The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) is proud to announce the launch of CGANext, its new signature professional development program designed to support early- and mid-career professionals across the compressed gas industry.
CGANext represents the next evolution of CGA’s long-standing Young and Emerging Professionals (YEP) initiative. As the industry has grown more complex—and the need for strong technical, regulatory, and organizational leadership has increased—so too has CGA’s commitment to developing the professionals who will guide the industry forward. CGANext reflects that shift, focusing not on age, but on leadership, engagement, and impact.
A Program Built for the Future of the Industry
What began as a networking-focused program has matured into a year-round platform that connects emerging leaders with the people, knowledge, and opportunities that shape the future of safety and standards. CGANext is designed to deliver consistent value, helping participants grow their skills, expand their professional networks, and play a more active role in CGA’s mission.
Through virtual programming, mentorship, and direct engagement with CGA committees and technical work, CGANext serves as a launchpad for professionals who want to contribute meaningfully to the industry while building visibility and leadership experience within their organizations and across CGA.
Mission and Vision
CGANext empowers early- and mid-career professionals across CGA member companies to grow as leaders, strengthen cross-industry relationships, and actively contribute to CGA’s safety and standards mission. The program supports long-term engagement by helping participants build confidence, credibility, and connections that extend well beyond individual events.
The vision of CGANext is to shape the future of the compressed gas industry by supporting the growth, connection, and retention of emerging leaders. By fostering year-round engagement, CGANext strengthens both individual career pathways and the collective strength of CGA’s membership.
Guided by Clear Pillars
CGANext is built around three core pillars that reflect CGA’s priorities and the needs of emerging professionals:
Leadership
CGANext prepares participants to lead—on technical committees, within their
organizations, and across cross-functional industry initiatives. Participants
gain practical experience, guidance from seasoned experts, and opportunities to
contribute meaningfully to CGA’s work.
Community
Through virtual events, mentorship, and peer connection, CGANext fosters a
strong sense of community among professionals from across the industry. These
relationships strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing, and long-term
engagement within CGA.
Opportunity
CGANext creates space for visibility, voice, and influence. Participants gain
access to speaking opportunities, committee involvement, leadership pathways,
and recognition across CGA platforms.
Introducing the CGANext Series
A key component of the program is the CGANext Series, which replaces the former YEP Summit. The Series is a quarterly, fully virtual program designed to deliver consistent, high-impact engagement throughout the year.
Each year’s CGANext Series follows a central theme, with individual sessions exploring different dimensions of leadership in today’s industry landscape. Sessions combine practical insights, expert perspectives, and interactive discussion—making participation accessible to professionals across all member companies, without the need for travel.
Stay Tuned: 2026 CGANext Series Theme, Topics, and Dates will be announced in the next few weeks!
Who Should Participate
CGANext is open to early- and mid-career professionals employed by CGA member companies, including those working in engineering, operations, EH&S, regulatory affairs, business, and related disciplines. Participants share a common interest in professional growth, industry engagement, and contributing to CGA’s safety and standards work.
For professionals looking to expand their skills, grow their networks, and step into a larger role within CGA and the compressed gas industry, CGANext is the next move.