GAWDA Closes Its 2026 Annual Convention at the Boston Museum of Science

GAWDA members, families and industry partners gathered at the Boston Museum of Science for the President’s Farewell Gala, bringing the 2026 Annual Convention to a memorable close.

Hosted by outgoing GAWDA President Allison Earlbeck, the gala offered attendees one final opportunity to celebrate an eventful week in Boston and spend time with the friends and colleagues who make the association’s national meetings special.

A fitting conclusion in a city of ingenuity

The Boston Museum of Science provided an ideal setting for the convention’s final celebration.

GAWDA’s 2026 Annual Convention centered on “The Renaissance of the Human Advantage — 250 Years of Ingenuity.” Holding the closing event at one of Boston’s best-known institutions for science, discovery and innovation reinforced that theme while recognizing the city’s place in America’s history.

Guests embraced the evening’s patriotic spirit by arriving in red, white and blue, adding to the festive atmosphere as the association concluded its celebration of American ingenuity.

Celebrating a successful convention

The gala followed three days of education, networking, industry discussions and association business.

The convention welcomed 1,026 attendees, making it GAWDA’s second-most-attended Annual Convention. Members participated in Networking 360, the Contact Booth Program, business sessions, committee meetings, industry hospitalities and special networking experiences throughout Boston.

Featured speakers included Arel Moodie, Alex Chausovsky and MythBusters co-host Adam Savage. An industry panel also brought together Maura Garvey of Intelligas Consulting, Bob Ewing of Red Ball Oxygen, Brad Dunn of CK Supply and Ron Perry of Middlesex Gases to discuss conditions and opportunities across the gases market.

The Closing General Session introduced GAWDA’s 2026–2027 leadership team and included the induction of Kevin Falconer as GAWDA President. Falconer presented his “Lean In and Level Up” theme and announced the new GAWDA Mentorship Challenge.

Honoring Allison Earlbeck’s presidential year

The Farewell Gala also celebrated the conclusion of Allison Earlbeck’s term as GAWDA President.

Earlbeck’s presidential year focused on “The Human Advantage in the Digital Age,” emphasizing the qualities that remain uniquely human as technology continues to transform business and the gases and welding industry. Throughout the year, GAWDA programming explored relationships, leadership, workforce development, artificial intelligence and the transfer of knowledge between generations.

The convention also marked the culmination of Earlbeck’s GAWDA Gives Back campaign. With support from GAWDA members and companies, the association raised more than $130,000 for Canines for Disabled Kids and Second Chance Animal Services.

During the Closing General Session, Earlbeck received a commemorative plaque and her Past President’s jacket. Incoming President Kevin Falconer also presented her with a personalized outgoing-president gift: ducks to join the rescued pigs and horses already living on the farm at her home.

One final evening together

More than a closing party, the President’s Farewell Gala reflected the relationships that bring GAWDA members back to national meetings year after year.

The evening gave attendees time to reconnect, celebrate the convention’s accomplishments and enjoy one final experience together before departing Boston. It was a warm conclusion to a week built around education, ingenuity and the personal connections at the heart of GAWDA.

GAWDA thanks everyone who attended, supported and helped organize the 2026 Annual Convention.

You can also view the gala Photo Booth photos, here.

Browse the photo gallery below for highlights from the President’s Farewell Gala at the Boston Museum of Science.