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The WGW Committee hosted its bi-annual networking Meet & Greet before the Newcomers Reception. The Meet & Greet allows GAWDA’s women attendees to meet like-minded professionals before the conference officially kicks off. This year’s Meet & Greet had more than 40 women registered! It was the perfect way to get acclimated to the SMC before the Newcomers and Welcome Reception. The WGW also toasted the upcoming retirement of its co-chair Sue Reiter. Sue, thank you so much for your time and effort in spearheading WGW’s committee. We wish you well in your upcoming retirement!

Following an amazing day of committee meetings, meet and greets, scavenger hunts, and everybody getting acquainted with everything that San Antonio has to offer, GAWDA got down to what GAWDA does best, with a rockin party. First, more than 75 newcomers joined GAWDA committee chairs and past presidents for the Newcomers Reception. Each year, the Newcomers Reception is a great opportunity for the first-time attendees of the show to get to know seasoned GAWDA veterans before the President’s Welcome Reception. It’s an opportunity to form relationships in a more intimate setting before going off to the party with the entire…

Following a short walk to the world-famous Espee, GAWDA’s SMC kicked off in style. With Texas BBQ, amazing music and dancing, karaoke, and drinks delivered right to people’s hands via donkey, the President’s Welcome Reception had something for everyone. And despite his shy and reserved nature, GAWDA President Gary Halter, clad in knickers and a school jacket like Angus Young, got up on stage with the band to lead the assembled crowd in a rousing rendition of Wanted Dead or Alive. It was pure GAWDA and the picture perfect kick off to this year’s SMC. Note: the President’s Welcome Reception…

The Booze Brothers (and Sisters) welcomed all GAWDA Distributors to their private Customer Appreciation Happy Hour at Margaritaville in beautiful San Antonio, TX after the Contact Booth Program.  The event was held on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 at Margaritaville in San Antonio, TX. This is an annual tradition held by Equigas, Direct Wire, Flame Tech, Steelmax, Norris Cylinder, Cryogenic Industrial Solutions, Superior Products, Cryostar, Blue Demon Welding Products & Weldcoa to combine forces to foster one big networking hospitality.

The 2023 GAWDA Annual Convention Gala Photobooth Sponsored by Astaras

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.

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.

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…