Welding Automation Expo & Conference

Welding Automation Exposition and Conference

welding automation exposition and Conference

June 2-4, 2026 | Minneapolis, Minnesota

Schedule At-A-Glance

Schedule At-A-Glance

Connect with Industry Leaders at the Welding Automation Expo & Conference

These sessions offer more than just presentations – they’re an interactive platform to connect with thought leaders, ask questions, and gain actionable strategies. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from industry trailblazers.

Day One | Tuesday, June 2nd

8:00 AM
Registration | Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors
9:00 AM
Welcome & Introduction
Jeff Noruk & Doug Rhoda
9:15 AM
Presentation TBD
Mark Dalene
9:50 AM
Presentation TBD
Emilee Brittain
10:25 AM
Coffee Break with the Exhibitors
11:00 AM
How to Scope and Execute a Welding Automation Project
Kyle Anderson
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11:35 AM
Presentation TBD
Steve Wise
12:10 PM
Keynote Luncheon
Jeff Burnstein
1:40 PM
Laser Vision Scanning for Various Applications
Jeff Noruk
2:15 PM
Adaptive Welding: Breaking Barriers to Robotic Success
Steve Massey
2:50 PM
Refreshment Break with the Exhibitors
3:20 PM
What it Takes to Build Automation-Ready Welding Talent
Mike Dietrich
3:55 PM
Presentation TBD
Anthony Nighswander
4:30 PM
Networking Reception – Exhibit Hall

Day Two | Wednesday, June 3rd

8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors
9:00 AM
Welcome and recap
Jeff Noruk & Doug Rhoda
9:05 AM
Welding Automation in Aerospace: Principles, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
Kaushalya Putta
9:40 AM
Advancing Automation Solutions for Welding Applications
Don Schwemmer
10:15 AM
Coffee Break with the Exhibitors
10:50 AM
Presentation TBD
Travis Fuhrmann
11:25 AM
Presentation TBD
Gordon Attridge
12:00 PM
Keynote Luncheon
Carey Chen
1:30 PM
Pushing to the Next Level of Automation for Wire Arc DED
Slade Gardner
2:05 PM
Convergent Manufacturing Platform for Welding and DED Processes
Dennis Harwig
2:40 PM
Refreshment Break with the Exhibitors
3:10 PM
AWS and A3 – Working Together to Achieve Robotic Welding Excellence
Stuart Shephard
3:45 PM
Advancements in Automated Welding on Thin and Sensitive Materials with Maximum Precision
Dan Colvin
4:20 PM
Plant Tour Preview
Jeff Noruk & Doug Rhoda
4:30 PM
Networking Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Day One | Thursday, June 4th

8:30 AM
Load buses for tours
9:00 AM
Plant Tour
12:30 PM
Return bus arrives at Royal Sonesta