As SHARE convenes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Aug. 16-20), the city’s legacy of innovation and reinvention mirrors the mission of the conference. Once known as the Steel City and the nation’s leading steel producer, Pittsburgh has continually evolved to remain on the cutting edge.

Today, it is a global leader in technology, cybersecurity, robotics, and research, driven in part by Carnegie Mellon University, founded by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. The university has collaborated with organizations, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It’s a fitting setting for SHARE’s return, bringing the latest in technical education and the new Blueprint event (Aug. 20-21), which is focused on quantum cryptography.

Connect With Peers in Full Color

While at SHARE Pittsburgh, don’t forget to check out some of its beauty and reconnect with nature on a Gateway Clipper cruise of the city’s three rivers or a climb up Mt. Washington. Climbing the mountain is easy with the century-old cable car at the Duquesne Incline or the funicular railway at the Monongahela Incline. Both Inclines provide a beautiful view of the city at night. Stop by Point State Park, which also has free summer concerts.

Craving the vibrancy of flowers? Visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, with its 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. It’s home to flower shows and its renowned orchid and bonsai collections. For more eye-catching moments, visit Randyland. The eclectic, outdoor art museum of found objects offers a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and vintage outdoor spaces that will inspire out-of-the-box thinking.

Looking for even more art, why not stop into The Andy Warhol Museum where even its outdoor spaces speak to his avant garde vision. Warhol created one of the first digital images on a Amiga 1000 home computer from Commodore International — a portrait of Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry. “PC Mag” recommended the Amiga gallery where Warhol’s obsession with technology is on full display.

The Mattress Factory will provide a different kind of art experience where installation art fills up entire walls and artists in residence provide an intimate look at the creative process.

Experiences to Energize Creativity Through History

Looking for additional whimsy, check out Kennywood Amusement Park, which is a National Historic Landmark with classic and modern rides and amusements.

In August, Jon Tai, a magician and storyteller, will bring his show "Road Signs" back to Pittsburgh bringing with it magic and nostalgia. Or grab some tickets to check out the Pittsburgh Pirates. While football may not have started yet, Acrisure Stadium offers a number of tours, including one of the Hall of Honor.

At the Kamin Science Center, the interactive exhibits, including Sports360 that unveil the science behind athletic performance, provide some unforgettable experiences for kids and adults alike. The center’s Buhl Planetarium and Observatory is out of this world. Visitors will learn how to spot planets and more. The center also offers a miniature Western Pennsylvania railway, laser shows, 3D printing, and the Cold War-era USS Requin (SS 481) submarine for exploration.

The Heinz History Center has a family of museums with topics from American history to sports, and it also includes a historic village that lies about an hour outside the city. Learn about the steel industry and various skills in hands-on workshops, tour the art gardens, and more at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, which are 15 miles outside the city.

Feed Your Appetite

After a day of technical sessions, Pittsburgh has a plethora of offerings, with Primanti Bros leading the pack with its famous sandwich the Pitt-burger and cheese and one of its most popular, the pastrami and cheese, all served with the fries and slaw on top. Stop by their location in the Strip District where the smell of fresh baking bread and low prices will satiate your hunger on a budget.

This District also has some of the best diners and breakfasts around with Kelly O’s, Deluca’s Diner, and Pamela’s P&G Diners. The Grand Concourse has one of the best brunch buffets around. If you are looking for fresh sushi, check out Wholey's Market, and for Haluski and other Polish delights visit the S&D Polish Deli.

Need a break and a brew, Arsenal Cider House and Church Brew Works have some of the best on tap. They each have some uniquely flavored menu items to complement your beverage of choice, ranging from Arsenal’s savory grilled cheese with four kinds of cheese and a cider-onion jam to Church Brew’s grilled Kobe beef cheesesteak.

Whether engaging in hands-on technical education at SHARE Pittsburgh or exploring innovative topics like quantum cryptography at Blueprint, Pittsburgh and its iconic neighborhoods delivers substance and inspiration in equal measure. SHARE Pittsburgh and Blueprint are more than a chance to network with one another, they are opportunities to gain experience and recharge in one of America’s most forward-thinking cities.

Register for SHARE Pittsburgh today. Combine the experience with SHARE Blueprint.