The Compressed Gas Association Annual Meeting returned this year with a clear message: the compressed gas industry is more connected, more visible, and more essential than ever before.
Held April 26–29 in beautiful Savannah, CGA26 brought together industry leaders, technical experts, safety professionals, distributors, manufacturers, and emerging leaders from across the compressed gas value chain for four days of collaboration, education, networking, and recognition.
Under the theme “Safety. Standards. Savannah.”, the meeting highlighted the critical role compressed gases play in powering manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage systems, energy, technology, research, and countless other sectors that support modern life.
View photos from this year’s event: CGA26 Photos
A Record of Engagement and Industry Collaboration
From committee meetings and technical discussions to packed networking events and leadership sessions, CGA26 showcased the strength and momentum of the industry.
More than just a conference, the Annual Meeting remains one of the few places where the entire industry comes together to solve shared challenges and help shape the future of safety standards and industry best practices.
Throughout the week, attendees participated in discussions on topics including:
- Hydrogen safety and emerging technologies
- Regulatory and geopolitical developments
- Industrial gas infrastructure and operations
- Transportation and facility safety
- Standards development and harmonization
- Workforce engagement and leadership development
- The growing role of industrial gases in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors
The meeting also reinforced CGA’s role as a trusted technical authority and convening organization for the compressed gas industry, supporting the development of globally recognized safety standards used throughout industry and government.
Keynote and Industry Perspectives
One of the highlights of the event was the keynote presentation from Harsh Murari of Visionify, who explored practical applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and industrial environments.
Rather than focusing on hypothetical future concepts, the session centered on real-world applications of AI and emerging technologies that can improve operational awareness, workplace safety, and efficiency across industrial settings.
Attendees also heard from Richard St. Onge, House Armed Services Committee Professional Staff Member covering the Middle East during the Government Affairs Committee Meeting. St. Onge provided insight into geopolitical risk, sanctions, trade pressures, and global policy developments impacting U.S. industry and international operations.
Recognizing Safety Excellence
Safety remained at the center of the meeting, culminating in the Annual Safety Awards Banquet.
CGA recognized companies and individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment to safety performance, operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and industry leadership.
Awards presented during the event included:
- Environmental Recognition Awards
- Fleet Safety Excellence Awards
- Leonard Parker Pool Awards
- CGA/GAWDA Distributor Safety Awards
- New Committee Member of the Year
- Morris Gold Award
- H. Emerson Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award
The Safe Facility Recognition program also continued to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to operational excellence, with hundreds of facilities recognized across participating member companies since the program’s launch in 2020.
View this years award winners: CGA26 Safety Awards Banquet Winners
Building the Next Generation of Industry Leadership
CGA26 also highlighted the continued growth of CGANext, CGA’s emerging leaders initiative focused on connecting professionals with opportunities to engage in standards development, committee work, technical discussions, and leadership pathways within the industry.
The Savannah River Cruise hosted as part of the CGANext program created opportunities for networking and relationship building among both established and emerging industry professionals.
The energy and participation throughout the week reflected a strong industry commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and preparing the next generation of leaders who will continue advancing safety and technical excellence.
Networking, Relationships, and Industry Community
Beyond the meeting rooms, CGA26 delivered numerous opportunities for attendees to reconnect with peers, strengthen partnerships, and build new relationships.
From the Welcome Reception and golf tournament to committee sessions, dinners, and informal conversations throughout the week, the Annual Meeting reinforced one of CGA’s greatest strengths: bringing the industry together.
Those connections remain critical as the industry navigates evolving technologies, regulatory complexity, supply chain pressures, workforce development needs, and growing demand across industrial, medical, food, beverage, electronics, and energy sectors.
Looking Ahead
As CGA26 concluded, one message remained clear: the compressed gas industry continues to play an essential role in powering modern society — and collaboration across the industry remains vital to ensuring it is done safely, responsibly, and effectively.
Thank you to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, committee leaders, volunteers, and member companies who helped make CGA26 a success.
We look forward to continuing the conversations, advancing safety and standards, and building on this momentum in the year ahead.