The American Welding Society (AWS) will host Welding Summit 2026: Improving Welding Competency, August 5–7, 2026, at The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, Texas, bringing together professionals from across manufacturing, fabrication, construction, energy, petrochemical, aerospace, and advanced industries for two and a half days of technical education, industry insight, and networking.
The Welding Summit 2026 will feature a more in-depth program than previous years, including 13 technical sessions, two keynote presentations, two networking luncheons, an exhibit hall, and up to 18 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) available for attendees.
With sectors undergoing significant capital investment and infrastructure expansion, welding requirements are becoming increasingly complex. As a result, practical knowledge of codes is more important than ever. Welding Summit 2026 is designed to help professionals better understand and apply critical standards governing welding operations—from design through fabrication and field implementation.
This year's program will spotlight compliance education across key 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
Sessions will examine code differences in welding procedures, welder qualification requirements, nondestructive examination (NDE), and heat treatment practices, helping attendees strengthen compliance readiness and reduce costly gaps in execution.
"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."
In addition to code-focused education, Welding Summit 2026 will explore how welding is evolving across the petrochemical, energy, renewables, life sciences, semiconductors, and aerospace sectors. Attendees will also hear about the latest developments in welding power sources, filler materials, base metals, automation, artificial intelligence, streaming-based training, and intellectual property protection.
The event's keynote lineup includes inspirational speakers Dwayne Mattox, Field Application Engineer at Miller Electric, and Patrick Van Fleet, an Automation Specialist for Airgas North Central Region. Together, they bring a mix of military service, technical expertise, and firsthand industry experience reflecting the grit and adaptability shaping today's welding workforce.
Welding Summit 2026 also offers opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to connect with a targeted audience of decision-makers, engineers, inspectors, managers, educators, and skilled tradespeople. The exhibit hall will feature tabletop displays, product showcases, networking receptions, and sponsorship activations throughout the event.
Early bird registration is now open, with discounted rates available through June 21. Student registration is offered at $100, reinforcing AWS's commitment to workforce development and future talent entering the welding industry.