Gases and Welding Distributors Association

What Gases and Welding Distributors Association does

Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is a US-based, member-governed nonprofit trade association founded in 1945 as the National Welding Supply Association (NWSA) and rebranded to its current name in 2002 to reflect the industry's growing medical and industrial gases business. Headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, the association serves 550+ member companies, including distributors of industrial gases and welding equipment and supplies, manufacturers and wholesale suppliers, independent manufacturer's representatives, and retired industry individuals. Its stated mission is to promote the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment and supplies.

GAWDA monetizes primarily through annual membership dues structured across four tiers: Distributor members (dues scaled to gross annual sales), Supplier members (dues scaled to gross sales into the welding and industrial gas industry), Manufacturer's Representative members ($302 flat), and Individual retiree members ($121 flat). Beyond dues, the association operates a broad service portfolio organized around compliance consulting (five named experts covering DOT, FDA/medical gases, OSHA, EPA, and DHS), an online learning platform (GAWDA University, launched March 2025 with VGM Education; 6,800+ certificates issued), leadership education (GAWDA MBA launching April 2026 with GoalMakers), Purdue-affiliated distribution training (University of Innovative Distribution), pooled financial benefits (Pooled Employer 401K with Cerity Partners, ancillary benefits with Horton MMA, driver training with NPGA ACE), a Compensation Dashboard (with Bundy Group), a Career Center, and three publications (Welding & Gases Today, GAWDA Connection, Safety Organizer). Operations are run by a small professional staff (1-10) supplemented by a 15+ member Board drawn from member companies and a network of affiliated associations (CGA, AWS, WEMCO, IOMA, NAW, AEA).

The go-to-market combines direct membership recruitment, a Member Get-A-Member referral program, six annual regional meetings, a Spring Management Conference, an Annual Convention (2026 in Boston, MA), virtual roundtables, webinars, and active social channels. Strategic positioning centers on being the industry's authoritative compliance and education resource, reinforced by longstanding affiliations with the Compressed Gas Association, the American Welding Society, and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, and by participation in cross-industry coalitions such as the CO2 Solutions Coalition.

Name

Gases and Welding Distributors Association

Legal name

Gases and Welding Distributors Association

Website

https://gawda.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is a U.S. nonprofit trade association serving 550+ industrial gas and welding supply distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer's reps, and retirees through compliance consulting, education programs, group benefits, and industry events. Founded 1945, headquartered in Hollywood, Florida.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Hollywood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: GAWDA generates revenue through membership dues from four categories: Distributor Members (dues based on annual gross sales), Supplier Members (dues based on gross sales to the welding and industrial gas industry), Manufacturer's Representative Members ($302 annual set dues), and Individual Members ($121 annual set dues for retirees).

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

GAWDA is a nonprofit trade association serving distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, and independent representatives in the industrial gases and welding supply industry. It provides member services including safety and regulatory compliance consulting (DOT, FDA, OSHA, EPA, DHS), educational programs (GAWDA University, GAWDA MBA, University of Innovative Distribution), industry publications, networking events (Annual Convention, Spring Management Conference, Regional Meetings), and group-benefit programs (Pooled Employer 401K, ancillary insurance, driver training).

Product overview

GAWDA (Gases and Welding Distributors Association) is a trade association, not a traditional technology company. The organization's offerings consist of member programs, educational services, publications, and networking events rather than a unified software product or platform. The core offerings include: GAWDA University (online training platform with learning modules), GAWDA MBA (16-week digital leadership program), and the University of Innovative Distribution (Purdue-certified program). These are complemented by member benefits including CGA Subscription Program, Compensation Dashboard, Pooled Employer 401K Program, Group Life Insurance & Ancillary Benefits Program, and Driver Training Program. The association provides five expert safety consultants, publishes the GAWDA Connection e-newsletter (biweekly), Welding & Gases Today (quarterly), and Safety Organizer (monthly). Events include the Annual Convention, Spring Management Conference, Regional Meetings, and WGW Virtual Roundtables. Additional programs include Scholarship Program, WGW Educational Grant Program, Career Center, CO2 Solutions Coalition, and Members-Only Sample Safety Practices. GAWDA serves over 550 member companies including distributors, manufacturers, and representatives in the industrial gases and welding supply industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GAWDA University (GAWDA U) Online training platform providing complimentary access to GAWDA Distributor and Supplier members for a catalog of online training modules and certifications, including GAWDA U learning modules plus 13 bonus CGA learning modules.
• GAWDA Master Business Academy (MBA) 16-week fully digital leadership program based on streamlined MBA curriculum, focusing on people management and business finance essentials for current and aspiring leaders in the industry.
• University of Innovative Distribution (UID) Concentrated educational program focused on wholesale distribution industry needs, sponsored by Association Education Alliance (AEA) in cooperation with Purdue University. Awards 30 hours (3 CEUs) of continuing education; 90 hours leads to a Purdue Professional Certificate in Innovative Distribution.
• CGA Subscription Program Partnership program with Compressed Gas Association providing Distributor Members free access to CGA's library of 350+ electronic safety publications, eLearning modules, safety posters, and the Handbook of Compressed Gases virtual tool.
• GAWDA Compensation Dashboard Industry Compensation Dashboard spotlighting top 5 positions in the top 12 major markets, created in partnership with Bundy Group. Free reports available in the members-only site; custom reports available for additional cost.
• Pooled Employer 401K Program (PEP) Member benefit in partnership with Cerity Partners providing an affordable Pooled Employer 401K Plan with savings of 30-50%, employee education, and financial wellness coaching by Certified Financial Planners.
• Group Life Insurance & Ancillary Benefits Program Comprehensive insurance program partnered with Horton MMA offering Dental, Vision, Life, Voluntary Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, with members receiving a 10% rate reduction.
• GAWDA ACE Driver Training Program Driver training program in partnership with NPGA's Administrative Compliance Experts (ACE) to prepare members for State CDL or HME exams with Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT), providing savings of up to $3,000 per driver.
• GAWDA Annual Convention Annual national convention formatted to attract business owners and top decision makers, addressing market opportunities and threats at the strategic level. 2026 Convention scheduled September 20-23 in Boston, MA at Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.
• GAWDA Spring Management Conference Mid-year conference designed to target needs of management and operations decision makers, serving as a platform for tactical networking, process-oriented business education, and actionable take-home solutions.
• GAWDA Regional Meetings Regional meetings including business meetings, social get-togethers, and golf outings held across six regions: Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, East/Midwest, Northwest, and Central.
• Monthly Safety Managers' Safety Meeting Monthly members-only safety and compliance roundtable featuring GAWDA Consultants Ryan Combest, Mike Dodd, Tom Badstubner, and Rick Schweitzer, with live web meetings and recordings of prior roundtables.
• CGA & GAWDA Young & Emerging Professionals Summit Annual 4-day virtual summit for young professionals in the compressed gas industry covering harmonization, safety by design, transporting gases safely, and innovation opportunities.
• GAWDA Career Center Premier electronic recruitment resource for the industry, connecting employers and recruiters with qualified talent with relevant work experience in the gases and welding supply industry.
• GAWDA Consultants Five expert safety and compliance consultants providing guidance: Ryan Combest (DHS, EPA, OSHA), Michael Dodd (DOT), Tom Badstubner (FDA, Medical Gases), and Rick Schweitzer (Government Affairs, HR Law).
• GAWDA Scholarship Program Scholarship program for children (18+) and employees of active GAWDA member companies, currently offering 15 scholarships of $2,000 each. Over 130 scholarships representing over $240,000 have been awarded since inception.
• WGW Educational Grant Program Women of Gases & Welding Educational Grant Program providing $2,895 total to three female GAWDA members to attend University of Innovative Distribution ($1,395 registration + $1,500 travel/expenses).
• Welding & Gases Today Publication Quarterly industry publication produced by GAWDA Media covering the gases and welding industry, distributed to all GAWDA members.
• GAWDA Connection E-Newsletter Biweekly email newsletter produced for GAWDA by GAWDA Media to inform members of newsworthy industry events. Current issues available to members only in Members-Only portal.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GoalMakerscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2026GAWDA partnered with GoalMakers to deliver the GAWDA Master Business Academy (MBA), a 16-week fully digital program for current and aspiring leaders. Instructors include Jeremy Wall and John Cioffi.
• VGM EducationcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2025GAWDA University works closely with VGM Education to provide members with engaging and useful training materials through GAWDA's learning platform.
• Cerity PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024GAWDA has partnered with Cerity Partners to bring members an exclusive Pooled Employer 401K Plan (PEP). This benefit helps members offer cost-effective and easy-to-manage 401K plans, with savings of 30-50% through customized benchmarking for those looking to enhance current plans.
• National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) - ACE ProgramcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024GAWDA partnered with NPGA's Administrative Compliance Experts (ACE) to guide members to prepare for State CDL or HME exams with Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). The program provides savings of up to $3,000 per driver.
• Bundy Group (Alex Chausovsky)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024GAWDA partnered with Alex Chausovsky from Bundy Group to create an industry Compensation Dashboard spotlighting top 5 positions in the top 12 major markets. Additional custom reports can be created at additional cost.
• Horton MMAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023GAWDA partnered with Horton MMA to design a comprehensive Ancillary Benefits Program offering dental, vision, life, voluntary life, short-term and long-term disability insurance. Members receive a 10% reduction in rates through group purchasing power.
• Compressed Gas Association (CGA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAWDA has partnered with CGA to provide valuable safety resources to Distributor Members. GAWDA Distributor Members participating in the CGA Subscription Program have free access to CGA's library of electronic safety publications, eLearning modules, safety posters, and the Handbook of Compressed Gases. They also co-sponsor the Distributor Safety Award.
• CO2 Solutions CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAWDA is a member of the CO2 Solutions Coalition, a collaborative effort with other industry leading associations to ensure the continued supply of critical carbon dioxide in America.
• Association Education Alliance (AEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAWDA is a member of AEA, which represents 43 industrial trade associations. AEA executives meet biannually to develop programs that bring value to members. Through AEA, GAWDA members have access to affordable educational products and programs including the University of Innovative Distribution (UID) and Winning the War for Talent series.
• American Welding Society (AWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWS is an affiliated association of GAWDA. They co-offer the AWS/GAWDA Solution Selling for Welding program. GAWDA also partners with AWS on various industry initiatives.
• National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAWDA is an association member of NAW. Through this partnership, GAWDA members have access to NAW Service Corporation's business programs including A/R Automation Solutions, Business & Credit Intelligence services, and other discounted business services leveraging collective purchasing power.
• International Oxygen Manufacturers Association (IOMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOMA is an affiliated association of GAWDA.
• Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWEMCO is an affiliated association of GAWDA.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Compressed Gas Association (CGA): U.S. trade association for the compressed gas industry and GAWDA's closest strategic partner. CGA publishes the 350+ safety standards GAWDA members access via the CGA Subscription Program and co-sponsors the Distributor Safety Award, making it the most directly comparable peer in mission and member overlap.
• American Welding Society (AWS): AWS is the principal U.S. professional society for welding, co-offering the AWS/GAWDA Solution Selling for Welding program and housing the affiliated WEMCO committee. AWS is directly comparable as a membership organization serving welding professionals, distributors, and manufacturers with certification, education, and standards.
• National Propane Gas Association (NPGA): U.S. trade association for the propane industry and a GAWDA partner (NPGA-ACE provides GAWDA's driver training program). NPGA is comparable as a membership organization serving industrial/distributor gas industry players with safety, regulatory, and education programming.
• International Oxygen Manufacturers Association (IOMA): IOMA is an affiliated association of GAWDA focused on oxygen manufacturers. It is directly comparable as a niche industrial-gas industry trade association with overlapping regulatory and safety agenda.
• Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO): WEMCO is an affiliated association of GAWDA (and housed within AWS) representing welding equipment manufacturers. It is directly comparable as a narrowly scoped industry association serving the welding supply chain with advocacy and member services.

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW): NAW is the umbrella U.S. trade association for the wholesale distribution industry and GAWDA's strategic partner via NAW Service Corporation. It is comparable as a broader-incumbent counterpart that delivers group purchasing, A/R automation, and policy advocacy to GAWDA members.
• Industrial Distribution Association (IDA): IDA is a U.S. association serving industrial distribution professionals, including through the University of Innovative Distribution co-delivered with GAWDA. It is comparable as a broader-incumbent industry body focused on distribution operations, leadership, and education.

Others

• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE is the U.S. association of association professionals. It is thematically related as the trade body for association management practices (governance, membership, non-dues revenue) that GAWDA's small staff implicitly benchmarks against, but it does not directly compete.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/GAWDAorg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/WeldingAndGasesTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/gawdaorg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gawda
• Instagraminstagram.com/gawdaorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gases and Welding Distributors Association