Innovations in Welding Automation

Innovations in Welding Automation

The Welding Automation Exposition and Conference (WAEC) brings together automation leaders, engineers, and manufacturers to explore how robotics, sensors, and Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming welding productivity and quality.

Over 2½ days, attendees will experience technical sessions, demonstrations, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Participants earn 13 Professional Development Hours (PDHs), with an optional plant tour offering 3 additional PDHs.

WAEC 2026 provides actionable insights to solve welding labor shortages through automation and smart manufacturing.

Location

TheRoyalSonesta

Location

TheRoyalSonesta

DatesJune 2-4, 2026

LocationThe Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
35 S 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

RatesRoom Rate: $184  |  Reservation Cut-off: May 11, 2026

The hotel in downtown Minneapolis is conveniently located in close proximity to major points of interest in the city, from the Orchestra Hall to the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Walker Art Center, and more.

TheRoyalSonesta

WHY ATTEND?

LEARN FROM
EXPERTS

Robotics, automation, cobots, Industry 4.0, and renewable manufacturing.

EARN
PDHS

1 per hour of conference attendance (13 total) plus 3 for the optional plant tour.

NETWORK WITH
PEERS

Connect with automation leaders, exhibitors, and engineers across industries.

HANDS-ON
INSIGHTS

Optional ½-day plant tour showcasing real-world applications.

Additional Details

Conference Length

2½ days of sessions, including an optional ½-day plant tour

Conference Sessions

18 technical sessions + 1 keynote

Conference Breaks

2 lunches & 2 networking receptions

Conference Chairs & Speakers

Conference Chairs & Speakers

Hear from top voices in welding and equipment manufacturing. Our speakers bring expertise, innovation, and industry insight to help you shape the future of welding equipment and technology.

Speakers information will be available soon. Check back for updates.

Jeff Noruk
Conference Chair
Jeff Noruk
Servo-Robot Corp.
Jeff Noruk’s career began as a welding engineer for P&H (Komatsu) and since has worked for 45 years in all facets of welding automation. Presently, Jeff is President of Servo Robot Corp., a leading supplier of laser vision camera systems for robot guidance and weld inspection. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Welding Engineering from The Ohio State University and is an active member of AWS D16 (Robotic and Welding Standards Committee) and D8 (Automotive Welding Standards Committee) as well as a CWI and PE.
Co-Chair
Doug Rhoda
Vectis Automation
Doug Rhoda is Chairman, Principal and Founder of Vectis Automation, a Collaborative Robot (Cobot), Welding and Cutting System manufacturer and provider. Doug has over 37 years of robotic and automated welding and cutting experience in technical service, application engineering, management, and ownership roles. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Welding Engineering from The Ohio State University and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of Denver.
Doug Rhoda

Keynote Speakers

Jeff Burnstein

Keynote Speakers

Jeff Burnstein

Jeff Burnstein
President, Association for Advancing Automation

Jeff Burnstein is the President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading North American trade group representing over 1400 global companies involved in robotics, artificial intelligence, vision, motion control and related automation technologies. Burnstein joined the association in 1983 and has held a variety of senior positions, culminating in his promotion to President in 2007.  He is a frequent commentator on automation issues to the news media, policy makers and the public, and regularly speaks at global conferences on topics such the latest automation trends, the impact of automation on jobs and the future of automation beyond the factory floor. In 2023 he received the Engelberger Robotics Award for Leadership, widely considered the “Nobel Prize of Robotics.” 

Jeff Burnstein

Carey Chen

Carey Chen

Carey Chen
CEO, American Welding Society

Mr. Chen brings extensive leadership experience to AWS, having previously held CEO roles at Fathom Digital Manufacturing Solutions (NYSE:FATH), Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions, and Incodema Holdings LLC, and as Executive Chairman and President of Cincinnati Incorporated. Earlier in his career, he held key executive positions, including Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Hypertherm, Inc., Vice President Finance of Wiremold | Legrand (Paris:LR.PA), and Vice President & CFO of Bayliner Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of the Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC).

A longstanding supporter of AWS, Mr. Chen has been an active volunteer with AWS and the AWS Foundation since 2007. He served as AWS Treasurer from 2015 to 2022, during which he chaired the Finance & Business Development and Investment Committees and was a member of both the AWS Board of Directors and the AWS Foundation Board of Trustees. Most recently, he chaired the Audit Committee. His contributions to AWS have earned him prestigious recognitions, including being named an AWS Counselor in 2022 and receiving the National Meritorious Award in 2024.

In addition to his role at AWS, Mr. Chen currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Roberts Hawaii, Inc., an independent Board Director for CHART Rehabilitation, and an Independent Board Advisor for KarYard, Inc. Mr. Chen received a BS in Applied Mathematics from University of California, Los Angeles. He earned an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and currently serves on the Gies College of Business Dean’s Business Council. He also holds several US Patents.

Carey Chen

Member Testimonial

Kaushalya Putta

Member Testimonial

Kaushalya Putta

"The Welding Automation Expo & Conference was a turning point for me as a joining automation user in aerospace. The practical sessions focused on real-world applications and honest lessons learned. I walked away with ideas that sparked new conversations and initiatives across our organization, leading to lasting improvements that help us deliver the highest-quality components while keeping safety first."

Kaushalya Putta,
Adv. Lead Welding Engineer | Welding Engineering Internship Manager
GE Aerospace
Kaushalya Putta

Why Exhibit with AWS?

Why Exhibit with AWS?

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.

Additional information regarding exhibits and sponsor will be available soon.

Why Exhibit with AWS?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the PDH credit for this conference?

    1 PDH per hour of attendance (13 total), plus 3 for the optional plant tour.

  • Who should attend Welding Automation Exposition and Conference 2026?

    Automation leaders, engineers, manufacturers, educators, and technical decision-makers interested in welding automation.

  • What is included with my registration?

    Meals, receptions, plant tour transportation, exhibitor hall access, and PDHs.

Stay Informed

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