AWS Welding Track
Earn PDHs and CEUs while exploring emerging technologies, materials, and industry best practices.
Explore the Welding Track
AWS at
Las Vegas Convention Center, NV
October 21–23, 2026
Jump to:
Where Innovation Takes Shape
“Innovation Without Limits,” the theme for FABTECH 2026, reflects the industry’s focus on what’s possible. The American Welding Society builds on that idea, highlighting the people, standards, technologies, and opportunities that turn new ideas into practical solutions for the welding and materials joining community. From technology and education to certification, workforce development, and community, AWS is bringing the many dimensions of welding innovation together at FABTECH 2026.
Visit Our Booths for Interactive Features & Resources
Main Booth & AWS Foundation
S29112
AWS Bookstore
S29116
Learn. Advance. Lead.
Whether you're a student, educator, professional, or executive, FABTECH offers learning opportunities to help you meet your goals.
Professional Program
Dive into research-driven presentations and technical insights that address critical issues in welding and materials joining.
See Full SchedulePoster Session
See what's next from the next generation. Explore student research and innovations pushing the boundaries of welding today.
View Poster Session SchedulePromotions & Giveaways
Exclusive offers, competitions, and community campaigns available only at FABTECH 2026.
Custom Helmet & Course Giveaway
Win a custom welding helmet plus
complimentary access to an
AWS self-paced course
of your choice.
Win a custom welding helmet plus complimentary access to an AWS self-paced course of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to build your skills and keep learning beyond FABTECH.
Join AWS On-Site
Join or renew your AWS membership with promo code FABTECH2026 and unlock exclusive on-site benefits:
- Individual & Corporate: 15 months for the price of 12
- Supporting Company: 10-day free trial of the AWS Sustaining Company Standards eLibrary
- Early Career: Free hat for the first 50 registrants
- Student: Exclusive FABTECH stickers
AWS Bookstore Discounts
Save on AWS publications and toolkits at the Bookstore Booth.
Nonmembers: 40% off
Members: 55% off
Replicas and third-party publications are excluded. Every purchase also enters you for a chance to win a copy of D1.1 or D1.5.
#MyMemberStory – 2026 Edition
Tell us what AWS membership means to you by completing our quick survey.
Then visit the AWS booth at FABTECH to see your name and membership milestone featured in our member recognition showcase.
AWS SOCIETY EVENTS
Beyond the booth — immersive events celebrating community, competition, and connection in the welding profession.
AWS Community
Celebrate the AWS Community
AWS hosts a variety of valuable events exclusively for members. Catch up with fellow members, find out who won National Awards and Foundation Scholarships, network with industry professionals, and more.
Society's Event Schedule
Meet the Competitors
Learn More About WorldSkills
Team USA Welding Competitors
Meet Mikala Sposito, Benjamin Cornaby, and CJ Parks at the AWS booth. Discover their welding journeys, competition experiences, and what it takes to compete at an elite level. 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.
AWS Booth S29112
Networking Event
Register for Happy Hour
RWMA's Happy Hour at FABTECH
Join the resistance welding community for an evening of networking and conversation. Connect with industry professionals after a full day on the show floor.
October 22 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Taylor-Winfield Technologies, Booth S39004
Networking Event
Register for Arcs & Ales
Arcs & Ales
Unwind with fellow welding professionals over drinks, appetizers, and conversation at Yard House at The LINQ. Hosted by Jason Becker. Space is limited. *Reservation required.
October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Yard House at The LINQ, Las Vegas
Be Part of the Conversation
Best Practices in Welding Apprenticeship Panel
Join Joe Young of the AWS Foundation as he moderates a discussion on best practices for building effective welding apprenticeship programs. Industry experts from Lexicon, Vermeer, and the American Institute of Steel Construction will share practical insights into mentorship, training standards, retention, funding, and strategies for developing welders from entry-level through journey-level.
Meet the Panelists
Catherine Brumbaugh
Lexicon
Ami Burns
Vermeer
Jennie Traut-Todaro
American Institute of Steel Construction
Expert-Led Panel
Breaking the Mold: Women in Welding Panel
Join Alisyn Palla of Meraki Metal Works as she moderates an inspiring discussion with women who are helping shape the future of the welding industry. Hear firsthand accounts of career growth, leadership, innovation, and perseverance as panelists share the experiences, challenges, and achievements that have defined their journeys. The discussion will also feature Mikala Sposito's groundbreaking WorldSkills experience.
Meet the Panelists
Rae Ripple
Rae Ripple Foundation
Stephanie Hoffman
Miller Electric Mfg.
Hollie Fowler
Seattime Syndicate
Mikala Sposito
WorldSkills Bronze Winner
Live from FABTECH 2026
Weld Wednesday Live at FABTECH 2026
Hosted by Jason Becker, Arc Junkies Podcast
Join Jason Becker and industry guests for live recordings of Weld Wednesday straight from the AWS booth. Each episode features candid conversations on welding careers, certifications, shop life, and the evolving skilled trades landscape. Audience Q&A included.
Three Days. Three Conversations.
Live Episode Schedule
Join us at the AWS Main Booth S29112 for live conversations with industry experts.
Wednesday, October 21
Episode 01
Handheld Laser Welding with an Ex-SpaceX Engineer
Featured Guest
Rex Alexander
Discuss the latest advances in handheld laser welding, where the technology works best, and what manufacturers should know before adopting it. Topics include weld quality, safety, training, applications, limitations, and return on investment.
Wednesday, October 21
Episode 02
When Codes Collide: Solving Real-World Compliance Problems
Featured Guest
Scott Witkowski & Bill Newell
What happens when one project must meet AWS, ASME, and API requirements? Join host Jason Becker and industry experts as they work through real-world scenarios, from identifying the governing code to qualifying procedures and resolving conflicting requirements. Bring your questions for a practical discussion on keeping complex projects compliant.
Thursday, October 22
Episode 03
The Next Generation of AWS Certification
Featured Guests
Richard Arn, Blake Craft
& Chip Eskridge
Discuss the latest developments in AWS certification and credentialing. Explore what is changing, who each program is designed for, and how these credentials can support career growth and industry needs.
Friday, October 23
Episode 04
Bringing Automation into Welding Education
Featured Guest
Roger Sanders
Discuss the integration of robotics and automation into secondary, post-secondary, and workforce training programs. Explore what this means for the future of welding education.
AWARDS & CEREMONIES
Honoring the innovators, educators, and leaders who define excellence in the welding profession.
WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards and AWS Foundation Ceremony
Honoring the Individuals and Organizations Shaping the Industry's Future
Presented by WEMCO and the AWS Foundation, this annual event honors the individuals and organizations shaping the future of welding.
Awards will be presented across categories including:
- Individual
- Educator
- Educational Facility
- Small & Large Business
- Distributor
- AWS Section
- Media
- Veterans
Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:30–3:30 PM
2:30–3:30 PM
FABTECH Theater
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas Convention Center
Open to all FABTECH attendees.
FABTECH 2025 Highlights
Looking Back to Move Forward
FABTECH 2025 connected thousands of professionals, sparked new ideas, and celebrated the people who make this industry strong. In 2025, we’re expanding those opportunities to learn, connect, and lead.
“ FABTECH is my favorite event of the year. It’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, network with industry leaders, and see amazing machines in action. ”
“ The absolute BEST part of the week has to be the AWS networking events! The opening reception, Women in Welding breakfast, and Arcs & Ales are can’t-miss events where I’ve met many amazing people. FABTECH is the industry reunion that grows every year. ”
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