This July saw the 74th IIW Assembly and International Conference held online to negate the uncertainty associated with the various international COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Despite this meaning that there was no chance for people to meet in-person, it did enable more technical experts from around the world to attend and share their ideas and learning.

The IIW returned to their traditions with this year’s event, with a programme enriched with more content, including the International Conference and opening and award ceremonies as well as a closing event.

The 2021 IIW event met the needs of the community with the virtual assembly delivering presentations, discussions, interaction between attendees, sharing of knowledge and the development of documents and best practice, while technology allowed online interaction during sessions to provide an inclusive atmosphere.

The UK was represented by delegates from TWI Ltd, Lincoln Electric, Cambridge Vacuum Engineering and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Centre/University of Sheffield.

TWI’s involvement was particularly strong, with voting delegates involved in most of the commissions, while TWI Technology Manager and Welding and Cutting Editorial Team member, Geoff Melton also chaired the health and safety commission.

The programme for the 74th IIW Annual Assembly and International Conference was as follows:

7 July: IIW General Assembly and Opening & Awards ceremony

8 July: IIW International Conference

9 July: Preliminary and administrative meetings

12-17 July: Meetings of IIW Technical Working Units (Commissions and Study Groups) and IAB

16 July: Closing Ceremony

19-21 July: Meetings of Administrative Units

Of particular note was the International Conference on the topic of ‘Artificial Intelligence to innovate Welding and Joining.’

This 4-hour conference included a keynote speech and a full set of presentations on the theme as well as a panel discussion where attendees could interact with the experts and presenters.

In addition, the event saw the launch of the IIW’s Welded Art Photographic Exhibition, which has been released digitally and can be seen by following this link.