Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference
April 13-15, 2026 | New Orleans, LA
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Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference | Apr 13–15
See more details on the registration page.
Join leading welding professionals from April 13–15, 2026, at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, LA.
Explore the latest innovations in aluminum and shipbuilding, guided by leading industry experts. Discover the unique properties of aluminum, a versatile material that presents distinct welding challenges. Dive into the critical role of welding in commercial and Navy shipbuilding and discover emerging technologies and materials transforming the industry. Register today to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and earn PDHs.
Location
Location
New Orleans, LA
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
500 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Escape to the heart of New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans, a premier destination just steps from the city’s vibrant culture, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, the hotel offers comfortable accommodations, meeting spaces, and amenities to make your stay memorable.
The special attendee rate is $179 and is available until March 20, 2026. Secure your room early to take advantage of this exclusive rate.
Keynotes
Keynotes
Marcus Cridland | Shipbuilding Keynote Speaker
Originally interested in aerospace Marcus worked for Cranfield Unit of Precision Engineers, and then Westland Helicopters, where he obtained and Higher National Diploma in aeronautical engineering. From the material laboratories at Westland’s, he transferred to the metallurgy laboratories of Nottingham University, from which he graduated with honors in 1992. The same year The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in London were seeking a metallurgical engineer for their European division. Moving away from the high-tech world of composites, duralumin, titanium and ceramics, Marcus’s world would become just one material… STEEL. For 18 years in London, he acted as the sole metallurgist for ABS in Europe assisting Owners and Shipyards, and Manufacturers with materials and welding challenges and governed many intricate material failure investigations. In 2010 Marcus was promoted to the Chief Metallurgist of ABS and transferred to ABS Houston, where he has been leading a worldwide team of materials and welding engineers ever since.
In 2017 Marcus’s contributions to ABS and the marine industry were fittingly recognized and he was awarded the much coveted “Chairmans Chair”. This is ABS’s highest honor of recognition and in 163 years of operation, ABS has only issued this award 3 times. Marcus in Chairman of various materials and welding groups including the AWS D3.5 Guide for Steel Hull Welding and represents ABS in the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Materials working group. One particular memorable and enjoyable project he worked on was the three-masted barque tall ship “The Elissa” the official tall ship of Texas.
Bruce Albrecht | Aluminum Keynote Speaker
Bruce Albrecht is an accomplished leader in welding technology with over 40 years at Miller Electric and ITW. As Vice President of Global Innovation & Technology, he oversees worldwide R&D and drives advancements in welding equipment, consumables, and processes.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Platteville with an MBA from UW–Oshkosh, Bruce has played a key role in shaping industry standards, fostering workforce development, and promoting innovation that enhances productivity, quality, and safety across global manufacturing.
A holder of nearly 100 U.S. patents and a member of the ITW Patent Society Hall of Fame, Bruce combines deep technical expertise with strategic business leadership—helping move the welding industry forward.
Conference Details
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Benefits of Attending
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Organizing Committee
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Speakers and Sessions
Explore our conference’s dual focus through two specialized tracks: Shipbuilding and Aluminum. Each track delivers practical insights and expertise tailored to its field.
- Aluminum
Welding aluminum presents unique challenges for professionals at all levels. As aluminum becomes more widely used, welders, engineers, and production staff will benefit from practical methods and updates on emerging technologies to stay ahead in fabrication and construction. - Shipbuilding
Stay at the forefront of shipbuilding innovation. Learn about emerging technologies and materials qualified for commercial and Navy shipbuilding. This track is ideal for designers, engineers, fabricators, and suppliers seeking to enhance innovation and competitiveness.
We are proud to introduce the Chairs of the 2026 Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference, distinguished leaders in their respective industries. They bring deep expertise and extensive experience, guiding sessions that will advance best practices, innovation, and industry standards.
Kevin Roossinck – Shipbuilding Conference Co-Chair
Kevin Roossinck will oversee the shipbuilding track of the conference. With extensive experience in shipbuilding and related industries, he has successfully guided numerous projects from design through completion, prioritizing quality, safety, and innovation. As Conference Chair, Kevin will kick off the event with the Shipbuilding Welcome and Overview and lead sessions featuring insights from top industry leaders and experts.
Vincent Mangino – Shipbuilding Conference Co-Chair
Vincent Mangino is the Supervisor for Welding Engineering – Advanced Concepts Group at General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). He has been with GDEB since 2015 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Masters of Engineering in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Connecticut. His team evaluates, develops, and implements new technology for submarine fabrication and metallurgical development, and assesses future advanced welding concepts to provide advantages for our fleet. They also provide the capability to design more advanced submarine systems based on novel weld material systems, base materials, processes, and equipment. Vincent is also the GDEB NSRP welding panel representative and is involved with many R&D funding sources across the Navy to ensure a diverse portfolio that helps get innovative technology into the hands of the shipbuilders faster.
Andrew Pfaller – Aluminum Conference Chair
Andrew Pfaller will lead the aluminum-focused track of the conference. Drawing on his deep expertise in aluminum fabrication and manufacturing, he will provide attendees with guidance on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Andrew will open the Aluminum Welcome and Overview and facilitate sessions showcasing advances in aluminum construction and fabrication.
Connect with Industry Leaders at the Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference 2026
Join industry leaders to explore the future of shipbuilding and the evolving role of aluminum in modern marine design. From its unmatched strength-to-weight ratio to its unique weldability challenges, aluminum continues to reshape both commercial and Navy shipbuilding. Discover how emerging technologies, advanced materials, and evolving welding processes are transforming the industry.
Details about our speakers and sessions are still being finalized. We are diligently working to secure a lineup of industry experts who will present on the latest innovations, trends, and best practices.
Stay tuned for more details, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
Why Exhibit with AWS?
Why Exhibit with AWS?
Exhibiting with the American Welding Society connects your company directly with qualified professionals in the welding industry. Showcase your products, strengthen brand recognition, and forge valuable partnerships. Our conferences offer unmatched networking opportunities and industry insights to support your business growth.
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