Register Now for the American Welding Society (AWS) 2026 Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference – April 13 – April 15, 2026 – New Orleans, LA

April 13–15, 2026 | New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Designers, engineers, fabricators, suppliers, and welding professionals—this is your opportunity to elevate your expertise at the intersection of aluminum fabrication and shipbuilding innovation.

The Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference 2026 brings together industry leaders and practitioners for three immersive days of learning, collaboration, and professional development.
Explore real-world challenges, emerging materials, and advanced technologies shaping the future of shipbuilding and aluminum welding.

What You’ll Gain

• Learn directly from industry-leading experts and keynote speakers
• Tackle real-world welding and fabrication challenges
• Explore emerging materials, processes, and shipbuilding technologies
• Earn up to 19 Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
• Customize your experience by attending one or both specialized tracks

Conference Location & Hotel

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
500 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, the Sheraton offers comfortable accommodations, modern meeting spaces, and convenient access to the city’s culture, dining, and entertainment.

Special Attendee Rate: $179 per night
Available through March 20, 2026 (subject to availability).

Keynote Speakers

Marcus Cridland

Shipbuilding Keynote Speaker
Chief Metallurgist, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Marcus Cridland brings more than three decades of global experience in materials engineering and welding.
After beginning his career in aerospace engineering, he joined the American Bureau of Shipping in 1992.
He served as ABS’s sole metallurgist in Europe for 18 years before becoming Chief Metallurgist in 2010, leading a global team of materials and welding engineers.

In 2017, Marcus received the ABS Chairman’s Chair—ABS’s highest honor, awarded only three times in the organization’s 163-year history. He chairs multiple materials and welding committees and represents ABS within the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

Bruce Albrecht

Aluminum Keynote Speaker
Vice President, Global Innovation & Technology, Miller Electric / ITW

Bruce Albrecht is a global leader in welding technology with more than 40 years of experience. As Vice President of Global Innovation & Technology, he oversees worldwide research and development efforts that advance welding equipment, consumables, and processes.

Bruce holds nearly 100 U.S. patents and is a member of the ITW Patent Society Hall of Fame.
His work continues to improve productivity, quality, and safety across global manufacturing.

Conference Tracks

Aluminum Track

Welding aluminum presents unique challenges at every skill level. This track provides practical techniques, technology updates, and real-world insights to help professionals succeed in modern aluminum fabrication and construction.

Shipbuilding Track

Stay at the forefront of commercial and Navy shipbuilding. Learn about qualified materials, advanced welding practices, and emerging technologies critical to today’s shipbuilding environment.

Why Exhibit with AWS?

Exhibiting with the American Welding Society connects your company directly with qualified welding professionals and decision-makers. Showcase your products, strengthen brand visibility, and build valuable partnerships through unmatched networking opportunities.