The Welding Automation Exposition and Conference (WAEC), organized by the American Welding Society, brings together automation leaders, engineers, and manufacturers to explore how robotics, sensors, and Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming welding productivity and quality. Over 2½ days, attendees experience technical sessions, demonstrations, exhibits, and networking opportunities, earning 13 Professional Development Hours (PDHs), with an optional plant tour offering 3 additional PDHs.

WAEC 2026 takes place June 2–4, 2026, at The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown (35 S 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN). The program includes 18 technical sessions plus a keynote, 2 lunches, and 2 networking receptions, with an optional ½-day plant tour. AWS notes that WAEC 2026 provides actionable insights to help solve welding labor shortages through automation and smart manufacturing.

Conference Chair Jeff Noruk (President, Servo-Robot Corp.) has worked 45 years in welding automation and is active on the AWS D16 (Robotic and Welding) and D8 (Automotive Welding) standards committees. Co-Chair Doug Rhoda (Chairman and Principal, Vectis Automation) brings 37+ years of robotic and automated welding and cutting experience.

Keynote speakers include Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), who received the 2023 Engelberger Robotics Award for Leadership, and Carey Chen, CEO of the American Welding Society, whose career includes executive roles at Fathom Digital Manufacturing, Hypertherm, and Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions.

Attendees can join plant tours at Ballantine Inc. in Anoka, Minnesota, and BTD Manufacturing in Lakeville, Minnesota, seeing real-world automation and metal fabrication operations in action, with three additional PDHs for participation.

WAEC focuses on actionable, real-world applications — robotics, automation, cobots, Industry 4.0, and renewable manufacturing — with sessions that include an interactive platform to connect with thought leaders and gain strategies for joining automation across aerospace and other sectors. Exhibiting with AWS also connects companies directly with qualified welding-industry professionals for brand recognition and partnerships.