The Women of Gases & Welding and GAWDA Young Professionals came together for an afternoon of networking, recognition and Boston history during the GAWDA 2026 Annual Convention.
The event began with lunch at Legal Sea Foods Harborside, where GAWDA members had an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the gases and welding industry. Attendees then visited the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for an interactive experience that brought one of the nation’s defining moments to life.
The event reflected the 2026 Annual Convention theme, “Renaissance of the Human Advantage: 250 Years of Ingenuity,” by celebrating the relationships, shared experiences and professional connections that strengthen GAWDA and its membership.
The gathering also recognized the 2026–2027 Women of Gases & Welding grant recipients:
• Kelly Phillips, West Penn Laco
• Candace Reed, American Welding & Gas
• Shelby Salazar, Four Corners Welding & Gas Supply
• Francesca Toogood, Volunteer Welding & Gas Supply
GAWDA extends its appreciation to the WGW grant donors and Boston Tea Party Experience sponsors whose support helped make this memorable afternoon possible.
Browse the photo gallery for highlights from the WGW and Young Professionals event at the GAWDA 2026 Annual Convention in Boston.
