJI PowerCast podcast and digital editions; the Industry Search directory (described as the most comprehensive online wire and cable company search engine); and the Association Management System (AMS) member portal. The association's flagship events are Interwire, the largest and longest-running wire and cable marketplace in the Americas, and the biennial Wire Expo, complemented by a regional chapter network hosting golf tournaments, seminars, and scholarship activities.
WAI's revenue model is a diversified mix of recurring and transactional streams characteristic of a membership-based non-profit: annual membership dues (premium tier publicly disclosed at $650/year, covering five staff and providing premier Industry Search placement plus editorial opportunities in WJI), event registrations and exhibitor booth/sponsorship fees from trade shows, publication and store product sales, and online education course revenue. Distribution occurs through the wirenet.org portal, the monthly WJI print and digital editions, social media across five platforms, regional chapters, and direct enterprise engagement at flagship events. Leadership is provided by Executive Director Steve Fetteroll, and the organization operates without external equity investors, parent company ownership, or disclosed subsidiaries.
The Wire Association International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Wire Association International
- Legal name
- The Wire Association International, Inc.
- Website
- https://wirenet.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1930
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Wire Association International is a non-profit trade association founded in 1930 that serves the global wire and cable industry through trade shows (Interwire, Wire Expo), the Wire Journal International monthly publication, online education, and an industry directory for 2,000+ members across 45+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Wire Association International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trade Association Services
- NAICS
- Other Communication and Energy Wire Manufacturing (335929), Other Fabricated Wire Product Manufacturing (332618)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Data, Communications & Fiber Optic Cable (IMADAMAD)
Keywords
Where The Wire Association International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Madison
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Wire Association International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to educational webinars, archived webinars, technical articles (5,600+), WJI Reference Guide, Wire Journal International magazine, and discounts on WAI products, services and events. Premium membership at $650/year rewards five staff members and offers premier placement in Industry Search.
- Event Registrations and Exhibitions: Revenue from trade show registrations (Wire Expo, Interwire), booth fees, and sponsorship opportunities. Events like chapter golf tournaments also generate registration revenue ($200/golfer, $75 dinner-only).
- Publications and Store Products: Sales of Wire Journal International subscriptions (free to members), reference guides, and WAI Store products including merchandise and publications. Industry search enhancements and premium listing upgrades also generate revenue.
- Education and Training: Revenue from online courses and educational programs such as the Fundamentals of Wire Dies course, Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing, and other technical training offerings.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Premium Membership at $650/year with multi-year options available |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
The Wire Association International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Wire Association International is a non-profit trade association founded in 1930 that serves as the worldwide technical society for the wire and cable industry. WAI sells membership subscriptions, organizes flagship trade shows (Interwire and Wire Expo), publishes the monthly Wire Journal International magazine, delivers online technical education and training courses, and operates an Industry Search directory connecting wire and cable companies globally.
Product overview
The Wire Association International offers a suite of products and services for the global wire and cable industry. The core offerings include the Wire Journal International (WJI), a leading monthly technical publication, and the WAI Education Center featuring online courses including the WJI Fundamentals of Wire Dies Course and the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Program. WAI organizes two major trade shows: Interwire (the largest wire and cable marketplace in the Americas) and Wire Expo (biennial industry event). Additional services include the WAI Industry Search directory, WJI Digital Editions, The WJI PowerCast podcast, the WAI Store, and the Association Management System (AMS) member portal. The association serves over 2,000 members across 45+ countries through educational opportunities, career-building solutions, webinars, panel discussions, and production solution demonstrations focused on best practices, innovation, and operational excellence.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Wire Journal International (WJI): The leading monthly technical publication for the wire and cable industry, covering ferrous and nonferrous wire, electrical and fiber optic cable, and fabricated wire products.
Products and services
- Wire Journal International (WJI) The leading monthly technical publication for the wire and cable industry, covering ferrous and nonferrous wire, electrical and fiber optic cable, and fabricated wire products. Written for executives, engineers, technical and sales professionals, and purchasing agents.
- WAI Education Center Online learning platform offering modular, on-demand technical education for wire manufacturing professionals including courses, webinars, and training programs with animation-based content.
- WAI Fundamentals of Wire Dies Course Animation-based online course introducing wire die fundamentals, die types, applications, geometry, specifications, maintenance and optimization techniques.
- Interwire The largest and longest-running wire and cable marketplace in the Americas, featuring exhibitions, technical presentations, and networking for industry professionals.
- Wire Expo Biennial wire and cable manufacturing industry event organized by WAI, featuring exhibitions and technical programming for the global industry.
- WAI Industry Search The most comprehensive online wire and cable company search engine, featuring listings from the Wire Journal International Reference Guide with free basic listings and premium upgrade options.
- The WJI PowerCast Audio podcast series for WAI members covering industry topics, interviews, and technical discussions.
- Association Management System (AMS) State-of-the-art member management system offering subscription and membership management, event registration, secure data management, and credit card storage for auto-renewal.
- WAI Store Online store offering WAI merchandise, publications, and products for industry professionals.
- Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Program Comprehensive technical education program covering wire manufacturing topics including mechanics of wiredrawing, dies, lubricants, metallurgy, stranding, extrusion, heat treatment, and manufacturing problem solving. Offered both in-person at trade shows and virtually.
- WAI Job Center Career resource for the wire and cable industry connecting employers with qualified professionals.
- WJI Digital Editions Digital editions of Wire Journal International providing online access to members for reading on digital devices.
- WAI Membership (Individual and Premium Corporate) Annual membership subscriptions providing access to educational webinars, archived webinars, technical articles (5,600+), WJI Reference Guide, Wire Journal International magazine, and discounts on WAI products, services and events.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,000+ members and 63 companies across 45+ countries served globally
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Wire Association International
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Wire Association International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
The Wire Association International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.
- Hyperion Materials & TechnologiessupportingHyperion Materials & Technologies provided supporting technical materials related to materials performance and wear characteristics for the WAI Fundamentals of Wire Dies course. This collaboration enhanced the technical accuracy and industry relevance of WAI's online education program.
- Fort Wayne Wire DiecoreEric Bieberich, president of Fort Wayne Wire Die and former WAI president, developed the WAI Fundamentals of Wire Dies course. This represents a core educational partnership leveraging industry expertise for WAI's online training program.
- Gem GravurecoreGem Gravure is listed as a WAI Premium Member, indicating a premium membership relationship with enhanced visibility and benefits within the WAI community.
- Carris Reels, Inc.coreCarris Reels, Inc. is listed as a WAI Premium Member with premier placement in WAI's Industry Search and exclusive benefits.
- Service Wire CocoreService Wire Co is listed as a WAI Premium Member with premier visibility benefits.
- Champlain CablecoreChamplain Cable is listed as a WAI Premium Member with enhanced listing placement.
- Magnetic Analysis CorporationcoreMagnetic Analysis Corporation is listed as a WAI Premium Member with premier placement benefits.
- SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKScoreSDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS is listed as a WAI Premium Member with enhanced industry visibility.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Wire Association International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- The Aluminum Association: Trade association for the aluminum industry, including aluminum wire and rod manufacturers that are members of WAI. Comparable industry-association model focused on standards, statistics, advocacy, and member services for a metal/materials value chain.
- Copper Development Association (CDA): Industry association promoting copper usage, including copper wire and cable applications. Directly comparable as a vertical trade association with similar educational, statistical, and event functions targeting copper wire/cable manufacturers WAI also serves.
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): Large manufacturing-focused professional society offering education, certifications, events, and publications. Comparable as a non-profit technical society model serving manufacturing professionals, though broader than WAI's wire/cable focus.
- Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA): Trade association serving metal-forming and fabricating industries, overlapping with WAI's fabricated wire products segment. Comparable association structure with events, publications, and education targeted at a manufacturing sub-sector.
Direct peers
- BICSI: Professional association for the cabling and information-communications technology (ICT) industry. Comparable because it serves cabling installers/designers with education, certifications, publications, and events — the same model WAI applies to wire and cable manufacturers.
- Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association (WCISA): European association of suppliers to the wire and cable industry. Closely comparable peer organization supporting the same end-industry on a different geography, with similar trade show, networking, and advocacy offerings.
- National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): US trade association representing electrical equipment manufacturers, including wire and cable producers. NEMA is the closest analog as an industry-association peer serving overlapping electrical-product manufacturers and running trade events, standards, and policy advocacy.
- International Cablemakers Federation (ICF): Global trade federation representing cable manufacturers worldwide. Directly comparable as an industry association for the wire and cable sector with international membership and policy/standards engagement similar to WAI's role.
- American Wire Producers Association (AWPA): US trade association specifically for ferrous wire producers. Comparable as a membership-based industry association serving a subset of WAI's constituents (wire manufacturers), with overlapping events and advocacy.
Regional players
- Association of the German Wire and Cable Industry (VDEh/DKI): Regional (German/European) wire industry association with statistics, events, and member services for wire producers. Comparable as a national/regional industry body serving the same vertical with an overlapping membership base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Wire Association International social profiles
Digital presenceThe Wire Association International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Wire Association International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
The Wire Association International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Wire Association International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Wire Association International
What does The Wire Association International do?
The Wire Association International is a non-profit trade association founded in 1930 that serves as the worldwide technical society for the wire and cable industry. WAI sells membership subscriptions, organizes flagship trade shows (Interwire and Wire Expo), publishes the monthly Wire Journal International magazine, delivers online technical education and training courses, and operates an Industry Search directory connecting wire and cable companies globally.
Is The Wire Association International a public or private company?
The Wire Association International is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Wire Association International founded?
The Wire Association International was founded in 1930. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Wire Association International based?
The Wire Association International is headquartered in Madison, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Wire Association International make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are event Registrations and Exhibitions, publications and Store Products and education and Training.
Who are The Wire Association International's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are The Aluminum Association, Copper Development Association (CDA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA). Direct peers are BICSI, Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association (WCISA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), International Cablemakers Federation (ICF) and American Wire Producers Association (AWPA). Association of the German Wire and Cable Industry (VDEh/DKI) is listed as a regional player.
Does The Wire Association International have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Wire Association International.
What industry is The Wire Association International in?
The Wire Association International's product category is Trade Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADAMAD, Data, Communications & Fiber Optic Cable. Its NAICS code is 335929 and its SIC code is 8600.