Welding Automation Exposition and Conference
June 2-4, 2026 | Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Innovations in Welding Automation
Innovations in Welding Automation
The Welding Automation Exposition and Conference (WAEC) 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 will experience technical sessions, demonstrations, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Participants earn 13 Professional Development Hours (PDHs), with an optional plant tour offering 3 additional PDHs.
WAEC 2026 provides actionable insights to solve welding labor shortages through automation and smart manufacturing.
Location
Location
June 2-4, 2026
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
35 S 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Room Rate: $184 | Reservation Cut-off: May 11, 2026
The hotel in downtown Minneapolis is conveniently located in close proximity to major points of interest in the city, from the Orchestra Hall to the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Walker Art Center, and more.
Beware: Hotel Phishing Scams
AWS will not contact you for personal or payment information for our conference hotel. We do not have an “authorized agent” to assist you with making your reservations. Commonly referred to as "housing pirates," these are companies that call or email attendees and exhibitors claiming to offer good deals on hotel rooms or providing links to alleged room blocks or booking sites. They may falsely claim to be affiliated with AWS or this conference. The ONLY legitimate way to reserve your room at the conference hotel is by clicking the blue “Reserve Your Room Today” button on this page.
WHY ATTEND?
LEARN FROM
EXPERTS
Robotics, automation, cobots, Industry 4.0, and renewable manufacturing.
EARN
PDHS
1 per hour of conference attendance (13 total) plus 3 for the optional plant tour.
NETWORK WITH
PEERS
Connect with automation leaders, exhibitors, and engineers across industries.
HANDS-ON
INSIGHTS
Optional ½-day plant tour showcasing real-world applications.
Additional Details
2½ days of sessions, including an optional ½-day plant tour
18 technical sessions + 1 keynote
2 lunches & 2 networking receptions
Conference Chairs & Speakers
Conference Chairs & Speakers
Hear from top voices in welding and equipment manufacturing. Our speakers bring expertise, innovation, and industry insight to help you shape the future of welding equipment and technology.
Speakers information will be available soon. Check back for updates.
Keynote Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Jeff Burnstein
President, Association for Advancing Automation
Jeff Burnstein is the President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading North American trade group representing over 1400 global companies involved in robotics, artificial intelligence, vision, motion control and related automation technologies. Burnstein joined the association in 1983 and has held a variety of senior positions, culminating in his promotion to President in 2007. He is a frequent commentator on automation issues to the news media, policy makers and the public, and regularly speaks at global conferences on topics such the latest automation trends, the impact of automation on jobs and the future of automation beyond the factory floor. In 2023 he received the Engelberger Robotics Award for Leadership, widely considered the “Nobel Prize of Robotics.”
Carey Chen
CEO, American Welding Society
Mr. Chen brings extensive leadership experience to AWS, having previously held CEO roles at Fathom Digital Manufacturing Solutions (NYSE:FATH), Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions, and Incodema Holdings LLC, and as Executive Chairman and President of Cincinnati Incorporated. Earlier in his career, he held key executive positions, including Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Hypertherm, Inc., Vice President Finance of Wiremold | Legrand (Paris:LR.PA), and Vice President & CFO of Bayliner Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of the Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC).
A longstanding supporter of AWS, Mr. Chen has been an active volunteer with AWS and the AWS Foundation since 2007. He served as AWS Treasurer from 2015 to 2022, during which he chaired the Finance & Business Development and Investment Committees and was a member of both the AWS Board of Directors and the AWS Foundation Board of Trustees. Most recently, he chaired the Audit Committee. His contributions to AWS have earned him prestigious recognitions, including being named an AWS Counselor in 2022 and receiving the National Meritorious Award in 2024.
In addition to his role at AWS, Mr. Chen currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Roberts Hawaii, Inc., an independent Board Director for CHART Rehabilitation, and an Independent Board Advisor for KarYard, Inc. Mr. Chen received a BS in Applied Mathematics from University of California, Los Angeles. He earned an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and currently serves on the Gies College of Business Dean’s Business Council. He also holds several US Patents.
AGENDA SNAPSHOT
Connect with Industry Leaders at Welding Automation Expo & Conference
These sessions offer more than just presentations – they’re an interactive platform to connect with thought leaders, ask questions, and gain actionable strategies. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from industry trailblazers.
Tours
Tours
Explore Industry in Action at Ballantine Inc.
As part of WAEC, attendees will have the opportunity to go beyond the conference and participate in one of two plant tours, including a visit to Ballantine Inc. in Anoka, Minnesota.
Ballantine Inc.
840 McKinley Street
Anoka, MN 55303
This plant tour gives attendees the chance to experience industry in action firsthand while earning an additional 3 PDUs.
More details on the second plant tour will be shared soon.
AWS Member Testimonial
The Welding Automation Expo & Conference was a turning point for me as a joining automation user in aerospace. The practical sessions focused on real-world applications and honest lessons learned. I walked away with ideas that sparked new conversations and initiatives across our organization, leading to lasting improvements that help us deliver the highest-quality components while keeping safety first.
Why Exhibit with AWS?
Why Exhibit with AWS?
Exhibiting with the American Welding Society connects your company directly with qualified professionals in the welding industry. Showcase your products, strengthen brand recognition, and forge valuable partnerships. Our conferences offer unmatched networking opportunities and industry insights to support your business growth.
Additional information regarding exhibits and sponsor will be available soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the PDH credit for this conference?
1 PDH per hour of attendance (13 total), plus 3 for the optional plant tour.
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Who should attend Welding Automation Exposition and Conference 2026?
Automation leaders, engineers, manufacturers, educators, and technical decision-makers interested in welding automation.
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What is included with my registration?
Meals, receptions, plant tour transportation, exhibitor hall access, and PDHs.
Stay Informed
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