The Welding, Joining and Manufacturing Conference and Exhibition (#WeldJoinExpo26) is a flagship event for welding, joining and allied technologies in the UK, created by TWI / The Welding Institute. The event took place at TWI Cambridge on 7 July, 2026.
TWI / The Welding Institute has over 100 years of industry experience and heritage, responsible for innovations such as the invention of friction stir welding and the first-ever autonomous weld performed in space. Its experts have also been instrumental in the creation of industry-wide codes and standards.
As the premier event for welding, joining and allied technologies in the UK, WeldJoinExpo26 brought together experts and professionals from across industry for keynote speeches, presentations, and industry-specific workshops, including valued input from bodies including Make UK and Make UK Defence, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Council, JCB, and the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).
High-level expert speakers were lined up for both the 'Skills Zone' and the dedicated 'Future Technologies' area, featuring a programme of talks and presentations for attendees. Speakers included representatives from Make UK, IOM3, the Nuclear Industry Association, BAE Systems, Siemens, the European Space Agency, Make UK Defence, Kuka Systems UK, the Excellence Achievement and Learning Awards, Seabery, the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, Sheffield Forgemasters, Leonardo Aerospace, and the UK Department of Business.
The day included industry-specific workshops and seminars covering aerospace, defence, nuclear, oil and gas, and space. These provided pre-booked, sector-specific meetings for Industrial Members, as well as open access sessions covering industries and capabilities. Alongside these industry-specific areas, there was an industry-wide NDT area including presentations and live demonstrations. Dedicated areas provided information about the TWI Library, TWI Certification, and the benefits of Professional Membership with The Welding Institute.
TWI / The Welding Institute partnered with Industrial Member JCB for a day of skills seminars, speeches, presentations, and more, plus ample opportunity to network with experts in training, certification, and engineering career development. Recognizing the skills gap concern for industry, TWI invited 50+ JCB welding and inspection apprentices to WeldJoinExpo to help inspire the next generation.
Attendees explored the future of innovation in the Future Technology Rooms, hearing from representatives including IOM3, Make UK, and top industry partners, and learning how high-quality research drives transformation — including deep dives into TWI's greatest innovations such as long-range ultrasonic inspection and engineering critical assessment. The TWI Technology Roadmap was also presented, built to pioneer the next wave of advancements. TWI has collaborated with bodies like Brunel University, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Huddersfield to create Innovation Centres delivering new research across digitalisation, net zero, and sustainability.
WeldJoinExpo26 included an exhibition from TWI and Make UK Members, offering opportunities to network and discover the services, support, and innovations available through the network. Attendees also saw key welding, joining, coating and material testing technologies in the main engineering hall in the Bevan Braithwaite Building, with technical experts on-hand providing demonstrations of state-of-the-art systems.
There was ample opportunity to network with other attendees and speak with experts from TWI and The Welding Institute, including organised opportunities introducing Industrial Members with similar interests. Those attending the expo received an event pack including an exhibitor guide, TWI brochure, and event gift.