SYTA partners are pleased to present opportunities for pre and post-conference activities. See below for information.
Pre-FAM: Pittsburgh Student Discovery
Space is limited to 30 people.
VisitPITTSBURGH and Rivers of Steel invite student tour operators to experience a one-day, high-impact FAM designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s top educational and student-friendly attractions. Operators should plan to arrive at PIT on Wednesday, August 19. The FAM begins on Thursday, August 20, with all meals included. Operators will need to make hotel accommodations on their own. All hotels for the convention offer 2 nights pre and post conference rates.
Featured Experiences Include:
- Carrie Blast Furnaces – Tour & Pour: Explore a National Historic Landmark and participate in a hands-on aluminum casting activity.
- Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms: Tour globally inspired classrooms that bring culture and history to life.
- National Aviary: Encounter exotic and endangered species at America’s only “National” aviary.
- Acrisure Stadium Blitz Tour: Go behind the scenes at the home of the Steelers and Pitt Panthers.
- Kamin Science Center: Enjoy interactive STEM exhibits, live demonstrations, and immersive learning.
- Dinner at the Greer Cabaret Theater: Experience dining and performing arts in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
The day concludes with a Destination Greater Pittsburgh Member Marketplace, offering direct connections with group-friendly partners who specialize in student travel.
The tour begins at 7:15am on Thursday, August 20, with transportation picking up the group at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Discover why Pittsburgh is an unforgettable, enriching, and easy-to-sell destination for student groups.
RSVP by completing this form: SYTA Pre-FAM Pittsburgh Student Discovery Registration Form
If you have any questions, please contact:
Amber Harkleroad, Group Tour Sales Manager: amber.harkleroad@visitpittsburgh.com
Jaimie Hanson, Director of Tourism for Rivers of Steel: jhanson@riversofsteel.com
Post-FAM: Philadelphia
Tour Operator Only!
Experience why Philadelphia is one of the top U.S. destinations for student travel—a city where American history, hands-on interactive learning, and vibrant global arts and culture come together to create an unforgettable, student-friendly adventure. This specially curated familiarization trip showcases Philadelphia’s immersive opportunities, welcoming community atmosphere, and world-class attractions that make the city an inspiring destination for school groups.
Brief Survey and Registration Contact:
Please complete this brief questionnaire prior to registering for this Post-FAM trip. For questions, please email Annie Jirapatnakul, Global Tourism Sales & Services Manager, annie@discoverphl.com.
General Disclaimer:
All post-familiarization tours will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25 and conclude on Thursday, August 27 by 2:00 p.m. and will include two nights’ accommodations, all meals, an array of exciting inclusions and two evening activities. Guests will be transferred from The Westin Pittsburgh to your Philadelphia host hotel to begin the post-FAM tour and transferred to the PHL International Airport for departure at the end of the post-FAM. Itinerary inclusions are subject to change.
