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BY TERRY SCANLAN AND LUKE MARTIN, GAWDA’S INDUSTRY PARTNERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS In the high-stakes arena of the GAWDA Spring Management Conference in Oklahoma City, competition for attention is fierce. With more than 100 supplier booths representing every niche—from industrial gases and cutting-edge welding rigs to the latest in safety gear—the Contact Booth Program is more than just a floor plan; it is a tactical battleground for distributor mindshare. As we enter the third year of the “Best in Show” contest, the stakes have evolved. This isn’t just about who has the flashiest backdrop; it’s a rigorous evaluation of how a brand translates its value…

By Anese Cavanaugh This article was originally published at activechoices.com/intentional-leadership-iep  Have you ever walked out of a meeting, a sales call, or a difficult conversation and thought — I did everything right, so why didn’t it land? You had the framework. You had the script. You had the training. And yet… something was off. Here’s what I’ve watched happen over and over again with leaders, teams, and organizations: the skills aren’t the problem. The energy and intention underneath those skills is. That’s the whole premise of the IEP Method® and Intentional Energetic Presence®. And once you see it, you genuinely cannot unsee it. WHAT…

If 2025 was marked by uncertainty about tariffs and the political situation, this year provides slightly more stability. Still, GAWDA members and their customers seem leery of the supposed certainty, with growth projections tempered by the looming possibility of further upheaval from forces beyond their control. Still, disruptors like AI and re-shoring driven by tariffs represent growth potential for GAWDA members, who uniformly projected growth this year. Though the growth projections aren’t as optimistic as they were heading into 2025, they continue to be full-throated in their call for continued growth, even on the heels of several consecutive years of…

GAWDA Suppliers Project Bounce Back Year in 2026 With 2025 in the rear view mirror and the uncertainty of the tariffs largely settled, GAWDA Suppliers anticipate a bounce-back year. Many suppliers point to pent-up demand, largely stemming from customers waiting out the tariffs or simply pushing existing products to the brink. This year, that dam will break, as customers will make product and capital investments, which will benefit the gases and welding industry. Further increases in AI and data centers will also require industry support. All told, 2026 projects to be banner year for GAWDA Suppliers. Thank you to all…

GAWDA Concludes 80th Anniversary Celebration With an Incredible Convention 2025 has been a milestone year for GAWDA, as we have spent the entire year commemorating our 80th Anniversary. That celebration culminated with the 2025 GAWDA Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. More than 900 GAWDA members converged in the Sunshine State for four days of unparalleled networking, education, and camaraderie. This year’s theme was “Sustaining a Resilient Culture,” and GAWDA and its members were up to the task, as we continued to show what has made GAWDA great for eight decades. The show had something for everyone, from the inspirational, to…

The Convention Ended With a Thrill GAWDA Members wrapped up an unforgettable Convention with President Eric Wood and his wife Paula. Hosted at the Motor Enclave, this was an evening of celebration and excitement!

The 2025 GAWDA Annual Convention Kicks Off with Newcomers and President’s Welcome Receptions This year’s Convention saw the return of the GAWDA Guides Event during the Newcomers Reception. The GAWDA Guides originally debuted during the 2025 SMC in Dallas. This year’s GAWDA Guides Program was revamped slightly, as the Guides (a who’s who of industry legends) brought their newcomers’ around to learn more about GAWDA’s different committees. It was an excellent way to get newcomers’ acquainted, not only with each other, but also with all GAWDA has to offer. The Newcomers’ were given a BINGO board to fill out as…

The 2025 GAWDA Annual Convention Kicks Off with Newcomers and President’s Welcome Receptions This year’s Convention saw the return of the GAWDA Guides Event during the Newcomers Reception. The GAWDA Guides originally debuted during the 2025 SMC in Dallas. This year’s GAWDA Guides Program was revamped slightly, as the Guides (a who’s who of industry legends) brought their newcomers’ around to learn more about GAWDA’s different committees. It was an excellent way to get newcomers’ acquainted, not only with each other, but also with all GAWDA has to offer. The Newcomers’ were given a BINGO board to fill out as…

GAWDA Continues to Raise the Bar with the 2025 SMC More than 750 GAWDA members converged in the Lone Star State for the 2025 GAWDA Spring Management Conference. With a theme of “Sustaining a Resilient Culture,” this year’s SMC was a perfect way to celebrate GAWDA’s 80th Anniversary in 2025. The show had something for everyone, as attendees had the opportunity to hear from four different and distinct Main Stage Presenters, who discussed topics that ran the gamut from the political landscape, to pursuing your crazy ideas, to the inspiring, and all culminating with a discussion with our Industry Keynote,…