Inside REWIREcable 2025: an interview with Albert Groothedde

Digital transformation is no longer a buzzword—it's a pressing reality for the wire & cable industry. From AI-driven automation to smarter planning systems and the push for greener, more efficient operations, companies across the sector are rethinking how they work, produce, and compete.

REWIREcable 2025 is designed to meet that moment. More than just another event, it’s a conference focused on practical innovation, strategic insights, and open dialogue. The next edition will take place on June 3–4, 2025 at the Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel.

We spoke with Albert Groothedde, CEO of InnoVites and one of the driving forces behind REWIREcable, about the vision for the event, how it differs from traditional trade shows, and what participants can look forward to in 2025.

How many editions of REWIREcable have been organized so far?

REWIREcable 2025 will be our second edition; but it already feels like a movement. The first event took place in 2024 alongside wire Düsseldorf, and the energy and engagement we saw there validated everything we hoped this initiative would be. It wasn’t just about attendance, it was about the right people showing up, contributing, and walking away with something valuable. That momentum is what’s driving us into 2025 with even bigger ambition.

Who came up with the idea for this conference, and what inspired it?

The idea for REWIREcable came from within InnoVites. After working in the wire & cable industry for over two decades, we saw a clear disconnect; while digital transformation and AI were making waves in other sectors, our industry was still waiting for the right platform to explore these topics in a focused, practical way. So we decided to stop waiting and build it ourselves. REWIREcable was born out of our belief that this industry doesn’t just need more events, it needs the right kind of event. A place where innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving come together to move the industry forward.

What gap in the wire & cable industry does REWIREcable aim to fill? How do you position yourselves within the current trade show and conference landscape?

REWIREcable isn’t here to compete with the big trade shows; and that’s intentional. Exhibitions like wire Düsseldorf already do a fantastic job showcasing products and technology on a massive scale. What’s often missing, though, is a space for deeper conversations; about strategy, innovation, digitalization, and the future of the industry. That’s the gap we’re filling. REWIREcable is about content over commerce. It’s a conference, not an exhibition. No booths, no product demos—just real insights, actionable strategies, and conversations that matter. We position ourselves as the go-to event for leaders and changemakers in the wire & cable world who are ready to engage with the 'what’s next’.

How do you select the speakers and key topics for the event?

We start with a simple question: what would we want to learn if we were attending? Our team at InnoVites brings a mix of industry experience, customer feedback, and day-to-day conversations with manufacturers, planners, and engineers. That gives us a pretty strong pulse on the most relevant topics. From there, we look for speakers who don’t just know the tech, but know the wire & cable industry. We aim for a healthy balance: thought leaders, subject matter experts, and people with real-world success stories. And we don’t shy away from fresh voices. If someone is solving a tough problem or doing something innovative in a factory or control room, we want them on stage.

Are there any standout presentations or themes in the 2025 edition you’re particularly excited about?

Absolutely. One big focus this year is going beyond the AI buzz and diving into practical implementation to accelerate the digital transformation. How do you go from theory to ROI? What does AI actually look like in a cable plant? We’ve got speakers tackling AI in inquiry-to-quote automation, production planning, predictive maintenance, and design automation; and they’re bringing real use cases to the table. We’re also giving sustainability the space it deserves. There’s a growing demand for greener operations, and we’re spotlighting how digital tools can support those goals; without slowing down business. But what I’m personally most excited about? The connections. We’ve created more space for networking, smaller breakout discussions, and peer-to-peer sharing. Because sometimes the best insights come not from the stage, but from the person sitting next to you.

For more information and to register for the event, visit the official website REWIREcable 2025.

As part of our media partnership with REWIREcable, readers of Expometals.net can benefit from a 15% discount on conference registration.
Use the code “Expometals@REWIREcable” when signing up to claim your discount.