IWMA LATEST NEWS

Interwire 2009 in Cleveland feels effects of global economic slowdown

Official figures released by the organisers of Interwire, which took place 27-30 April 2009 in Cleveland, USA, report a 43% reduction in attendance compared with the 2007 event held in the same venue.  Whilst disappointing in some respects these figures are not entirely unexpected given the severe impact of the recession on the wire and cable industry with many organisations having imposed restrictions on employee travel.

IWMA President Georg Queins (second right) and Chairman Stephen Wood (third right)
at wire cutting opening ceremony at Interwire 2009

Attendance was not helped by the unfortunate concurrent swine fever outbreak that certainly had some effect on travel.  Despite the disappointing attendance numbers the exhibition still attracted visitors representing 930 companies coming from 33 countries.

The IWMA has been a long time supporter of Interwire and once again exhibited together with a group of members.  During the four days of the exhibition the IWMA obtained 23 firm enquiries from organisations interested in membership and recruited one new member company on the spot.  In addition a number of important meetings took place including a planning session with the WAI and ACIMAF for the forthcoming Istanbul Cable & Wire 09 technical conference that takes place 2-3 November 2009 in Turkey.

After two stays in Cleveland the 2011 Interwire will return to Atlanta when there will undoubtedly be a more positive economic climate, which as a result, will produce a re-invigorated event.  The IWMA continues to support Interwire as the key wire and cable exhibition for the North American region.

Interwire 2009 overview with IWMA booth middle right side