Miami, FL, September 17, 2026: “Innovation Without Limits,” the theme for FABTECH 2026, reflects the industry’s focus on what’s possible. The American Welding Society (AWS) builds on that idea with “Where Innovation Takes Shape,” highlighting the people, standards, technologies, and opportunities that turn new ideas into practical solutions for the welding and materials joining community.

From emerging welding technologies and research to new approaches to education, certification and workforce development, AWS will bring three days of programming, technical insight, networking and industry resources to the Las Vegas Convention Center, October 21–23, 2026.

"Innovation is not just about the technology, it is about people turning possibility into progress," stated Carey Chen, AWS Executive Director and CEO. "From the skilled welder on the shop floor to the educator preparing the next generation, to the engineer developing the next breakthrough, people are at the heart of every advancement in our industry. At AWS, we believe in ‘Joining People Together’ – bringing our community together at FABTECH to learn, connect, share ideas and shape what comes next."

AWS will host programming throughout the event, including technical sessions, live podcast recordings, an apprenticeship panel, awards and recognition events, opportunities to meet the 2026 WorldSkills US Welding competitors, and opportunities to engage with the AWS community.

Where Innovation Takes Shape

Through Technology

Weld Wednesday Live at FABTECH 2026 will put emerging technology and its real-world applications front and center. Hosted by Jason Becker of the Arc Junkies Podcast at the AWS Main Booth (S29112), the live podcast sessions will feature industry guests and audience Q&A each day from 10:30–11:30 a.m.

• Wednesday, October 21 — Handheld Laser Welding with an Ex-SpaceX Engineer: Rex Alexander, former SpaceX Welding Engineer, will discuss the latest advances in handheld laser welding, where the technology works best and what manufacturers should consider before adopting it, including weld quality, safety, training, applications, limitations and ROI.
• Thursday, October 22 — The Next Generation of AWS Certification: AWS Vice President, Welding & Technology, Richard Arn, AWS Past President, Richard Holdren, and Subject Matter Experts, Blake Craft and Chip Eskridge, will discuss the latest developments in AWS certification and credentialing, including CWI 2.0, the Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) 2.0 program and the ASME B31 Certified Piping Owner’s Inspector program (COI).
• Friday, October 23 — Bringing Automation into Welding Education: Rogher Sanders will discuss practical approaches to integrating robotics and automation into secondary, post-secondary and workforce training programs. 

Through Education

The AWS Welding Track will give attendees opportunities to earn PDHs and CEUs while exploring emerging technologies, materials and industry best practices. The AWS Professional Program will feature research-driven presentations and technical insights addressing critical issues in welding and materials joining. Attendees can explore student and professional research during the AWS Poster Competition.

AWS/Weld-Ed Educators Conference: Automation in Welding Education

On Thursday, October 22, from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. in Room S221, AWS and Weld-Ed will bring together welding educators and industry experts for a full-day conference focused on the growing role of automation in education and workforce training. Presenters from academic institutions and automation technology companies will share practical perspectives on incorporating automated welding technologies into instruction and preparing students with skills aligned with evolving industry needs. Separate registration and prepayment are required.

Through Workforce Development

On Wednesday, October 21, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. in Room S217, Joe Young of the AWS Foundation will moderate the Best Practices for Welding Apprenticeships panel. Joining him will be Catherine Brumbaugh of Lexicon, Ami Burns of Vermeer and Jennie Traut-Todaro of the American Institute of Steel Construction. Together, they will share practical insights into building effective welding apprenticeship programs, including mentorship, training standards, retention, funding and strategies for developing welders from entry-level through journey-level.

Through Certification and Career Development

At the AWS Main Booth (S29112), attendees can learn more about AWS certification, education, membership and other resources supporting careers across the welding industry. The AWS Foundation will also showcase its work supporting welding education through scholarships and other programs.

Connecting the Welding Community

AWS will bring its member community together throughout FABTECH with opportunities to recognize accomplishments, connect with peers and celebrate the people advancing the industry.

WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards & AWS Foundation Ceremony

Presented by WEMCO and the AWS Foundation, this joint ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 22, from 2:30–3:30 p.m. at the FABTECH Theater. The event will recognize Excellence in Welding Award recipients across Individual, Educator, Educational Facility, Small Business and Large Business, Distributor, Media, and Veteran categories. It will also honor AWS Foundation scholarship recipients, graduate fellowship honorees, and grant recipients.  Admission is open to all FABTECH attendees.

Team USA 2026 WorldSkills Welding Competitors 

Meet Mikala Sposito (Team USA WorldSkills Representative), Benjamin Cornaby (Team USA finalist), and CJ Parks (Team USA finalist) at AWS Booth S29112. Learn about their welding journeys, experiences in competitive welding, and what it takes to perform at an elite level. Mikala will also share her experience representing the United States in Welding at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China.

Breaking the Mold: Women in Welding Panel

On Thursday, October 22, from 3:00–4:30 p.m. in Room S210, women shaping the welding industry through education, sales, specialized fields and skilled trades will share perspectives on their careers, challenges and accomplishments. The discussion will feature personal stories—including that of Mikala Sposito and her journey as the first female U.S. welding competitor at WorldSkills—explore expanding opportunities for women, overcoming industry barriers and inspiring the next generation of welding professionals.