Who is GAWDA?

GAWDA stands for the Gases and Welding Distributors Association. Formerly known as the National Welding Supply Association (NWSA), GAWDA represents over 500 small to very large welding equipment and industrial gas distributors as well several hundred manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to the welding and industrial gas industry. GAWDA’s mission is to promote the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment and supplies.

How can I update my contact information? 

To update your or your company’s information please send an email to alevy@gawda.org

How much does it cost to be a member?

GAWDA membership dues are based on a member company’s annual sales. Active Members (Distributors) dues are based on their gross sales of all operations. Supplier Member (Mfg, Suppliers and Service Providers) dues are based on their gross sales to the welding and industrial gas industry. There is a set annual dues of $302 for the Manufacturer’s Representative category and a set annual dues of $121 for the Individual Member category. For more information on Member categories and dues, click here.

What are categories of membership in GAWDA?

GAWDA has four main membership categories:

  • DISTRIBUTOR MEMBERSHIP – A GAWDA Distributor Member is any individual, partnership, or corporation engaged in retail distribution of gases, equipment or supplies for use in welding, industrial applications, health care or research. For purposes of this provision, “retail distribution” means sales to end users.
  • SUPPLIER MEMBERSHIP – A GAWDA Supplier Member is any individual, partnership or corporation engaged in (1) manufacturing or wholesale distribution of gases, equipment or supplies for use in welding, industrial applications, health care or research, or (2) providing products or services to Active members. For purposes of this provision, “wholesale distribution” means sales of products intended for resale.
  • MANUFACTURER’S REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERSHIP – This category will have limited benefits, but will give you access to attend the GAWDA Annual Conventions, the Spring Management Conferences and the Regional meetings. You will also have access to GAWDA Communications in the form of the GAWDA Connection and one copy of the Welding & Gases Today publication.
  • INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP – This category is for individuals who have retired from the gases and welding industry and no longer earn a living from the gases and welding supply business, and had worked for at least 10 years with an active distributor or supplier member of GAWDA.

Click here to learn more about GAWDA Membership.

Can I get a printed copy of the GAWDA Directory?

A free copy of the printed GAWDA Membership Directory is sent to the key contact of all (distributor and supplier) GAWDA member companies. Additional copies can be purchased from GAWDA Headquarters for a nominal fee. Individual members and Manufacturers Reps are not entitled to receive copies of the directory. They must upgrade to a distributor or supplier membership in order to qualify.  (If you want to add to or update your company contact listing, please send an email to alevy@gawda.org.) 

How can I subscribe to GAWDA mailings and publications?

Any employee of a member company can receive email communications from GAWDA including the GAWDA Connection, Safety & Technology Organizer, and event announcements. Fill out our publication sign up form here.

How do I submit a news item to the GAWDA Connection or Welding & Gases Today?

The GAWDA Connection is distributed via email on the 1st and 15th of every month. All items for submission should be sent to steveg@gawdamedia.com.  Please include photos with press release where applicable.

Welding & Gases Today is published quarterly in the winter, spring, summer and fall. For submission deadlines or advertising opportunities please contact Tim Hudson, GAWDA Media at timh@gawdamedia.com.