Save the Date

Inaugural Handheld Laser User Group (HLUG) Virtual Call : Weld Qualifications

  • March 12, 2026
  • Virtual Webinar

Join industry pioneers, laser welding professionals, educators, and innovators for the first-ever gathering of the Handheld Laser User Group (HLUG) — a global community dedicated to advancing handheld laser welding education, safety, collaboration, and innovation.

This virtual event will kick off group discussions around standards, R&D, products and the launch of HLUG’s professional founding membership cohort. Future in-person meetups (around shows & professional conferences) will feature technical sessions, hands-on demonstrations, workshops, networking opportunities.

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What Is HLUG?

The Handheld Laser User Group (HLUG) is a global community designed to support the growing handheld laser welding ecosystem. Modeled after parallel industry-leading user groups and grounded in collaboration, HLUG brings together:

  • Laser welders and technicians
  • Manufacturing engineers
  • Educators and training institutions
  • Corporate partners and integrators
  • Industry innovators

Our mission is simple:

To advance handheld laser welding through education, safety, professional development, and shared knowledge.

HLUG is the first formal community focused entirely on handheld laser welding, advanced materials joining, training/certification & operator readiness.

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Why Attend the 2026 HLUG Calls & Meetups?

In the inaugural year, participants will gain:

  • Hands-On Technical Workshops (Meetups)

    Experience live demonstrations of handheld laser welding, automation integration, and advanced applications.

  • Technical Deep-Dive Sessions (Virtual)

    Case studies, troubleshooting, best practices, and new technology insights delivered by experts.

  • Networking With Industry Leaders (Virtual & Meetups)

    Connect with peers, educators, manufacturers, integrators, and early adopters.

  • Access to the Latest Innovation

    Visit the Innovation Showcase featuring equipment manufacturers, accessories, safety tools, cobot solutions, and training resources.

  • Shaping the Future of HLUG

    Founding Members will participate in the advisory discussions that set the direction of HLUG’s standards, training content, and events.

Register

FAQ

Founding Member FAQ

  • What is a Founding Member?

    Founding Members are the first 25-30 individuals or organizations who commit to shaping the direction, governance, standards, and growth of the Handheld Laser User Group. They will be recognized as the original architects of the global HLUG community.

  • Why should I become a Founding Member?

    Founding Membership includes exclusive benefits:

    • Must be active – presenting research at HLUG events, speaking and/or leading
    • Early involvement in HLUG committees and technical workgroups
    • Recognition as a Founding Member on the HLUG website and at all events
    • Voting role in early governance, standards, and working groups
    • Priority access to all workshops, certifications, and future events
    • Input into curriculum, safety protocols, and best-practice development
    • Advisor-level influence with manufacturers, educators, and industry partners
    • VIP access to Innovation Showcase exhibitors

  • Who should become a Founding Member?

    This is ideal for:

    • Manufacturers adopting handheld laser welding
    • Educators building or scaling laser training programs
    • Industry innovators and integrators shaping code requirements
    • Organizations shaping safety standards of handheld laser welding
    • Professionals wanting to influence where handheld laser welding goes next

  • How many Founding Member slots are available?

    Only 25-30 member companies will be founding members.

Participating Member (Attendee) FAQ

  • What is a Participating Member?

    Participating Members are individuals attending the 2026 symposium who want to join the HLUG community, learn, collaborate, and benefit from training and networking, without the governance responsibilities of Founding Members.

  • Why should I attend as a Participating Member?

    Membership includes:

    • 2-day access to the Inaugural Symposium
    • Hands-on workshops and demonstration sessions
    • Access to technical presentations and case studies
    • Participation in networking events and roundtables
    • Access to the Innovation Showcase
    • Early access to the 2026–2027 webinar series and online training community

  • Who should attend?

    A great fit for:

    • Operators and technicians
    • Welding instructors
    • Manufacturing engineers
    • Plant managers & production leads
    • Students, apprentices, and technical educators
    • Anyone exploring handheld laser welding for the first time

Event FAQ

  • What events/activities are planned for this group in 2026?

    Virtual calls/presentations are planned for March, May, July, September & November 2026. Potential in-person meetups/pop ups to be announced around major trade shows & speaking engagements (ie, Fabtech, ALAW).

  • When is registration for the first virtual call?

    Click here to RSVP.

  • Will equipment manufacturers and integrators be present?

    Yes. Equipment manufacturers, OEMs are welcome & will include handheld laser OEMs, training accessory manufacturers, PPE & safety solutions; & new technologies entering the market. HLUG aims to be an agnostic “Consumer Reports” of handheld laser welding to actively test & rate all products across the spectrum.

Interested? Contact Us:

For Founding Member interest, event questions, or partnership inquiries, you can contact us using the form below, or email  hlug@handheldlaserinstitute.com directly.

A member of the HLUG launch team will respond within 2 business days.

HLUG Contact Form