Celebrate Welding Excellence at FABTECH 2026
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Join WEMCO and the AWS Foundation in Honoring Industry Trailblazers
Join WEMCO and the AWS Foundation in Honoring Industry Trailblazers
This year, WEMCO and the AWS Foundation join forces to present the Excellence in Welding Awards Ceremony on the FABTECH Theater stage. This exciting joint event recognizes the outstanding achievements of:
- Excellence in Welding Award recipients
- AWS Foundation Scholarship recipients
- Graduate Fellowship honorees
- Grant recipients
The ceremony will spotlight the people and programs shaping the future of welding, providing them with the exposure and recognition they deserve on a national stage.
Excellence in Welding Awards
Excellence in Welding Awards
Peers nominate. The committee selects. Winners are honored at FABTECH.
The Excellence in Welding Awards recognize outstanding individuals whose contributions have advanced the welding industry. Nominees are put forward by their peers, and winners are selected by the Excellence in Welding Committee based on their impact, leadership, and dedication to the profession.
Award recipients are celebrated during the Excellence in Welding Awards Ceremony at FABTECH, an event open to all FABTECH attendees.
AWARD OVERVIEW
Nomination Period
- March 9 – June 26, 2026
Awards Ceremony
- Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Location: FABTECH Theater | Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Congratulations to our 2026 excellence in welding award Recipients
Congratulations to our 2026 excellence in welding award Recipients
Meet this year's award winners and discover the categories in which they were recognized.
Recognizing outstanding contributions that advance the reputation of welding in communities across the industry, the WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards honor recipients in eight categories. Join us in celebrating the 2026 award winners:
- Individual – Tim Keener
- Educator – Ashley Applegate
- Educational Facility – Mitchell Technical College
- Distributor – Arc3 Gases
- Small Business – D&D Welding & Fabrication
- Large Business – Specialty Welding & Turnarounds
- Veteran – United Associations Veterans in Piping
- AWS Section – SW Virginia
Why Attend?
Why Attend?
Be inspired
Meet the individuals and organizations making a real impact across education, industry, military, and community service.
See Welding’s Future, Live
Celebrate welding’s next generation and honor the legacy of those advancing the field today.
Celebrate with the Industry
Join professionals, students, and industry leaders for an unforgettable moment recognizing excellence in welding.
Excellence in Welding Award Categories
Excellence in Welding Award Categories
The annual Excellence in Welding Awards, created by WEMCO, honor individuals and organizations that elevate the image of welding and bolster the industry.
- Individual
- Educator
- Educational Facility
- Small Business
- Large Business
- Distributor
- AWS Section
- Veteran
- Media
Celebrate Excellence in Welding
Celebrate Excellence in Welding
Peers nominate. The Committee selects. Winners are honored at FABTECH.
Nominees are put forward by industry peers, with winners chosen by the Excellence in Welding Committee. Awardees are celebrated during the Excellence in Welding Awards Ceremony at FABTECH.
Nominations for this year closed on June 26. Stay tuned for the opening of next year’s nomination period and be ready to spotlight those making a difference in the welding community!
Help Spread the Word
Know someone attending FABTECH?
Share this event to help give these honorees the visibility they deserve:
Stay connected
Start the Conversation with AWS
Follow along for updates, honoree spotlights, and live coverage on:
- WEMCO LinkedIn Showcase Page
- Email alerts via AWS member communications
- Welding Journal and Section News
- Real-time social media updates