Ideas, Insight and Ingenuity Take the Stage at GAWDA’s 2026 Annual Convention
GAWDA’s 2026 Annual Convention brought association leaders, industry experts and nationally recognized speakers to Boston for two days of educational programming focused on leadership, economic conditions, emerging opportunities and the enduring value of human connection.
The presentations reflected the convention theme, “The Renaissance of the Human Advantage — 250 Years of Ingenuity,” while giving attendees practical ideas they could bring back to their companies.
Allison Earlbeck welcomes GAWDA to Boston
GAWDA President Allison Earlbeck opened the convention’s business program by connecting Boston’s history of innovation with the growing importance of the Human Advantage in the Digital Age.
As technology becomes more capable, Earlbeck emphasized that distinctly human qualities—including empathy, trust and meaningful connection—will become even more valuable. She also reviewed several priorities identified by GAWDA members, including practical artificial intelligence tools, workforce development and stronger peer relationships.
Earlbeck highlighted the association’s efforts to address those needs through programs such as GAWDA’s AI Bootcamps, Member Monthly Webinars and leadership-development opportunities. Her welcome reinforced a central message heard throughout the convention: No member needs to face the industry’s challenges alone.
Arel Moodie explores the power of human development
Adult Development Theory expert, technology co-founder and bestselling author Arel Moodie delivered the convention’s first featured presentation.
Moodie examined how leaders can strengthen organizations by understanding the different relationships and developmental stages that shape workplace behavior. He described the progression from self-centered and group-centered thinking toward skills-focused and achievement-oriented organizations.
His “Build People Power” message aligned closely with the convention theme, demonstrating how companies can improve collaboration, leadership and performance by investing in the development of their people.
Industry panel examines the gases market
Tuesday’s Opening General Session concluded with a wide-ranging industry panel featuring Maura Garvey of Intelligas Consulting, Bob Ewing of Red Ball Oxygen, Brad Dunn of CK Supply and Ron Perry of Middlesex Gases.
Garvey opened the session with a national and regional market overview. The distributor panelists then shared perspectives from their companies, customers and end markets.
The discussion covered opportunities and challenges in energy, electronics, data centers, carbon dioxide and dry ice, life sciences, biotechnology and traditional industrial markets. Building upon distributor forecasts previously featured in Welding & Gases Today, the panel gave attendees a broad view of the forces shaping the gases and welding industry.
Alex Chausovsky offers an economic and policy outlook
Alex Chausovsky, president and CEO of 3DM Consulting, opened Wednesday’s educational program with an economic and policy update covering the remainder of 2026 and the outlook for 2027.
Chausovsky discussed the global economy, geopolitical and trade risks, tariffs and recent U.S. economic indicators. He described an uneven business environment in which strong GDP and retail activity were accompanied by softening industrial production.
He also identified meaningful differences among industrial sectors. Capital goods, computers and electronics, transportation equipment and machinery were among the stronger performers, while construction, paper and printing, wood products, furniture and motor vehicles faced greater pressure.
Chausovsky encouraged business leaders to rely on data, prepare for multiple economic scenarios, reinforce their supply chains, protect margins and seek productivity improvements through artificial intelligence and automation.
Adam Savage brings experimentation to the GAWDA stage
MythBusters co-host, maker and bestselling author Adam Savage closed the convention’s keynote program with a presentation celebrating curiosity, creativity and experimentation.
Savage reflected on the scientific problem-solving, planning and trial and error behind some of the most memorable experiments from his 15 seasons on MythBusters. Many of his stories had a special connection with GAWDA members, including his respect for flammable gases and the care required when working with powerful materials.
A highlight of the presentation was Savage’s behind-the-scenes account of the show’s “Cylinder Rocket” experiment, created with assistance from Ratermann Manufacturing. The story provided an entertaining—and highly relevant—illustration of the power contained in products GAWDA members handle every day.
Announcements look toward GAWDA’s future
First Vice President Justin Johnson opened Wednesday’s Closing General Session by announcing that the Boston convention drew 1,026 attendees, making it GAWDA’s second-most-attended Annual Convention.
Johnson also unveiled several upcoming GAWDA destinations. The 2027 Spring Management Conference will be held April 2–4 in Chicago, followed by the Annual Convention September 27–30 in Palm Desert, California. Nashville and Colorado Springs will host national events in 2028, and Austin will welcome the 2029 Spring Management Conference. GAWDA will then close the decade at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in The Bahamas, October 9–12, 2029. Visit gawda.org for more information on upcoming events.
The convention also offered an early look at GAWDA’s incoming leadership. First Past President Eric Wood presented the proposed 2026–2027 slate of officers, and Ben Black of Butler Gas was announced as the association’s next “Mr. X.”
From business strategy and economic forecasting to leadership development and creative experimentation, the 2026 speaker program reflected the knowledge, relationships and ingenuity that continue to move GAWDA and its members forward.
Browse the photo gallery below for highlights from the speakers, presentations and announcements at GAWDA’s 2026 Annual Convention in Boston.
