Trade Show News

VisitPittsburgh estimates the 2026 NFL Draft will attract 500,000 to 700,000 attendees and generate between $120 million and $213 million in economic impact for the region. The city's Office of Management and Budget has committed up to $1 million over three years to VisitPittsburgh, with the agency also contributing $2 million, alongside in-kind staffing resources from city departments.

Taste of the Draft, presented by PNC Bank in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH, will be held on April 22, 2026, at The Tower at PNC Plaza. This culinary event will celebrate Pittsburgh's diverse cuisine and benefit GENYOUth's mission to combat student hunger in Pennsylvania, coinciding with the NFL Draft.

The annual 'State of the Pittsburgh Economy' event, co-hosted with PNC Bank, will offer an economic forecast for 2026. PNC's SVP & Chief Economist Gus Faucher will present key economic indicators relevant to the region's businesses, with additional remarks from PNC President Lou Cestello and local officials.

Pittsburgh city and transit leaders have detailed plans to manage over 500,000 visitors for the NFL Draft (April 23-25), involving park-and-ride lots, shuttle buses, and light rail services. VisitPittsburgh CEO Jared Bachar emphasized the goal of ensuring accessibility for all attendees, highlighting the significant logistical effort for such a large-scale event.

VisitPittsburgh launched a $2 million 'Forge On' marketing campaign to promote the city, coinciding with the upcoming NFL Draft. The campaign aims to address an 'awareness gap' about Pittsburgh's tourist attractions and was unveiled at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Hargrove has been named to EXHIBITOR Magazine's 2026 Find It – Top 40, a curated list recognizing leaders in exhibit design and production. This honor reflects the passion and craft the team brings to every experience, selected for innovation, creativity, and client feedback.

Skyline Exhibits has been recognized as one of the industry's best, named to EXHIBITOR Magazine's 2026 FindIt Top 40 list honoring top exhibit producers. This honor reflects the company's strong client partnerships and team performance.

Art Rooney II, President of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was honored with the Robert P. Imperata Spirit of Hospitality Award by VisitPITTSBURGH. The award recognizes his substantial contributions to the hospitality and tourism sector, particularly his leadership in securing the 2026 NFL Draft for Pittsburgh. This event is seen as a generational opportunity to showcase the city as a world-class destination.

Art Rooney II, President of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was honored with the Robert P. Imperata Spirit of Hospitality Award by VisitPITTSBURGH. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the hospitality and tourism sector, particularly his leadership in bringing the 2026 NFL Draft to Pittsburgh.

Steelers President Art Rooney II was honored with the Robert P. Imperata Spirit of Hospitality Award by VisitPITTSBURGH for his significant contributions to the region's tourism sector. The award recognizes his leadership in securing the 2026 NFL Draft for Pittsburgh, an event expected to showcase the city as a world-class destination and boost the local economy.

The 43rd USAEE/IAEE North American Conference is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh from November 15-18, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown. The conference aims to advance the understanding and application of economics across all facets of energy development and use.

Handmade Arcade's new Modern Craft Market, supported by Contemporary Craft, is set to launch in 2026 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This juried shopping event will connect shoppers and industry partners with over 150 contemporary craft makers and artists from the Pittsburgh and Appalachian region.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association is hosting its Workers' Compensation Practice & Procedure 2026 meeting at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on March 27, 2026. This event is categorized as a meeting on the convention center's official calendar.

The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) is scheduled to hold its 2026 Annual Meeting at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from March 27 to April 1, 2026. This event is officially listed as a convention on the center's event calendar.

Simio Sync 2026 has been announced, featuring presentations from various companies including Aegis, Accenture, and Boeing. The conference continues its tradition as a multi-industry simulation event, building on its origins in Pittsburgh in 2017.

Monroeville officials have successfully secured a property tax exemption for the Monroeville Convention Center, a decision reversed by Allegheny County officials. The municipality, which purchased the center in 2024, has also undertaken renovations including new rooftop air conditioning, refurbished flooring, and new carpet in the South Hall, with further updates planned for video boards and the North Hall's roof.

A public subsidy ranging from $30 million to $100 million is being considered for a proposed new hotel to be attached to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy has raised concerns about the necessity and cost of the project, highlighting the existing Westin hotel already connected to the convention center.

A proposed new hotel attached to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center could receive a public subsidy ranging from $30 million to $100 million, drawing criticism from the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. The institute argues that such a hotel is not needed and would negatively impact privately funded hotels downtown. There is already a Westin hotel connected to the convention center.

A proposed new hotel attached to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh is under discussion, with potential public subsidies ranging from $30 million to $100 million. The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy criticized the proposal, arguing such a hotel is unnecessary and would negatively impact privately funded hotels downtown.

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is actively seeking to book events and incorporate the NFL Draft theme into its spring marketing to ensure the venue remains busy during the upcoming draft. Officials are pursuing leads, including potential interest from ESPN, to maximize exposure and long-term benefits for the city.