AWS Welding Summit 2026 to Focus on Welding Competency, Codes and Compliance

THE WOODLANDS, TX — The American Welding Society (AWS) will host Welding Summit 2026: Improving Welding Competency, Aug. 5–7, 2026, at The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, Texas, bringing together professionals from manufacturing, fabrication, construction, energy, petrochemical, aerospace and advanced industries for two and a half days of technical education, industry insight and networking.

This year’s Welding Summit will feature an expanded technical program with 13 educational sessions, two keynote presentations, networking luncheons, an exhibit hall and up to 18 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) available for attendees.

Expanded Program Addresses Growing Welding Compliance Demands

As infrastructure investment and industrial expansion continue across multiple sectors, welding requirements are becoming increasingly complex. Welding Summit 2026 is designed to help welding professionals better understand and apply the codes and standards governing welding operations from design and fabrication through field implementation.

This year’s program will focus heavily on compliance education tied to major industry codes and standards, including:

• AWS D1.1, D1.6 and D18.1
• ASME BPVC Section IX
• ASME BPE and ASME “B” Codes
• API 582 and API 1104

Technical sessions will examine differences in welding procedures, welder qualification requirements, nondestructive examination (NDE) and heat treatment practices to help contractors, fabricators and inspectors strengthen compliance readiness and reduce execution gaps.

“Welding competency today goes far beyond technique—it requires a working command of multiple code frameworks across industries,” said William F. Newell, Jr., Conferences Committee Chair. “This Summit is built to give attendees practical, usable knowledge they can take directly into their operations.”

Sessions Explore Automation, AI and Emerging Welding Technologies

In addition to standards and compliance education, Welding Summit 2026 will explore how welding continues to evolve across petrochemical, energy, renewables, life sciences, semiconductor and aerospace applications.

Attendees will hear technical presentations covering:

• Welding power sources
• Filler materials and base metals
• Automation technologies
• Artificial intelligence applications
• Streaming-based training methods
• Intellectual property protection

The conference is designed to provide practical insight for welding engineers, inspectors, managers, educators and skilled trades professionals working in rapidly changing industrial environments.

Keynote Speakers Bring Technical and Real-World Industry Experience

The event’s keynote lineup includes Dwayne Mattox, Field Application Engineer at Miller Electric, and Patrick Van Fleet, Automation Specialist for Airgas North Central Region.

Both speakers bring a combination of military service, technical expertise and firsthand field experience, highlighting the adaptability and workforce development challenges shaping today’s welding industry.

Event Creates Networking and Business Development Opportunities

Welding Summit 2026 will also provide exhibitors and sponsors with opportunities to connect directly with decision-makers and technical professionals across multiple industrial sectors.

The exhibit hall will feature tabletop displays, product showcases, networking receptions and sponsorship activations throughout the conference.

Early bird registration is now open, with discounted rates available through June 21. AWS will again offer $100 student registration as part of its continued focus on workforce development and attracting future welding professionals into the skilled trades.

For registration details, exhibitor opportunities, and event updates, visit aws.org.