Trade Show News

Pittsburgh successfully hosted the NFL Draft from April 23-25, attracting a record-setting crowd of 805,000 attendees. This massive attendance highlights Pittsburgh's strength as a premier event and leisure travel destination, with VisitPITTSBURGH planning an in-depth economic impact assessment.

Pittsburgh is implementing a formal tourism development plan that positions travel as a key economic driver, with strategies to expand sports tourism, major events, and cultural programming. This plan aims to attract more visitors and encourage extended stays across Allegheny County, thereby bolstering funding for public amenities.

The AISTech 2026 Attendee Guide highlights the newly opened terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), which is designed to streamline the arrival process for conference groups. This new facility, reflecting the region's heritage, enhances the overall experience for visitors attending major events in Pittsburgh. The guide also provides practical information on transportation options from the airport to Downtown, including rideshares, taxis, and the 28X Airport Flyer.

PulpFest 2026 attendees are urged to book their hotel rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry, as the expanded block of rooms for Friday night has sold out. A special 'Last Chance Rate' is available for remaining nights, but availability is limited. The convention is scheduled from Thursday, July 30, to Sunday, August 2.

Governor Josh Shapiro launched 'Visit PA Playmakers,' Pennsylvania's official 2026 welcome committee, backed by nearly $40 million in new investments to support major events. This initiative aims to leverage global sporting and cultural moments to drive interest in Pennsylvania and spur statewide economic impact. The funding, secured through the Marketing to Attract Marquis Events (MTAME) program, will support operations, security, and marketing for these world-class events.

The Sports & Exhibition Authority is receiving sealed bids for a Tilt Skillet for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be directed to the Convention Center's administrative office.

Hargrove received the Special Award for Creativity and Key Differentiators as part of EXHIBITOR Magazine's 2026 FindIt Top 40. This award recognizes the industry's most innovative exhibit design and production partners, evaluating them on creative excellence, real-world impact, and client feedback. The honor reinforces Hargrove's commitment to thoughtful design and exceptional execution.

ELLWOOD welcomed college students from the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) on May 3, 2026, for an immersive tour as part of the Steel to Students program during AISTech 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen the pipeline between education and industry by providing early exposure to careers in steel and manufacturing.

Technical.ly's 2026 RealLIST Connectors highlights local leaders who convene and inform others within Pittsburgh's innovation community. These individuals, including event organizers like Zellars for EXPlore Pittsburgh Tech Week, use their expertise to bring people together and promote the city's tech ecosystem. Their efforts showcase local talent and introduce young people to STEM opportunities, driving progress across various sectors.

The Sports & Exhibition Authority is receiving proposals for Food and Beverage Service for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting was held on May 6, 2026, with proposals due by June 4, 2026.

Industrial Info Resources exhibited at AISTech 2026, the leading steel industry tradeshow and technical conference held in Pittsburgh. The event featured a Town Hall Forum with panelists from major steel producers discussing the industry's health and significant capital spending. The conference highlighted the North American steel industry's nearly $50 billion investment in capital projects over the past five years.

The Gordon Food Services (GFS) Show is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This event is categorized as a 'Sporting/Gaming Event'.

The Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival is slated for May 16-17, 2026, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This event is listed as a 'Convention Without Exhibits'.

The Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo is scheduled for May 1-2, 2026, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This event is categorized as a 'Convention With Exhibits'.

AISTech 2026, an event for steel professionals, is scheduled to take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from May 4-6, 2026, with an estimated 8,000 attendees. The event will feature comprehensive educational content, engineering expertise, and displays of the latest technologies for the steel industry. Attendees can also expect networking activities with peers and industry leaders, alongside an expo showcasing hundreds of vendors.

The Senator John Heinz History Center broke ground on a 92,000-square-foot expansion project, set for completion in 2028. The expansion will include new spaces for private and public events, such as an 8,500-square-foot outdoor terrace, and a transformed first-floor Great Hall with a new café and a 150-seat theater.

The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh has broken ground on an $80 million, six-story expansion. Expected to be completed in 2028, the addition will include new permanent and rotating exhibition and event spaces, a modern 150-seat theater, and an 8,500 square-foot outdoor terrace.

The Senator John Heinz History Center has broken ground on an $80 million, 92,000-square-foot expansion project, set for completion in 2028. This significant update will include a transformed Great Hall, a new cafe, and a 150-seat theater, enhancing the museum's offerings for the community and visitors.

The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh broke ground on a 92,000-square-foot expansion project on April 30, 2026, set for completion in 2028. The expansion will feature new exhibition spaces, including a Museum of African American History, and enhanced educational and event facilities.

The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh broke ground on a 92,000-square-foot expansion project, set for completion in 2028. The expansion will include new spaces for private and public events, such as an 8,500-square-foot outdoor terrace, and a VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center. This development aims to enhance the museum's campus and facilitate community gatherings, impacting the city's event hosting capabilities.