To add a sightseeing tour to your current registration, please follow these steps:

• • Log in to the 2026 Annual Conference Attendee HUB.
  • Once logged in, click the “Registration” menu item and look for the “Optional Activities” section.
  • You will see a list of all the available activities, additional details such as the activity level, and a brief description. If you want more information, click the “View more” link.
  • Make sure to select your preferred option if both AM and PM choices are available.
  • Check the box for your preferred option and hit the “Submit Changes” button at the bottom left.
  • You will get an email confirming your selection.

Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour!

Activity Level 3/5 walking with the possibility of stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour 1: 10:00am

Tour 2: 1:00pm

Length of time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Limited to 12 people during each tour = 24 ppl

During ‘Burgh Bits & Bites tours you will explore the vivid history and culinary delights of the Steel City! Whether you’re visiting from out of town, or a native of the Pittsburgh area, we strive to treat everyone like family. Through our warm and friendly service, our goal is to make your tour enriching, educational, and most of all – a delightful, tasty adventure!

Arts & Artists Walk the Burgh Tour!

Activity Level 3/5 walking some distance with the possibility of stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 8:00am-9:30am

Length of time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Limited to 15 people

Our most fun walk! Journey off the beaten path with us and discover hidden art that is tucked away in our downtown nooks, crannies, and alleys. Our expert guides will dive into the history of the city’s Cultural District that is filled with historic theaters and beautiful plazas, and learn about the famous artists, actors, and musicians from our beloved city. You’ll also see the best of Pittsburgh’s public art: captivating sculptures, light installations, and colorful murals. This is a great tour for photo-ops and is a wonderful way for families with children to see and interact with the city.

Best of the Burgh Walk the Burgh Tour!

Activity Level 3/5 walking some distance with the possibility of stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 11:00am-1:00pm

Length of time: 2 hours

Limited to 15 people

Our most popular tour! Come join and explore the heart of Downtown on foot with us, in a small group setting and with a local expert guide. Walk by and into must-see cultural and historical landmarks as well as iconic buildings! Discover beautiful squares and fascinating pieces of public art! We will highlight the Best of our Burgh but also point out unseen details and hidden gems. Walking down major avenues as well as turning into small alleyways will give you a great introduction to the very unique city of Pittsburgh.

Heinz Memorial Chapel & Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning

Activity Level 2/5 walking with some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour will include both attractions: 9:00am

Length of time: 3 hours

Limited to 25 people per attraction = 50 ppl (group will split and each group will do both attractions)

This tour includes the Chapel’s history from inception through creation and an overview of its incredible architecture and artisan details. The tour will conclude with an opportunity for guests to view the stonework, woodwork, and stained-glass up-close while listening to a song on the magnificent pipe organ.

The Nationality Rooms represent and celebrate the culture of the diverse communities of Pittsburgh. The Rooms are a community space where you’re invited to experience your heritage in a space that’s timeless and austere, yet dynamic and alive. The Nationality Rooms are both at the heart of the University and at the center of community life of the city of Pittsburgh. The story of the Rooms is the story of the communities that are the heartbeat of Pittsburgh. The mission of the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs is aided by the room committees, which have devoted decades to the creation of Nationality Rooms.

Soldiers & Sailors Museum

Activity Level 2/5 walking throughout the museum and some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 1:00pm

Tour: 2:00pm

Length of time: 1 hour 

Limited to 25 people per tour = 50 ppl

A unique look at American History. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum is a unique military memorial dedicated to honoring the men and women of all branches of service, from all generations and conflicts. The only museum in the world that honors all branches of the US Military.

Gateway Clipper Three Rivers Sightseeing Tour

Activity Level 1/5 minimal walking

Friday, August 21st

Three Rivers Sightseeing

Tour: TIME TBD most likely 11am

Length of time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Limited to 75 people

The only way to see the city and truly learn about her past, present, and future is aboard one of our Pittsburgh river cruises. Your Pittsburgh river cruise begins on the Monongahela River and continues on both the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, all while our captain and narrator relay the interesting facts, tales, and river lore that make Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania so special!

Senator John Heinz History Center and Western PA Sports Museum

Activity Level 2/5 walking is required throughout the center

Friday, August 21st

Tour 1: 11:00am

Tour 2: 1:00pm

Length of time 2-2.5 hours

Limited to 100 people per tour = 200 ppl

As Pittsburgh’s “people museum,” the History Center preserves and interprets the history of Western Pennsylvanians through six floors of interactive exhibitions that feature iconic artifacts like the TV set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the world’s oldest jeep. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is located on the second and third floors of the History Center.

Molly’s Trolley- The Culture to Ketchup Tour (included the Duquesne Incline)

Activity Level 2/5 walking and some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour 1: 10:00am

Tour 2: 1:00pm

Tour 3: 3:00pm

Length of time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Limited to 30 people per tour = 90 ppl

Step aboard a vintage-style trolley and experience Pittsburgh with a fully guided 90-minute historical tour. Our Pittsburgh city tours depart from the Convention Center and travel to popular areas of the city including Downtown, the North Shore, and Mt. Washington. Each public sightseeing tour also includes a behind-the-scenes tour and ride on the historic Pittsburgh cable railway, the Duquesne Incline.

National Aviary

Activity Level 2/5 walking is required throughout the Aviary

Friday, August 21st

Tour 1: 10:00am

Tour 2: 2:00pm

Length of time: 2 hours

Limited to 25 people per tour = 50 ppl

Visit the one and only National Aviary, a unique nonprofit zoo and home to around 500 remarkable birds from across the globe—including species that are Extinct or Critically Endangered in the wild. Get up close and personal with magnificent birds like the charismatic African Penguin and discover how the National Aviary is working to protect this amazing species from further decline.

Explore lush free-flight habitats, enjoy unforgettable encounters, and immerse yourself in Passport to Parks, a dynamic free-flight bird show where video, music, lighting, and of course our incredible animals transport you to breathtaking national parks around the world. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious explorers, this sightseeing tour offers an inspiring, one-of-a-kind experience you won’t soon forget.

Acrisure Stadium Tour & Hall of Honor Museum

Activity Level 2/5 walking is required through the stadium and museum

Friday, August 21st

Tour 1: 10:00am

Tour 2: 1:00pm

Length of time: 2.5 hours

Limited to 25 people per tour = 50 ppl

Get a sneak peek at our most iconic stadium features like the Steelers Locker Room, Terrible Towel Wall, Field Level and PNC Champions Club. The tour continues at the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum, which is dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating Steelers Football. The Hall of Honor Museum is home to over 50 inductees and over 10,000 square feet of Steelers History.

Discover Pittsburgh’s Arts & Culture in the Pittsburgh Cultural District

Activity Level: 2/5 walking is required and some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 9:00am-1pm (Lunch Included)

Length of time: 4 hours

Limited to 30 people

Experience the best of Pittsburgh’s vibrant performing arts scene on this specially curated SYTA FAM tour. Your journey begins with a behind-the-scenes visit to the iconic Benedum Center, where stunning architecture and rich theatrical history come to life. Then, take part in an engaging hands-on workshop designed to spark creativity and showcase student-focused learning opportunities. Finally, immerse yourself in the powerful storytelling and legacy of one of America’s greatest playwrights with a visit to The Writers Landscape at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center—a dynamic, interactive exploration of August Wilson’s world and work.

Join us for this inspiring cultural experience and discover why Pittsburgh is the perfect stage for your next student group adventure.

Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum

Activity Level 2/5 walking is required throughout the museum

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 10:00am

Length of time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Limited to 20 people

Mattress Factory is an artist-centered museum, international residency program and renowned producer and presenter of installation art. We say “yes” to artists, offering time and space to dream and realize projects in our hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. We invite audiences from around the world and around the corner to step inside, immerse ourselves and connect with the artistic process.

Andy Warhol Museum

Activity Level 2/5 walking throughout the museum

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 10:30am

Length of time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Limited to 25 people

The Andy Warhol Museum holds the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials. We are one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world and the largest in North America.

The Warhol is one of the four Carnegie Museums, and a collaborative project between Carnegie Institute, Dia Art Foundation, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Plans to house The Warhol in Pittsburgh were announced in 1989, and the museum opened its doors during a 24-hour celebration on May 13, 1994. Originally built in 1911 as a distribution center for products sold to mills and mines, The Warhol was redesigned by architect Richard Gluckman and features seven floors of gallery and exhibition space as well as an underground level that houses The Factory education studio and the conservation lab.

Maxo Vanka Murals

Activity Level 3/5 walking and stairs are required

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 10:30am

Length of time: 2 hours

Limited to 40 people (group will split upon arrival) 

Maxo Vanka’s 25 powerful murals are one of Pittsburgh’s hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring murals of Croatian artist Maxo Vanka on a guided tour at the historic St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale. Discover how these striking works were painted by Vanka in 1937 and 1941 to reflect the culture and lives of the working-class immigrant congregation.

Metal Arts Aluminum Title Workshop at Carrie Furnace

Activity Level 3/5 walking on uneven ground and some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 9:00am

Length of time: 3 hours

MUST WEAR CLOSED-TOE SHOES ON SITE.

Limited to 50 people

In this workshop, participants customize a premade sand mold and create a unique 4×4 inch aluminum, one-sided design cast in solid aluminum! You’ll spend time carving your design, while mixing and mingling with colleagues—witnessing each item being cast in molten aluminum reaching 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Graffiti Arts- Hands on Tour at Carrie Furnace

Activity Level 3/5 walking on uneven ground and some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 1:00pm

Length of time: 2.5 hours

MUST WEAR CLOSED-TOE SHOES ON SITE.

Limited to 30 people

Graffiti writers were among the first people to embrace the potential of the Carrie Blast Furnaces in their postindustrial era—and unknowingly opened the door for creatives decades later. Join Rivers of Steel for a tour of the international collection of graffiti murals located at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Learn about the individual works of art and the overall history and culture of graffiti. After your tour, you’ll have a chance to try it for yourself!

Washington County Heritage Tour

Featuring: Bradford House & Whiskey Rebellion Visitor Center, Duncan Miller Glass Museum & Pennsylvania Trolley Museum with Lunch included

Activity Level: 2/5 walking required and some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 8:45am-3:00pm (Lunch Included)

Length of time: 6 hours and 15 minutes

Limited to 25 people

Discover the rich history and craftsmanship of Washington County on this immersive day trip. Departing from the Pittsburgh Convention Center at 8:45 a.m., the journey begins at the Bradford House Museum and Whiskey Rebellion Education Center, where you’ll explore 18th-century life and enjoy a light refreshment. Next, visit the Duncan & Miller Glass Museum to see exquisite examples of America’s glassmaking legacy. The tour continues to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where a boxed lunch and engaging discussion are followed by a guided tour and scenic trolley ride.

Experience Bulter County Pennsylvania Lunch Included

Activity Level 2/5 walking and some stairs

Friday, August 21st

Tour: 8:45am-4:00pm (Lunch Included)

Length of time: 7 hours and 15 minutes

Limited to 50 people

Kick off your Butler County adventure in the town of Mars, PA with a stop at the iconic Mars Spaceship, a must-see photo spot that celebrates the town’s extraterrestrial theme. Wander through the local shops, where you’ll find unique gifts, Mars-themed goodies, and friendly small-town hospitality. Next, we head north to the natural beauty of Moraine State Park. Board the Preston Pearl, a relaxing sightseeing cruise of Lake Arthur. Enjoy stunning views, wildlife, and wooded shoreline while learning about the park’s history and ecology. Lunch will be provided.

Wrap up your day with a visit to Playthings Etc., known as “The World’s Coolest Toy Store”! Housed in a futuristic aircraft-shaped building, this one-of-a-kind store is packed with hands-on demos, flying gadgets, STEM toys, and classic favorites for every age.

FAQ

• Contact: For questions, contact Amber Harkleroad, amber.harkleroad@visitpittsburgh.com
• Attendee Limit: All conference registrants are welcome on tours.
• Tour Capacity: The tour capacity is listed in each tour description.
• Cutoff date for tours: Three weeks prior to conference, August 1.
• Cancellation: In the event a tour does not have the capacity to go, you will be notified after the cut-off-date of August 1.
• Know Before You Go (KBYG): Visit Pittsburgh will send a Know Before You Go to registrants of each tour.
• Tour Pick Up/Drop Off: All tours pick up and drop off at David L. Lawrence Convention Center with exact details provided in the KBYG.
• Registration/Ticket Pick Up: Registration/Ticket pick up will be at a satellite desk in East Lobby of the Convention Center.