WEMCO Annual Meeting
May 15-16, 2026 | Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, OK
Connect. Learn. Lead.
Connect. Learn. Lead.
The Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO) will celebrate its 30th anniversary during the 2026 Annual Meeting, held May 15-16 in Oklahoma City.
This exclusive, in-person event brings WEMCO members together for high-level networking, hands-on learning, and expert insights into emerging trends—including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and strategies to stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving environment. Don’t miss this premier welding industry partner gathering designed to strengthen your leadership in the welding equipment sector.
Location
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
May 15-16, 2026
100 West Oklahoma City Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73109
405.438.6500
Experience the vibrant heart of Oklahoma City at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, where modern luxury meets rich local heritage. Overlooking the scenic Scissortail Park and offering sweeping views of the downtown skyline, our hotel is the perfect destination for romantic getaways, business trips, and family vacations alike.
Located just steps from Bricktown, and the Paycom Center, guests enjoy effortless access to the city's most popular attractions. Whether you're exploring the walkable downtown area or unwinding with a view, Omni Oklahoma City Hotel offers an unforgettable stay in the heart of it all.
Guest Keynote & Speaker Highlights
Guest Keynote & Speaker Highlights
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.
Keynote Speaker | Tara Bayke
ITR Economist and Senior Consulting Speaker Tara Bayke joined the ITR Economics team in 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience working on both state- and federal-level projects related to health care and workforce development. Tara also has experience in commercial finance, having previously worked in the housing, automotive, and marine sectors. Tara earned both her bachelor’s degree in economics and her master’s degree from Georgia State University. She continues to teach economics at her alma mater while providing her economic expertise to our clients.
ITR Economics International is the world's leading authority in business cycle forecasting, and applying business cycle research to formulate practical business decisions. Business leaders, industry organizations, financial advisers, and banking institutions around the world rely on ITR Economics forecasting to identify key economic trends, to pinpoint when changes will occur, and to determine what actions to take to position themselves for future growth. When businesses follow our guidelines, they can mobilize 12 months in advance. This gives them ample time to avert cyclical downturns or to build on rising industry trends.
Speaker | Dennis Glendenning, US Security Solutions Lead, BDO USA
Dennis Glendenning is a hands-on IT security leader, experienced in security governance, architecture, control implementation and in directing high-performing teams to deliver complex, global services. Throughout his career, he has focused on both the success of the business and of his team – through effective leadership, team building, and strong stakeholder relationships.
His expertise in digital transformation and architecture has earned him many awards. After 20 years of consulting for Fortune 100 clients, he's learned that there's no challenge he can't conquer. Dennis is known for innovative security solutions and for integrating business value into all aspects of his work. He has a natural curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning. These traits have led to a heightened self-awareness and to exceptional consulting skills, which empower him to consistently deliver results. Over two decades, he has developed extensive expertise in Microsoft-based Cloud computing, access management, data security, and governance. He's spent considerable time in both the Financial Services and Healthcare industries, and has developed code, networks, access domains, guides, standards, policies, and processes.
Dennis has driven security transformations for more than 50 clients, and has been a trusted advisor to CISOs, and managed global projects from up to $15M from origination to close. His goal is to continue on the leadership track, while staying close to the technology and to the frontline teams.
Speaker | Jason Becker, 2025 Excellence in Welding Awards Recipient & Host of the Arc Junkies Podcast
Jason Becker is a highly experienced welder, AWS Certified Welding Inspector/Educator (CWI/CWE), and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who hosts the Arc Junkies podcast. As a full-time welding educator and consultant, he inspires the next generation of tradespeople through his podcast and WeldWorks Training Center. Jason has 25+ years of hands-on experience in the welding industry, including structural steel, ironwork, and pipe welding. He served in the Marine Corps (2001–2005) during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
He is the host of the Arc Junkies podcast, which features interviews with industry experts and discusses technical skills, industry trends, and career advice, and is also owner and operator of Underground Metal Works and WeldWorks Training Center, providing training and acting as an AWS Accredited Testing Facility. Jason partners with the American Welding Society (AWS) for "Weld Wednesday" to educate, train, and support the future of the welding workforce. Jason is known for his candid discussions about the realities of the trade, bridging the gap between industry and education.
Start Planning Your Trip to Oklahoma
Start Planning Your Trip to Oklahoma
Make the most of your WEMCO Annual Meeting experience with these simple steps:
Schedule
DAY 1 | Friday, May 15th
DAY 2 | Saturday, May 16th
ITR Economics | Tara Bayke