Date of Event: 07/22/2026 Location: CLOSS Robotics – Schaumburg, Illinois Number of Attendees: 30 Presenter/Notable Guest(s): Madelene Leaphart Event Summary: Last month, the AWS Chicago Section partnered with CLOOS North America to host a hands-on evening focused on robotic welding and automation at the CLOOS Experience Center in Schaumburg. More than 50 attendees from across the welding industry,…
Date of Event: 02/25/2026 Location: Miller Electric – 283 Lies Rd E, Carol Stream, IL 60188 Number of Attendees: 20 Event Summary: Miller Electric hosted the AWS Chicago Section at their facility for an in-depth presentation and hands-on demonstration of their latest welding equipment and collaborative robotic (cobot) technology. Members received detailed instruction on new machine…
Date of Event: 02/04/2026 Location: Sciaky – 4915 W 67th St, Bedford Park, IL 60638 Number of Attendees: 25 Presenter/Notable Guest(s): Kenn Lachenberg – Director of operation Event Summary: Kenn Lachenberg hosted the AWS Chicago Section for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Sciaky, showcasing the company’s advanced Electron Beam Welding (EBW) and additive manufacturing operations. Members gained firsthand…
Date of Event: 12/03/2025 Location: Moraine Valley Community College Number of Attendees: 35+ Presenter/Notable Guest(s): Tom Schlafly & Heather Gathman from American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Event Summary: Tom Schlafly & Heather Gathman discussed critical topics including fracture, fatigue, and how these principles impact welding in real world applications. Their insight and expertise brought valuable clarity to…
Date of Event: 10/24/2025 Location: Glazers JATC and pipefitters 597 training school Number of Attendees: 3 Presenter/Notable Guest(s): Brian Beitz and Adam Sutter Event Summary: The award presentation photos of Mr. Beitz & Mr. Sutter from Dave Viar of D13 section 2
Date of Event: 10/22/2025 Location: Moraine Valley Community College Number of Attendees: 100+ Presenter/Notable Guest(s): Jim Greer & Dan Morang Event Summary: The Chicago section held a pipe welding demo with Dan Morang (of Enbridge) and Jim Greer at Moraine Valley Community College. This meeting had over 100 members and students in attendance! This night was full…
Date of Event: 09/20/2025 Location: Sandwich Fairgrounds, Illinois Number of Attendees: 2,000 Presenter/Notable Guest(s): Pipefitters597Local 701Sheet Metal 73Blue DemonLincoln Electric Event Summary: The Scouts of America invited us out to their jamboree to show case Welding in the Trades Midway area. Scouts were able to participate in hands-on activities, talk with experts, and learn about all the…