Wednesday, May 6, 2026 — 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. The event brings 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 features a deeper program than in previous years, with 13 technical sessions, two keynote presentations, two networking luncheons and an exhibit hall, offering attendees the chance to earn up to 18 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
With sectors undergoing significant capital investment and infrastructure expansion, welding requirements are becoming increasingly complex, and practical knowledge of codes has never been more important. Welding Summit 2026 is designed to help professionals understand and apply the critical standards that govern welding operations from design through fabrication and field implementation.
This year's program spotlights compliance education across key codes and standards:
- AWS D1.1, D1.6 and D18.1
- ASME BPVC Section IX
- ASME BPE and ASME "B" Codes
- API 582 and API 1104
Sessions 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."
Beyond code-focused education, Welding Summit 2026 explores 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 keynote lineup includes inspirational speakers Dwayne Mattox, Field Application Engineer at Miller Electric, and Patrick Van Fleet, Automation Specialist for Airgas North Central Region — bringing a mix of military service, technical expertise and firsthand industry experience that reflects the grit and adaptability shaping today's welding workforce.
The exhibit hall features tabletop displays, product showcases, networking receptions and sponsorship activations throughout the event, offering exhibitors and sponsors direct access to decision-makers, engineers, inspectors, managers, educators and skilled tradespeople.
Early bird registration is open, with discounted rates available through June 21. Student registration remains at $100, reinforcing AWS's commitment to workforce development and the next generation of welding professionals.
For registration details, exhibitor opportunities and event updates, visit aws.org.
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. A nonprofit organization, AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes 3,000 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups.