The NCPWB Technical Conference returns April 26–28, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas, with a renewed focus on the real-world welding challenges mechanical contractors face—particularly those related to compliance with ASME Section IX. What began years ago as a primarily technical gathering has evolved into a broader, more dynamic conference that reflects the changing needs of today’s industry.
The 2026 conference is designed with a clear goal: deliver meaningful insights and actionable takeaways that attendees can immediately apply in the office, fab shop and the field. While technical excellence remains at the core, the expanded program acknowledges the increasing complexity contractors face and provides practical guidance to address it.
This year’s agenda places a strong emphasis on interaction and real-world application. Attendees can expect more engaging sessions, expanded peer-to-peer conversations, and opportunities to learn directly from fellow contractors facing similar welding and compliance challenges. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the conference targets the day-to-day welding issues contractors are actively managing on projects.
The conference opens with a keynote from Andrew Brown of Trades Media, a nationally recognized voice on skilled trades recruitment and workforce development. Brown works closely with skilled trades organizations across the country to build effective Gen Z workforce pipelines, helping companies rethink how they attract, engage, and retain the next generation of craft professionals. His perspective brings timely insight to one of the most pressing issues impacting the welding and mechanical contracting workforce today.
In addition to technical sessions, the Manufacturer/Supplier Exhibit returns with 20 companies showcasing the latest welding tools, equipment, and technologies tailored for mechanical contractors. The exhibit offers direct access to industry partners and innovations that support quality, compliance, and productivity.
Set in San Antonio, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort provides an ideal environment for learning, networking, and collaboration. The relaxed resort setting encourages meaningful conversations and relationship-building beyond the classroom, reinforcing the conference’s value as both an educational and professional development experience.
More than just an event, the 2026 NCPWB Technical Conference is a working forum—bringing mechanical contractors together to discuss welding technologies as related to ASME Section IX. As the industry continues to evolve, the conference evolves with it, delivering relevant, practical value for today’s welding professionals.
