Beyond learning core welding processes and techniques in the wide world of welding, where can you catch the latest industry trends, meet new friends in the field and make important professional connections? Welding conferences.

Check out what’s in store for this fall and spring on the welding conference circuit.

Welding Conferences in Fall 2018

METALCON 2018: “A Future Built by Hand”

METALCON 2018

Charlotte, North Carolina
October 10-12, 2018^[2]

Established in 1991, METALCON is the largest international event for metal construction products, solutions and technologies. ^[1]

Check out the latest products that 275 of the leading metal construction companies have to offer. Learn about innovations and trends in the application of metal in industrial, residential and light commercial projects from specialists in the show’s interactive educational program. Meet builders, designers, contractors, fabricators and developers from more than 50 countries.

Prepare for “a future built by hand”—and with metal.

2018 Welding Summit

2018 Welding Summit

League City, Texas
October 16-17, 2018^[3]

Co-sponsored by the American Welding Society (Houston Section) and FLUOR, the 2018 Welding Summit offers a mix of interactive presentations, round table discussions and panels.

Dive into important industry topics, such as “Second Wave-History of Welding, Current State and Where It’s Going,” “Importance of Filler Metals” and “Field Heat Treatment: An Essential Variable in Welding.”

Bonus: there will be a welding career fair. Engineers, fabricators, welding technicians and graduating welding students will have a chance to network with hiring companies.

Sheet Metal Welding Conference XVII

Sheet Metal Welding Conference XVII

Livonia, Michigan
October 16-18, 2018^[4]

If you’re interested in working in the transportation, automotive or light manufacturing industries, you won’t want to miss this conference.

Presented by the American Welding Society Detroit Section, the 2018 Sheet Metal Welding Conference will offer opportunities to learn, check out new products and network with industry experts from around the world.

The event opens with a welding and joining workshop on the first day, followed by the conference on the second and third days. An AWS-Detroit Vendor Display Night will be held on the second day as well.

FABTECH 2018: “North American’s Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating, Welding and Finishing Event”

FABTECH 2018

Atlanta, Georgia
November 6-8, 2018^[8]

Unlike many trade conferences, education plays as big a role in FABTECH as new tools and innovations do.

It’s a celebration of metal manufacturing at its best. The more than 35,000 attendees can take classes on the latest metal finishing, forming and fabricating and welding fabrication techniques.^[5]

Explore new technologies available from more than 1,500 exhibiting companies.^[6]

Alternatively simply be inspired by one of the popular Ted-style keynote speeches. This year’s topics will focus on growth, transformation, expansion and advancement for the future of manufacturing.^[7]

Welding Conferences Spring 2019

MCAA FAB 2019

MCAA FAB 2019

Los Angeles, CA
May 1-3, 2019^[10]

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) offers education programs and materials to help advance the technical and managerial expertise of about 2,600 firms involved in the HVAC/R, plumbing, piping and mechanical service industries.

The National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau is one of the organization’s members.^[9]

Each year the MCAA holds a conference to showcase cutting-edge fabrication applications. Tours of the fabrication facilities of MCAA members are also part of the event.

Employees of fabrication shops, principals and senior management can all benefit from attending the annual conference.

Education Beyond Welding School

Similar to other industries, welding is an evolving field. Your education doesn’t have to stop when you finish your welding program. Attending welding conferences, joining professional welding organizations and reading industry publications can help you stay informed on the latest trends and innovations.

Want a better understanding of what’s in store for you at welding conferences? Check out Pros & Cons of Joining a Professional Welding Organization.