We are proud to announce Forged by Valor as IWDC’s 2026 Charity Partner.

As a cooperative built around empowering the welding and gas industry, IWDC is committed to supporting organizations that strengthen our workforce, our communities, and our shared future. This year, we chose a partner whose mission aligns directly with the values that define our Membership and Vendor network.

About Forged by Valor

Founded by Veterans, for Veterans, Forged by Valor is more than a welding training center, they are a brotherhood dedicated to helping service members transition into meaningful careers in the skilled trades. Their veteran led team provides:

• World class welding instruction
• Mentorship grounded in shared experience
• A supportive, community focused environment
• Pathways into long term, rewarding industry careers

GOAL: $25,000

How these funds will support the Brotherhood: As you know, our 800-hour comprehensive welding program is designed to meet the highest industrial standards. Contributions from IWDC Member, Vendor Partners and Staff will go directly toward the shop floor to fund:

• Industrial Materials & Consumables: Keeping our training bays supplied with the steel, gas, and wire required for 550+ hours of lab instruction.
• Shop Equipment & Maintenance: Ensuring our veteran students train on the professional-grade machinery your members know best.
• Veteran Scholarships: Maintaining our commitment to providing this elite training 100% tuition-free for those who have served.

Their mission says it best: “At Forged by Valor, we understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with your service. Our veteran led team provides the camaraderie, mentorship, and specialized training to help you transition your skills into a rewarding welding career. Here, you'll find a community that honors your dedication and empowers you to forge your next mission.”

For IWDC, the connection is clear. Our Members and Vendor Partners power the very industry that Forged by Valor prepares veterans to enter. By supporting this mission, we help develop the next generation of welders while honoring those who have served our country.

Why This Partnership Matters

• It supports workforce development in a high demand industry
• It uplifts veterans transitioning into civilian careers
• It strengthens the welding and gas sector at its foundation
• It reflects the shared values of commitment, skill, service, and community

About Forged by Valor Student Curriculum

Throughout 2026, IWDC will raise funds, raise awareness, and offer opportunities for Members and Vendors to get involved. Together, we can make a lasting impact on veterans pursuing skilled trade careers, and on the future of our industry.

Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and partnership. Let's make this an incredible year of giving back and forging new opportunities together.

SUNDAY, JUNE 31
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: 2nd Floor, Bluegrass 1 & 2

This event will provide a great networking opportunity for future leaders to build and foster professional relationships within IWDC Member companies. The IWDC Next Gen Group is an excellent platform for learning and contributing to discussions, whether you're new to the industry or continuing to advance your career.

You’re invited to kick off our event in true Derby style!

Join us on Sunday, May 31, at 6:00 PM at the Louisville Downtown Marriott for our Derby-Themed Opening Reception—an evening filled with charm, color, and classic race‑day flair.

We encourage everyone to dress in their best Derby-inspired attire. Break out the bold colors, stylish hats, and festive touches that make Derby season so much fun. Whether you go big or keep it simple, come ready to enjoy a lively night of networking and celebration.

Adult beverages and food will be provided, so you can relax, mingle, and soak in the spirit of Louisville’s most iconic tradition.

We look forward to kicking things off with you in high style!
 

MONDAY, JUNE 1

Todd Cohen, CSP – The Sales Culture Architect®

Todd Cohen is a dynamic keynote speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) who teaches organizations a powerful truth: when everyone embraces a sales mindset, it becomes a multiplier of growth and success. As founder of Sales Leader LLC and known globally as "The Sales Culture Architect," Todd has spent four decades proving that sustainable business growth happens when entire organizations—not just sales departments—take ownership of customer relationships and revenue generation.

Learn more about Todd Cohen here. 
 

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

Dr. Colin Dees

Dr. Colin Dees is a consultant, educator, and keynote speaker with deep roots in wholesale distribution and a rare ability to bridge executive leadership, academic insight, and real-world execution. With more than two decades of hands-on industry experience, Colin has helped many distributors with their supply chain replenishment strategies, customer pricing and profitability, warehouse and transportation operations, and the deployment of business intelligence systems that drive measurable performance.

Learn more about Colin Dees here. 
 

Connecting Members & Supplier Partners at IWDC 2026

Vendors are an essential part of our Cooperative, and we are always looking for meaningful ways to strengthen the connection between our Members and valued Supplier Partners.

At this year’s IWDC Sales & Purchasing Convention, we are excited to host a Speed Dating Networking Session—a fast‑paced, high‑impact opportunity designed to spark conversations, uncover opportunities, and build lasting relationships.

Each participating Member company will be paired with four (4) Vendor partners for 12‑minute sessions focused on collaboration, discovery, and partnership opportunities.

To support productive discussions, each Member and Vendor company is asked to designate two (2) representatives to participate. Let’s make the most of this exciting opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow—together.

Event Details
Tuesday, June 2
10:05 AM – 11:05 AM
2nd Floor | Marriott Foyer

How It Works
This will be a structured Speed Dating format in which Vendors remain at their booths, and Members rotate through according to pre‑designed pairings. Bring your business cards and be prepared to make meaningful connections.

We look forward to seeing Members and Vendors come together for an engaging and productive session!

Toast to Memories as we celebrate the unforgettable moments shared during this year’s convention. While this marks the official end of our scheduled events, we encourage you to keep the connections going and continue the evening with fellow attendees in vibrant downtown Louisville, KY!

ESAB - Premier Sponsor Presentation 

ESAB Corporation is a world leader in fabrication and specialty gas control technology, providing our partners with advanced equipment, consumables, automation, robotics, and digital solutions that enable the everyday and extraordinary work that shapes our world.

• Tier 1 and Value Tier Pricing for a successful Dual Brand Go To Market Strategy
• New Products – Bring Innovation and Value to your customers
  • Ruffian 270 Engine Drive Welder
  • GCE Spec Market Gas Regulators
• Ultimate Line Up Portfolio
• How to create demand with merchandising and customer events (DemoBus)
• Pricing enhancements for 2026 for IWDC membership

Empowering Welding Program For Veterans - ESAB United States

MEET THE DEMOBUS - click on either image above to see the video. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 1
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: The bus will be staged at the 2nd Street entrance. The exit doors to 2nd Street are located at the end of the Salon A–D foyer.

Step inside the ESAB Demobus, a mobile welding showroom that brings the experience directly to your location. The bus serves as the central hub for product displays and conversations, while live welding and cutting demonstrations take place outside in an open, interactive setup.

Built by apprentices from Welder Underground, the Demobus creates an environment where you can explore equipment up close, ask questions, and see ESAB solutions in action. ESAB product experts are on site throughout the event to demonstrate equipment, share practical tips, and support hands-on trials.

WHAT'S ON BOARD?
Experience ESAB equipment in action and connect directly with product experts throughout the event.

Live demonstrations will spotlight the newly launched Ruffian EMP 270G, showcasing ESAB’s latest engine-driven welder built for demanding jobsites.

The demo lineup also features the Rebel EMP 205ic, Renegade VOLT, RobustFeed ECHO AVS, Cutmasters 50+ and 70+ plasma systems, along with additional ESAB solutions showcased throughout the day.

Weldmark Workshop - Member Panel Discussion

You can expect the following topics of discussion:

• Weldmark products
• Weldmark positioning in the market
• Member buying habits
• Driving distributor purchasing decisions

• One (1) book will be mailed to each REGISTERED Member Company.
• We will begin mailing the Show Special Book the week of April 20th to those registered for the convention—please check your mailbox around that time.
• No PO Boxes: We cannot ship to PO Box addresses; please provide a valid street address.
• For Canadian & Mexican Members: Due to shipping delays through customs, you will receive an electronic copy via email. A hard copy will be available for pickup at on-site registration check-in.
• If you would like the digital copy, please contact Jenne Carney at jenne@iwdc.coop.

Friendly Reminder to Our Valued Vendors: Please remember that Show Specials are to be offered exclusively to IWDC Members attending the Convention in person. These specials are a benefit for Members who have committed to attending the show, and we appreciate your partnership in honoring that commitment.

We’re excited to welcome you to the 2026 IWDC Sales & Purchasing Convention! Please review the following important information regarding your booth assignment, setup logistics, and event schedule.

BOOTH INFORMATION

Booth Fee: $2,500 (10' x 10')

Booth Fee Includes:
1 (one) 6' x 30" Draped Display Table
2 (two) Chairs
1 (one) Wastebasket
1 (one) Company I.D. Sign

Order carpet for your booth, if you choose, through Fern. Exhibit Hall is already carpeted.

FERN COMPANY
Have a question? Reach our Exhibitor Services Team at 1-800-774-1251ext. 1. 

IMPORTANT: All booth services, including shipping and materials handling, are managed through our official exhibitor decorator, Fern Company. 

VENDOR BOOTH SET UP
Monday, June 1
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Marriott Ballroom + Foyer

Tuesday, June 2
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Marriott Ballroom + Foyer

SPONSORSHIP RECEPTION (Sponsors & Members Only – No Displays or Setups)
Tuesday, June 2
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Pre-Function "Race Track"

Please note that this year’s Sponsorship Reception has a new format. There will be no tabletop displays or booth setups at this event. It will serve exclusively as a networking opportunity for sponsors and IWDC Members. There’s no need to bring or set up materials—just bring yourself, plenty of business cards, and be ready to connect!

TRADESHOW
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Marriott Ballroom + Foyer

VENDOR BOOTH TEAR DOWN
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Marriott Ballroom + Foyer

Please carefully refer to the Artwork Requirements Guidebook provided. This guidebook contains essential details, including instructions, template dimensions, and examples to help you prepare and submit your artwork correctly.

Page Limitations:

• Regular Vendors: Maximum of 2 pages.
• Premier, Gold, and Silver Sponsors: Maximum of 4 pages.

Note: Any additional pages beyond the specified limit will incur a charge of $100 per page.

Adhering to the guidebook ensures a smooth and efficient submission process. Thank you for your cooperation!

All IWDC Vendors MUST turn in a Show Special to attend the IWDC Sales & Purchasing Convention.

LATE FEES:

• Show Specials submitted after the deadline,
• MARCH 17, you will be charged a late fee of $500.
• No submission by MARCH 24 will be assessed a late fee of $1,000 and will not be included in the book.

SPONSORSHIP GUIDEBOOK

We strongly encourage you to thoroughly review our Sponsorship Guidebook. This valuable resource provides comprehensive details on all aspects of sponsorship, including:

• Available Sponsorship Opportunities
• What’s Included in Each Sponsorship Package
• Sponsorship Matrix
• Contributing Sponsorship Opportunities
• Speed Dating Information
• Important Deadlines

Carefully reviewing the guidebook ensures you have all the information needed to make the most of your sponsorship. Thank you for taking the time to explore the opportunities outlined!

Louisville Marriott Downtown
280 West Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202
Central reservation number: (888) 236-2427

Room Rates: $215 Standard Room plus tax per night

Special room rates are available through May 4, or until the group block is sold out.

Room rates will increase after this date. IWDC is NOT responsible for making your hotel reservations.

Please make your reservation at our meeting hotel, where we have negotiated a contract to give you the best value and service. If you book outside our block, we will not be able to stay within our contractual obligations and must pay fees to make up the difference, which will harm our organization and the benefits we provide.