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Upholding Integrity: Legal and Ethical Standards in the Welding Industry
February 2, 2026 | Austin, Texas
This conference is designed to provide Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs), welding professionals, and industry leaders with a clear understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities that accompany the CWI credential. Participants will explore the critical role inspectors play in ensuring public safety, maintaining compliance with codes and standards, and upholding professional integrity.
Through real-world examples, regulatory insights, and ethical case studies, this session will highlight how a CWI’s decisions and documentation can have significant legal implications. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of liability issues, proper record keeping, conflicts of interest, and how to navigate challenging ethical situations.
Whether you are a newly certified inspector or a seasoned professional, this session will strengthen your knowledge of AWS QC1 Code of Ethics, reinforce best practices, and equip you with the tools to make sound, defensible decisions in the field.
Location
Location
Renaissance Austin Hotel
9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, TX 78759
This event will take place at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, nestled in the scenic Arboretum area of Austin, Texas. Just a short drive from downtown, this upscale property offers modern comforts, premium dining, and easy access to top local attractions.
The special attendee rate is $229 and is available until January 9, 2026. Secure your room early to take advantage of this exclusive rate.
Pricing
Pricing
Join us for an in-depth exploration of Upholding Integrity: Legal and Ethical Standards in the Welding Industry, a focused pre-conference event held in conjunction with the 2026 Inspection Expo & Conference. Below are the registration rates for this essential program designed for welding inspectors and industry professionals:
Early Bird Registration (Until December 20, 2025)
- AWS Members: $275
- Non-Members: $375
- Student: $25
Standard Registration (After December 21, 2025)
- AWS Members: $375
- Non-Members: $475
- Student: $75
Chair
Chair
Thomas W. Kostreba, AWS CWI/CWE | AWS District 10 Director
Thomas W. Kostreba is an accomplished Welding Inspector, Educator, and Business Owner with extensive experience across industry, education, and professional development. Since 2001, he has owned and operated Kostreba’s Inspections and Training (KIT), providing inspection services, technical training, and consulting to clients across the welding and fabrication industries.
He currently serves as AWS District 10 Director, SkillsUSA National Welding Fabrication Chairman, and Welding Instructor at Erie High School’s CTE Welding program. With a demonstrated history in welding inspection, heavy equipment, and metal fabrication, Thomas is highly skilled in AWS standards, welding procedures, and technical training. His career also includes a strong background in building and testing locomotives, as well as consulting across multiple sectors of the welding industry. He received the WEMCO Image of Welding Award in 2019.
In addition to his educational leadership and business, Thomas travels nationally with NTT, delivering lectures and training sessions in advanced welding topics, helping the next generation of welders and professionals strengthen their technical expertise and industry readiness.
Speakers & Sessions
Speakers & Sessions
Join us to learn from leading experts in welding inspection. Explore the list of distinguished speakers and session topics for the Upholding Integrity: Legal and Ethical Standards in the Welding Industry pre-conference, where industry leaders will share insights on current challenges, regulatory updates, and best practices shaping the future of welding inspection.
Stay tuned for more details, which will be announced in the coming weeks.