Miami, FL, January 29, 2026:  The American Welding Society (AWS) is proud to announce the Welding Automation Exposition and Conference (WAEC) 2026, taking place June 2–4, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown. This two-and-a-half-day event will bring together engineers, manufacturers, and automation leaders to explore how robotics, sensors, and Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming welding productivity and quality - helping manufacturers reduce downtime, improve throughput, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

WAEC 2026 will feature expert-led technical sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and opportunities to earn 13 PDHs, providing attendees with actionable insights into real-world automation applications. The conference will highlight innovations in robotics, data-driven quality control, and smart manufacturing while connecting professionals with peers, thought leaders, and solution providers.

“WAEC brings welding and automation engineers together to tackle production challenges and evaluate emerging technologies,” said Jeff Noruk, chair of the conference. “Sessions focus on robotics integration, sensor-driven quality monitoring, and process optimization strategies, providing insights that teams can apply directly to their operations.”

Event Highlights

• Expert-led technical sessions on welding automation trends and technologies.
• Hands-on demonstrations and exhibits from leading vendors and solution providers.
• Networking opportunities with peers, thought leaders, and industry decision-makers.
• Professional Development Hours (PDHs) are available for ongoing education and credentialing.

Registration is open, and AWS encourages interested professionals to visit the WAEC Conference Page to stay informed about speakers, sessions, and logistics.

For press inquiries about AWS, please email tafliss@aws.org​

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The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society's website at aws.org.