CGANEXT
Where Emerging Leaders Shape What’s Next
CGANext is CGA’s signature professional development program for early- and mid-career professionals across the compressed gas industry. Through year-round virtual engagement, CGANext connects participants with the people, knowledge, and opportunities that shape the future of safety, standards, and leadership. Whether you’re looking to grow your skills, expand your network, or step into a larger role within CGA, this is your next move.
PURPOSE
Why CGANext?
As CGA’s Young and Emerging Professionals program evolved, so did its purpose. What began as a networking group has grown into a launchpad for the industry’s future leaders—those who contribute to safety, innovation, and collaboration across CGA and beyond. CGANext reflects that shift. It replaces outdated assumptions about age with a focus on leadership, and delivers year-round value that supports personal growth, professional visibility, and long-term member engagement.
MISSION
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. Through year-round virtual and in-person programming, mentorship, and committee engagement, CGANext serves as a launchpad for emerging talent to shape the future of the compressed gas industry.
VISION
To shape the future of the compressed gas industry by supporting the growth, connection, and retention of emerging leaders across CGA member companies. CGANEXT empowers professionals to build lasting relationships, expand their technical and leadership skills, and actively contribute to CGA’s safety mission through year-round engagement.
PILLARS
CGANext develops future leaders by providing practical tools for technical, regulatory, and business growth; strengthens retention by keeping emerging professionals connected to the value of CGA membership; encourages active participation in CGA committees and technical programs; builds lasting relationships across companies, disciplines, and experience levels; and reinforces CGA’s safety mission through real-world engagement with standards development and best practices. Our guiding principles, or pillars, are:
Leadership
CGA Next prepares participants to lead—whether on technical committees, internal teams, or in cross-functional industry initiatives. With guidance from seasoned experts and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to CGA’s work, participants gain the confidence and skills to grow as leaders.
Community
From virtual events to mentorship and peer connection, CGANext fosters a strong sense of community among emerging professionals. The relationships formed here support personal growth and strengthen CGA’s network across all member companies.
Opportunity
CGANext creates space for visibility, voice, and influence. Participants gain access to speaking opportunities, committee involvement, leadership pathways, and recognition across CGA’s platforms.
The CGANext Series
The CGANext Series replaces the former YEP Summit with a quarterly, fully virtual program designed for consistent value and engagement. Each year’s series follows a central theme, with sessions that combine practical insights, expert guidance, and interactive discussions. The format makes participation accessible across all member companies—no travel required, high impact guaranteed.
Each session will dive into a different dimension of this theme, building toward a holistic understanding of what it means to lead in today’s industry landscape.
Who Should Participate
CGANext is open to early- and mid-career professionals employed by CGA member companies. Participants come from a range of backgrounds—engineering, operations, EH&S, regulatory affairs, business, and more—but they all share a drive to grow, connect, and lead. If you're looking to build your skills, expand your network, and contribute meaningfully to CGA’s safety and standards work, this program is for you.
Ready to get started?
The best way to get involved is to join CGA’s Young and Emerging Professionals Committee. The committee’s mission is to shape the future of our industry by supporting the growth and retention of young and emerging professionals employed by CGA member companies. The committee creates in-person and virtual opportunities for CGA participants, through CGANext, to build relationships, expand their skills, and advance their careers while supporting CGA’s safety mission.