Author: GAWDA MEDIA

GAWDA SMC 2023 RECAP Conference Highlights 2023 Sets a New SMC Attendance Record! GAWDA kicked off its 2023 event schedule in record-setting fashion as 728 GAWDA members gathered in Philadelphia for this year’s Spring Management Conference. This year’s SMC was a whirlwind of learning, networking and fun. Each detail was meticulously planned, in keeping with this year’s SMC theme of “365 Intentional Leadership.” The common thread through all the presentations is taking action with a purposeful goal in mind and that really shined through in the takeaways that GAWDA members were able to take back to their companies. Thank you…

GAWDA Young Professionals “Learn & Lunch” presentation The Young Professionals Committee gathered for a “Learn & Lunch” presentation with Robert Anders. A capacity crowd of more than 90 young professionals were treated to lunch and a workshop discussing Robert’s leadership principles and the trials and tribulations of working in a family business when you are outside of the family. It was an interesting, light-hearted and takeaway-filled discussion. Young Professionals Scavenger Hunt and After-Party After the “Learn & Lunch,” the YP attendees took part in a Scavenger Hunt around the hotel and throughout the city of Philadelphia. Attendees broke out…

An Inspirational Presentation Opens the Event The Opening presentation of the 2023 SMC was given by former Marine and Fox News Contributor Johnny “Joey” Jones. Joey is a decorated marine who served two combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Staff Sergeant and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. In 2010, he suffered an IED-related accident that resulted in the loss of both of his legs above the knee and severe damage to his right forearm and both wrists. Though nobody would have blamed him for becoming bitter and angry, on the contrary, Jones considered himself lucky to have survived the…

Robert Anders Speaks With Intentionality After Eric spoke, GAWDA President Robert Anders took the stage to discuss the theme of his presidency, “Living Intentionally.” Robert reflected on the pact he made with membership during the 2022 Annual Convention in San Diego and took stock of his life to see if “his video was following his audio.” He discussed changes he made in his own life in his effort to live intentionally. He also presented a “mid-year” snapshot for GAWDA, which includes: Holding more than 25 meetings and seminars (including in-person, webinars, and seminars.) The introduction of the new GAWDA macroeconomic…

GAWDA President Robert Anders and his wife, Missy, invited all SMC attendees to join them for the President’s Welcome Reception & Dinner. This event served as the official kick-off of the SMC and took place at the world-famous National Constitution Center. The National Constitution Center brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution.

GAWDA Board and Executive Committee Meet The GAWDA Executive Committee and Board of Directors arrived early for a full day of planning meetings ahead of the official start of this year’s Annual Convention. The Board continues to work relentlessly on behalf of GAWDA members to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit and value for your GAWDA membership. GAWDA’s Volunteer Committees Meet GAWDA’s Committees are made up of 100% volunteers who work in all different areas of the industry and on different aspects of GAWDA’s membership. On Saturday, GAWDA’s Government Affairs, Safety, Industry Partnering, Insurance Trustees, Member Services, Young Professionals,…

Sunday afternoon at the GAWDA SMC concluded with the can’t-miss networking event of the year in gases and welding, the world- the famous Contact Booth Program. More than 600 people attended this three-hour event from 1:30-4:30. It was an opportunity for distributors and suppliers to meet, network, and learn about the latest and greatest technology in the industry. New this year was GAWDA’s Regional one-day pass for the SMC. Members within driving distance of Philadelphia had the opportunity to visit for one-day only. This was a popular program that many members took advantage of. Also new this year, the Contact…

GAWDA members had the opportunity to attend two of six amazing educational sessions. From 9:00 – 9:50 a.m., GAWDA hosted three concurrent Educational Sessions: You Can’t Put Gas in a Sack, the Journey of a 90% Gas Independent by Abydee Butler Moore; Relationship Selling, Not a New Thing by Randy Squibb; and Relevant Issues in Safety & Compliance, a roundtable by GAWDA’s Consultants moderated by GAWDA Board Member Colleen Kohler. Then, following another brief break, GAWDA attendees had the opportunity to attend another of the three sessions that took place from 10:15-11:05 a.m. The three sessions in the second portion of the tracks…

Following the Women of Gases and Welding Committee Meeting, the GAWDA Women of Gases & Welding hosted a Meet and Greet at the 2023 Spring Management Conference. This event has become a staple at GAWDA national meetings. It was an opportunity for the more than 70 women in attendance to mix and mingle and network before heading over to the Welcome Reception. The GAWDA SMC was held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia, PA.

Each year, GAWDA prints its Buyer’s Guide early in the year. This year, the print Guide was shipped with the Q1 Issue of Welding & Gases Today. The Print Guide is a fantastic resource highlighting the best suppliers in our industry and shining a spotlight on the best products and innovations our industry has to offer. The primary aim of the Buyer’s Guide is to facilitate members doing business with other members. The online Buyer’s Guide (buyersguide.gawdamedia.com) is an extension of the print guide that is updated regularly throughout the year. Here are some of the best features and benefits…