Brief History of IWCS, Inc.

Conference Links

In the Beginning...
	The IWCS was started in 1952 by key government and industry representatives devoted to the development of improved wires and cables for military applications. The first Symposium was held in Asbury Park, NJ and was called "Symposium on Technical Progress and Communication Wire and Cables". As it grew, it attracted international attention and by 1967, the meeting drew over 100 representatives from various foreign countries. As a result of the increase in foreign participation, the name of the Symposium was changed to the "International Wire and Cable Symposium".
IWCS Incorporates
	The IWCS was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on January 7, 1987. It's purpose was to plan, promote, initiate and coordinate the exchange of technical information on wire, cable and fiber optics within industry and government, through an annual IWCS Symposium. An office staff, headed by a President/Director handled the day-to-day operations. A Board of Trustees ran the business and affairs of the corporation. Trustees were active individuals from the cable industry and other related categories and served for a predetermined period of time.

Major Reorganization
After years operating as a single governing committee, the IWCS decided in the year 2000 to effect a reorganization to improve the efficiency of operation and long term planning. The new organization has two parts, a Board of Directors and a Symposium Committee. The Board of Directors has oversight responsibilities, focusing on mission setting, long term planning, strategy development, budget approval, compensation and senior management objectives. The Symposium Committee has primary responsibility for organizing the symposium. This includes review of abstracts, selection of papers, establishing technical sessions, organizing invited guest speakers and special sessions, and monitoring all aspects of the symposium. Return to Top
Wire & Cable FOCUS Acquisition
	On September 19, 2000, the Board of Directors of the IWCS announced that it had completed acquisition of the Wire & Cable Focus Conference. This action was part of a continuing effort to provide the industry with the most important technical symposium devoted to wire and cable technology. Full details of this action were included in a press release issued on that date.
Additional Resources
Membership Honor Roll (PDF)	A list of all who have served on the IWCS throughout the years. This PDF file contains names, company affiliations, countries and dates of service.
Conference Venues (PDF)	The annual conference has been held in various locations throughout its history. This PDF file lists cities and host hotel/venue for all past meetings as well as a look at future planned sites.