We wish everyone attending this year’s GAWDA Spring Management Conference a productive and engaging experience. Weldcoa will be there to support and connect with fellow members throughout the event. As a dedicated U.S. manufacturing supplier, we offer a wide range of solutions tailored to the needs of the compressed gas industry. Our pallets and gas packs are proudly made with 100% U.S. Steel, built for long-term performance and reliability. Let’s connect at the show—stop by to share what you need and see how Weldcoa can help.

Welcome to the 2025 SMC!

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and GAWDA intends to prove it at the 2025 SMC from May 4-6, 2025, as more than 700 members of the gases and welding industry will descend on the Lone Star state for three days of education, networking, and fun. As GAWDA celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, this year's conference is appropriately themed "Sustaining a Resilient Culture." And it's a topic that GAWDA President Eric Wood can relate to, as he and the other owners of O.E. Meyer are responsible for sustaining a culture more than a century in the making.

In addition to the cultural messages, this year's SMC will have something for everyone, as the Educational Tracks ran the gamut from Technology, to hydrogen, to recruiting, to a future look-ahead and everything in between. We're confident that everyone and every attendee will be able to go back to their offices next week with tangible take-home value.

Over the course of three days, GAWDA members will have the opportunity to enjoy an amazing lineup of speakers, see the latest innovations our industry has to offer, and network and reconnect with friends and colleagues from all over the country. 

Throughout the conference, daily emails will be circulated in the later afternoons on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. We will also have a recap email with full photo galleries from the event that will come out in Mid-May. If you have pictures from the event, please email them to steveg@gawdamedia.com or use the #GAWDASMC2025 hashtag on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Sustaining a Resilient Culture

Click the button below to view an interview with GAWDA President Eric Wood discussing this year's GAWDA theme of "Sustaining a Resilient Culture." Also, you can see the most recent SMC Update from GAWDA Vice President of Operations and Administration Natasha Alexis from the April 1 episode. To see all SMC Updates, make sure to watch each episode of GAWDA TV here.

Hotel Information

This year's Spring Management Conference is being held at the Omni Dallas Hotel, which is located at 555 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75202.



The Omni Dallas Hotel is an incredibly convenient and accessible location for this year’s SMC, centrally located and no more than a 4-hour flight for members from either coast. DFW is also the global headquarters for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, providing direct access to every major city in the U.S.

Getting There

The nearest airport to the Omni Dallas Hotel is the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is just 19 miles and 20 minutes from the hotel. Transportation options available from the airport include UBER, Lyft, and taxis. The hotel is also just a 7-minute walk from Eddie Bernie Johnson Union Station, where attendees can take the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail to the DFW Airport Station. For more information, visit https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/dallas/property-details/directions. 

A Reminder Before You Travel to SMC - Real ID deadline is May 7

Travelers take note: The federal government says it will start enforcing Real ID requirements at U.S. airports starting May 7 — for real this time.

That means travelers will need a Real ID-compliant license or other accepted form of identification like a passport to get through security before a domestic U.S. flight.

What to Pack

The 10-day forecast in Dallas calls for average high temperatures in the high-70s and lows in the mid-60s with a slight chance of rain. Attire for the SMC is business casual with the exception of the President's Welcome Reception.

PLEASE NOTE, attire for the President's Welcome Reception, which takes place on Sunday May 4th, is to (optionally) dress as in your favorite Caddyshack-inspired golf outfits. Don't forget, gambling is illegal at Bushwood!

Badge Pickup 



On-site pickup of registration badges begins Saturday, May 3rd, from 12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. CT on Level 2 - Arts District Foyer. Registration continues throughout the course of the SMC. Registration runs from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT, on Sunday, 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT, on Monday, and 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday.

New this year, SMC Special One Day Distributor Admission for May 5th. The cost for the one-day pass is $350.

Download the GAWDA App

The 2025 GAWDA SMC App is now live in the App Store and Google Play Store! This indispensable tool will benefit anybody who is planning on attending the 2025 GAWDA Spring Management Conference. For information during the conference on where to be when, please download the GAWDA App in advance of the SMC. Via the GAWDA App, you can view the conference attendee list, agenda, speakers, and more. 

To get the most out of your SMC experience, make sure to download the GAWDA SMC App. On the App Store or Google Play Store, download the "Cvent Events" app and search GAWDASMC2025.

Through the app, you can:

• Stay up-to-date with announcements and event reminders
• Get full access to the attendee list -- don't forget to set up your attendee profile (and add your picture!)
• Message and set up meetings with attendees
• View the complete agenda (including meeting locations) and set your schedule
• Plan your Contact Booth experience.

To view the SMC website, click here. 

Don't Forget to Tag Us!

Please use the hashtag #GAWDASMC2025 on social media so we can find your photos to use in the newsletter and magazine.

Click the image to enlarge

President's Welcome Reception & Dinner

Sunday, May 4th from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Tower Club Dallas

Following the Newcomer's Reception, GAWDA President Eric Wood and his Wife, Paula, invite all SMC attendees to join them for the President's Welcome Reception & Dinner at the beautiful SKY-High Dallas Tower Club, overlooking downtown. This year's theme is "GAWDAshack." Attendees are encouraged "be the ball" and wear your best "Caddyshack"-themed apparel. Join us for a memorable evening filled with engaging activities, delightful conversations, and opportunities to connect with fellow industry member.

GAWDA will provide complimentary UBERs to and from the event. Check the GAWDA APP or visit the Registration Desk for times and the UBER Code.

Click the image to enlarge

Attend the Women of Gases and Welding Luncheon During GAWDA SMC 2025

Lunch and Learn will take place on Monday, May 5th, from 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Join the Women of Gases and Welding (WGW) Committee for an inspiring luncheon and fireside chat featuring Michael Crambes, Vice President of Business Development at American Welding & Gas. With over two decades of leadership experience in the industry, Michael is known not only for his strong business skills, but for his passionate advocacy and mentorship of women in the field. In this relaxed conversational format, he’ll share practical insights and real-world advice for building confidence, navigating challenges, and advancing your career.

This session is open to both women and men who are committed to their own growth and inspiring others along the way. Come ready to listen, engage, and connect with peers who care about the future of our industry. 

Will You Be the "Best in Show" at the 2025 Contact Booth Program?

The "Best in Show" Award is returning this year to the SMC Contact Booth Program. "Best in Show" means exactly what it says. It's not the loudest, flashiest, craziest booth, BUT it is the truly the booth that does the best for your fellow members. Can they easily tell who you are and what you do? Are you engaging your audience (and not playing video games on your cellphone)? We think you get the picture.

Who are the judges? We're not telling so make sure you're on your best behavior! Want to learn a little more? Click here to view a clip from GAWDA TV where the co-chairs of GAWDA's Industry Partnering Committee talk about the award.

Click the image to enlarge

Contact Booth Program

Dallas Ballroom Level 3

The Contact Booth Program will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Set up times for the Contact Booth Program are:

• Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Click the image to enlarge

A Texas-Sized SMC Offer for GAWDA Suppliers

Take your booth beyond the 2024 SMC with this special offer. During the SMC Conference, we will interview your company about how your products/services help a GAWDA Distributor make or save money! The videos are featured in the GAWDA Connection Newsletter, Buyers Guide articles, and posted to our LinkedIn Page , Facebook Page, and YouTube.

Book Now to combine our SMC Booth Video (Valued at $1,200) & GAWDA Connection Ad Banner (Valued at $1,680) for just $2,000!

Additionally, we will provide you with the video for your personal utilization and marketing needs.

To learn more or to book, contact Tim Hudson today.

SMC Issue of Welding & Gases Today Online Now

The 2nd Quarter 2025 Issue of Welding & Gases Today is online now and will be available during the 2025 GAWDA Spring Management Conference in Dallas. As GAWDA celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2025, the Q2 issue features retrospective articles about the association's history, a full SMC Preview, and articles from thought leaders from around the gases and welding industry. It also features a full Regional Meeting Preview. Click the button below to read the full issue.