Trade Show News

Pittsburgh and VisitPITTSBURGH announced that the city received the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Festival & Event City Award for the third consecutive year in 2026. This prestigious designation highlights Pittsburgh's continued leadership as a hub for world-class events that attract visitors and strengthen the regional economy.

At its annual meeting, Visit Pittsburgh celebrated a historic year for travel and tourism in Allegheny County, reporting $358.2 million in state and local tax revenue and a 97.4% recovery from pre-pandemic economic impact levels. The organization also highlighted its new 10-year master destination plan.

Pittsburgh has been recognized with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Festival & Event City Award for the third consecutive year. This designation highlights Pittsburgh's role as a hub for world-class festivals and events that attract visitors and strengthen the regional economy. The award was presented to the City of Pittsburgh's Film & Events Manager during the IFEA 71st Anniversary Convention & Expo in Tucson, AZ.

Visitor spending in Washington County, part of the Greater Pittsburgh region, reached a record $804.5 million in 2025, an increase of over 5% year-over-year. This growth highlights tourism's role as a major economic driver, supporting nearly 9,000 jobs and generating significant tax revenue.

Pittsburgh has been recognized with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Festival & Event City Award for the third consecutive year. This designation underscores Pittsburgh's leadership as a hub for world-class festivals and events, strengthening the regional economy and attracting visitors.

Jennifer Apicella, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, has announced her plans to step down. The organization, an economic development nonprofit, hosts the flagship AI and Robotics Discovery Day event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center annually. Her departure follows an 'operational transition' and staff cuts due to dried-up Build Back Better funding.

Josh Valasek has been appointed as the Director of Business Events Sales at VisitPittsburgh. This marks his second tenure with the Pittsburgh Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), having previously served as a sales director from 2015-2020.

Josh Valasek has been named Director of Business Events Sales at Visit Pittsburgh. This marks his second tenure with the Steel City DMO.

Josh Valasek has been named Director of Business Events Sales at VisitPITTSBURGH, marking his second tenure with the city's destination marketing organization. He previously served as a sales director for nearly five years from 2015-2020.

Josh Valasek has been appointed as the Director of Business Events Sales at Visit Pittsburgh. This marks his second tenure with the Steel City DMO, having previously served as a sales director from 2015-2020.

PulpFest 2027 is scheduled for August 5-8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry, with room booking now open to secure convention rates. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and complimentary hot breakfasts for convention attendees.

The Association of School Business Officials Annual Conference & Expo, a flagship professional development and trade exhibition for K–12 school business leaders, is being held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

The Association of School Business Officials Annual Conference & Expo, a key professional development and trade exhibition for K–12 school business leaders, is being held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The event focuses on providing practical tools and best practices for effective school district business operations.

The Pittsburgh Record & CD Convention Fall Show 2026 will feature a national trade show with vendors offering LPs, CDs, 45s, tapes, posters, and music-related memorabilia. The event promises free onsite parking and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The Society of Actuaries will hold its conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from October 25 to October 28, 2026. This professional gathering is listed on the Pittsburgh Convention Calendar.

The Sports & Exhibition Authority is soliciting proposals for Fire Protection Services for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2026, with proposals due by October 28, 2026.

The Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) is soliciting proposals for a fire alarm system at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC). A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2026, with proposals due by October 28, 2026.

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is undergoing painting, leading to a single-lane restriction on the 10th Street Bypass between Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Waterfront Place. This work is expected to continue daily through mid-November.

Crews from Avalotis Corporation are conducting painting operations at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, necessitating a single-lane restriction on northbound 10th Street Bypass. The work is scheduled daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM through mid-November. This information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as a public service announcement.

The Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County is soliciting proposals for Fire Protection Services at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at the DLCC East Lobby. Proposals are due by October 28, 2026.