Home to stunning architecture, ground-breaking museums, a rich heritage and a superior setting, Pittsburgh is a remarkable city. Its center, downtown Pittsburgh, just might be the most concentrated nuclei of art, culture, cuisine and sports activity in the U.S. With meeting venues in downtown Pittsburgh having access to these and more (such as the Three Rivers Heritage trail, a 21-mile-long bicycle and hiking trail that runs beside the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers), planners can build a diverse program with a surprising amount of walkability.
The area is served by Pittsburgh International Airport, which is located 16 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, and operates approximately 430 daily flights to 107 destinations. A minor hub for US Airways, the airport has 69 domestic gates, six international gates and 25 commuter gates. Within the city, light rail provides an easy travel alternative.
Chief among downtown Pittsburgh convention venues is the 1.5-million-square-foot David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the first LEED-certified green convention center in the world. The center has 313,400 square feet of exhibit space, 53 meeting rooms, two 250-seat lecture halls and a 40,000-square-foot fourth floor terrace, perfect for breaks between meetings or outdoor functions.
Hotel venues in downtown Pittsburgh include the 616-room Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh (connected to the convention center), featuring 39,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; the 712-room Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, with 45,000 square feet of meeting space; and the 300-room Renaissance Pittsburgh, with 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
For an authentic Pittsburgh experience, host an event like a true Pirates fan at one of the indoor or outdoor spaces at the 970,000-square-foot PNC Park, a striking testament to the city's love for its hometown team. During football season, groups can enjoy a tailgate party prior to cheering for the Steelers at Heinz Field. For the more culturally inclined, a night at the Heinz Center for the Performing Arts, featuring a symphony performance, can be enjoyed with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres provided by the on-site catering staff.
Among choice dining venues in downtown Pittsburgh include the eatery of the world-famous Lidia Bastianich. Lidia's Pittsburgh features a private dining loft that can accommodate up to 80 guests. Other choices are Grand Concourse, a seafood restaurant located in the historic Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad Station; and Sausalido, a European BYOB bistro that also offers catering services.
