Author: GAWDA MEDIA

GAWDA’s Board and Volunteer Committees Meet Ahead of the AC The GAWDA Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Committee chairs arrived early for a full day of planning meetings ahead of the official start of this year’s Annual Convention. The Board and Committees continue to work relentlessly on behalf of GAWDA members to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit and value for your GAWDA membership. This meeting saw John Tapley named as the co-chair of the Member Services Committee, while Liz Letke was named co-chair of the industry’s insurance committee.

Business of Convention Begins with Full Day of Networking Following a wildly successful welcome, the business of the 2023 GAWDA Annual Convention kicked off with the return of the Networking 360 event. The event featured 150 GAWDA members (100 suppliers and 50 distributors) meeting in a “speed dating” format, as members met in 5-minute sessions. The event took place in the Haleakala Pre-Function area, just outside the Ballroom, as members were able to soak up some of the beautiful Hawaiian sunshine while meeting new potential partners. Then, the networking kept on rolling right into the Contact Booth Program, which took…

Opening General Business Session an Emotional Affair The first general session of this year’s Convention packed an emotional punch. First, it saw GAWDA President Robert Anders took the stage to recount all that has been accomplished during this past year. He reflected on the goals that he set out when he first took the stage in San Diego and beamed with pride when recounting all that GAWDA and our industry has achieved since then. But before that, Robert acknowledged the unbelievable tragedy that Maui suffered in August. He then welcomed Zeke Kalua, executive assistant to the Mayor’s office, to the…

Business of Convention Concludes With Thank You’s and The Changing of the Guard The Closing General Business Session kicked off with the Industry Keynote presentation, as Linde CEO Sanjiv Lamba addressed the crowd. He discussed the historic evolution that Linde has gone through over the past 144 years, including the recent merger with Praxair and acquisition of nexAir. He then shared some of the exciting initiatives that Linde has in the process as well as his perspective on the impending energy transition. Lamba was followed by a presentation from Will Bowen, the world authority on complaining. Will talked about how…

Convention Closes With “Blowout Party” Over a Year in the Making The Convention concluded Wednesday evening with an unforgettable President’s Farewell Gala. It was the “blowout party” that Robert promised when he took the stage in San Diego, complete with majestic views of the ocean and mountains, dinner, dancing, and a fire-dancing show. Thank you to all GAWDA members who attended and made this a night to remember!

Women of Gases & Welding and Young Professionals Event Photos This three-hour boat excursion on the Calypso, a 65′ powered catamaran, gave members  time to enjoy a delicious meal and some cold beverages, explore the incredible craft, listen to great island-style music, network with colleagues and friends and watch the beautiful island scenery.

Thank you to Gas Equipment Company for sponsoring the President’s Welcome Reception Photo Gallery at the GAWDA 2023 Annual Convention held at the Grand Wailea Resort.

Presentation of GAWDA Gives Back Award Robert then welcomed his beautiful wife Missy and his middle-son Kyle to the stage to discuss the recipient of the 2023 GAWDA Gives Back Award, the Malama Family Recovery Center. Missy discussed how the charity was near and dear to the family’s heart before turning the mic over to Kyle who gave an incredibly raw and powerful speech about his own history with substance abuse and how he was able to escape the other side of the darkness. When he was finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Then, representatives from the…

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