Welding Summit 2026 - Improving Welding Competency
August 5-7, 2026 | The Woodlands Resort, TX
Improving Welding Competency
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Aug 5–7, 2026 | The Woodlands Resort, TX
More details available on the registration page.
WELDING SUMMIT 2026: IMPROVING WELDING COMPETENCY
WELDING SUMMIT 2026: IMPROVING WELDING COMPETENCY
Applying ASME, AWS, and API Requirements Across a Single Scope of Work
With historic levels of construction and capital investment underway, expectations around welding code compliance are higher—and less forgiving. Misalignment between design, procedures, qualification, and inspection can slow projects down, create rework, and introduce risk in both the shop and the field. Understanding today’s codes has never been more crucial.
From August 5 - 7, 2026, join welding and fabrication leaders at The Woodlands Resort in Texas for Welding Summit 2026. This event breaks down compliance across ASME “B” Codes, ASME BPVC Section IX, ASME BPE, API 582 and 1104, and AWS D1.1, D1.6, and D18.1—covering welding procedures, welder qualification, NDE, and heat treatment in clear, practical terms you can apply from the drawing board through execution. Earn up to 18 PDHs when you attend the 2026 Welding Summit.
Location
Location
Park City, UT
The Woodlands Resort
A Hilton property, is an all-encompassing Texas escape just 30 miles outside Houston. Spanning 350 acres, the resort offers a variety of activities for all travelers, including golf courses, tennis, pickleball, and a conference center.
It is also home to the family-friendly Forest Oasis pool complex, featuring a 30-foot tower, 1000-foot lazy river, and Puffy’s Sprayground™ for the little ones, making it the perfect family destination.
For additional resort details, click here.
program overview
Length
2½ days (formerly 1½ days with a separate pre-event)
Keynotes
Two 1-hour keynotes, including one inspirational and one industry keynote
Sessions
A total of thirteen sessions, including two keynotes
Luncheons
Two luncheons in the exhibit hall
Networking Reception
Opening reception in the exhibit hall
Conference Details
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Benefits of Attending
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Organizing Committee
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Speakers
Attendees will observe presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits industry experts, network and learn about key advancements, latest technical approaches, and innovations required to support the industry.
Attendees are awarded 1 PDH (Professional Development Hour) for each hour of conference attendance for a total of 18 PDHs. These can be applied toward AWS recertifications, renewals, and other professional needs.
Chair
Bill Newell
Co-Chair
Gary Lewis
Co-Chair
John Stoll
Co-Chair
Mike Lang
Co-Chair
Scott Witowski
Co-Chair
Shanen Aranmor
AWS Staff
Margaret Jamborsky
AWS Staff
Jonathan Joseph
The speakers are TBD at this time. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.
AGENDA SNAPSHOT
Keynotes
Keynotes
Dwayne Mattox
Dwayne Mattox has grown up in welding and has used it to visit some of the most amazing parts of the world. He has been welding all his life with a brief exception to fulfill his childhood dream of being an Airborne Ranger in the U.S Army. Dwayne has welded in foreign countries, under water, and on anything from cars to rocket engines. He has tried his hand at a couple of TV roles, he blacksmiths as a hobby, and is currently a Field Application Engineer for Miller Electric.
Patrick Van Fleet
Patrick was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His father was in the Army and mother was a German citizen. He graduated High School in Hohenfels, Germany, in 2008 and enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 17, 2009, where he graduated Boot Camp and became an infantry Marine. He served from Nov 2009–Nov 2011 on the Silent Drill Platoon in Washington, DC. He was ordered to go to 3rd LAR (Light Armored Reconnaissance) in 29 Palms, California and later deployed to Helmand Provence in Afghanistan in 2012 where he was injured. In November 2014 he was medically discharged from the Marine Corps.
Patrick moved to Yuma, Arizona where he attended Arizona Western College, earning two A.A.S. degrees in automotive technologies. He became an A.S.E. certified mechanic in December 2017 and then transferred to Northern Arizona University where he earned a B.A.S. in industrial technologies in May 2021. He later returned to Arizona Western College to earn another A.A.S, this time in welding, studying D 1.1 structural welding for SMAW and FCAW and SMAW open root. He is currently one of two automation specialists for Airgas North Central region. He has been an AWS member since 2019.
Welding Summit 2025 Highlights
Welding Summit 2025 Highlights
3 Key Trends Shaping the Industry
Insights from sessions that matter.
The welding world is shifting—whether it’s how we inspect critical assets, develop new talent, or tackle complex fabrication challenges. Welding Summit 2025 is full of sessions that dig into these shifts with real-world experience and solutions you can apply back on the job.
Here are three trends worth watching—and the speakers who are offering a closer look.
PRICING & REGISTRATION
| Registrant | Early Bird (Before June 1) ◇ | Regular* |
| Member | $550 | $650 |
| Non-Member | $650 | $750 |
| Student | $100 | $100 |
| Guest — access to receptions only | $100 | $100 |
| Exhibit Booth Additional Attendant* | $500 | $500 |
| * Does not include access to sessions or ballroom luncheon | ||
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
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