Four Major Technical Conferences Showcase Welding Industry Innovation and Expertise
The American Welding Society (AWS) recently announced its full schedule of 2026 conferences and events that include educational sessions, networking, and opportunities to connect with industry-leading subject matter experts. In addition to annual FABTECH conferences, AWS will feature four comprehensive technical events in 2026: Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC 2026), Shipbuilding and Aluminum Conference, Welding Automation Expo & Conference (WAEC), and Welding Summit™.
“These four educational events take a deep dive into current welding technology topics for welding professionals and industry experts,” says Jonathan Joseph, Manager, Conferences, AWS. “If you’re interested in advancing your career goals by learning about new industry techniques and standards, as well as networking with a who’s who of industry professionals, you should consider these AWS conferences.”
The marquis events kick off in February with the Inspection Expo & Conference, Feb. 3-4, 2026, in Austin, Texas. The conference, hosted by AWS and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), is the premier event hosted by inspectors for inspectors, focusing entirely on welding inspection.
“While the IEC is dedicated to the core areas of welding inspection, the conference will also highlight the recent and increasing role of artificial intelligence,” says Bill Newell, Conferences Chair. In addition, there will be a pre-conference event, Upholding Integrity: Legal and Ethical Standards in the Welding Industry, on Feb. 2 for those who want to learn more about legal and ethical responsibilities of a CWI.
From April 13-15, 2026, the third Shipbuilding and Aluminum Conference takes place in New Orleans. This three-day event brings together industry leaders, engineers, and professionals to explore the latest technologies, materials, and practices shaping shipbuilding and aluminum welding. The conference offers tabletop exhibits, a happy hour, and multiple opportunities to connect with peers, suppliers, and industry innovators.
The Welding Automation Expo and Conference happens June 2-4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. WAEC features industry experts and end users who delve more deeply into automation. Receptions and tours provide additional information and networking opportunities.
Highlighting welding compliance, procedure and qualification, the premier welding event Welding Summit 2026: Improving Welding Competency takes place Aug. 5-7 at The Woodlands Resort, Texas. Keynotes Dwayne Mattox, application engineer at Miller Electric, and Patrick Van Fleet, automation expert at Airgas, will speak to their professional welding experience in the military and beyond.
Visit AWS event calendar for upcoming 2026 conferences and additional information.
The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.
