November 18 – 20, 2024
Pittsburgh, PA

Join Scenic America and Scenic Pittsburgh for a three-day exploration of how we are creating scenic beauty through advocacy, legislation, and community action. Hosted at the Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, the event will feature a full day of programming around scenic conservation, a guided tour through Pittsburgh’s most scenic locations, and more opportunities for networking, education, and brainstorming for scenic action.

Register Today!

Highlights

Monday, November 18

• Scenic tour of Pittsburgh

Tuesday, November 19

• Full day of programming including speeches from community and organizational leaders, sessions on utilities undergrounding, scenic byways, dark skies initiatives, zoning and ordinance, and current local and national legislative updates

Wednesday, November 20

• Scenic Community Expo with local and national organizations, vendors, and businesses

**Schedule and programming subject to change**

Accommodations

Located in the heart of downtown, Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown is a historic renovation of the Federal Reserve Bank building. It is close to PNC Park, the Andy Warhol Museum, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and more. Pittsburgh hotel guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, free evening snacks and beverages, and more.

Hotel Cancellation Policy: Payment information is collected to reserve your room. If your plans change and you need to cancel, please do so by 12:00 p.m. the day before arrival to avoid being charged one night’s room and tax. A debit/credit card will be required to check in, Drury may place a hold on funds in your card account. The hold amount varies and can include the full anticipated price of the stay, plus a $50 deposit for incidentals. Drury typically releases the hold upon checkout after the final payment has been received. After Drury releases the hold, there may be an additional 7 to 10 days before the funds are back in your account, at the discretion of your card issuer.

Registered guests will receive a private link to purchase accommodations through Scenic America. Guests will receive an email upon registering that will include access to the group rate.

*Sunday, November 17 will appear as an option. Please note that this day is not covered by the group rate. It is not necessary for you to book this date in order to enjoy the symposium programming. We recommend beginning your stay on Monday, November 18.

Tentative Schedule of Events

Monday, November 18: Welcome and Scenic Tour

• 9:00 AM – Registration and Check-in Opens
  Registration begins bright and early, allowing attendees to settle in, collect their event materials, and begin connecting with peers in scenic conservation. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to provide event schedules, local information, and updates on Pittsburgh’s best scenic attractions. This check-in time offers participants a chance to meet each other informally, setting a collaborative tone for the symposium.
• 2:00 – 5:00 PM – Scenic Tour of Pittsburgh
  This scenic tour takes attendees through some of Pittsburgh’s most stunning locations, showcasing the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and historic architecture. Highlights of the tour include visits to the city’s riverfront parks, iconic bridges, and historic districts, with insights into Pittsburgh’s own journey in scenic revitalization and urban beautification. A tour guide will share the city’s history, provide information scenic vistas and viewsheds, and recent beautification initiatives, offering inspiration and practical ideas for attendees to bring back to their own communities.
• 5:30 – 7:00 PM – Complimentary Happy Hour and Snacks
  As the first day winds down, participants are invited to a complimentary happy hour at the hotel dining room. Guests can enjoy local snacks and refreshments while networking in a relaxed environment. This informal gathering provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s scenic tour, connect with like-minded advocates, and preview the next day’s sessions in the company of fellow attendees.

Tuesday, November 19: Full Day of Programming

• 6:00 – 9:30 AM – Complimentary Hot Breakfast
  A delicious hot breakfast will be served in the hotel dining room, allowing attendees to fuel up before the full day ahead. This relaxed meal is a chance to gather, chat informally, and prepare for the day’s robust lineup of talks and panels. From local specialties to classic breakfast options, the menu is designed to energize participants for a day of scenic insights and discussions.
• 9:00 – 9:30 AM – Welcome, State of the Union
  The symposium officially kicks off with welcome remarks by Scenic Pittsburgh’s Executive Director, Mike Dawida, and Scenic America’s President, Mark Falzone. They will provide an update on recent scenic preservation efforts, legislative changes, and pressing challenges. This “State of the Union” for scenic conservation sets the stage for the day’s discussions and inspires attendees with the movement’s recent victories and ongoing goals.
• 9:30 – 10:00 AM – Author’s Talk and Book Giveaway with Ron Fleming
  Scenic America Chair Emeritus and author Ronald Fleming, FAICP, will discuss his book The Adventures of a Narrative Gardener, which delves into his journey as a landscape architect and advocate for narrative-driven gardens and landscapes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the storytelling aspects of scenic preservation, with tips on how to use narrative to engage communities and enhance the impact of beautification projects. A book giveaway will follow, with select guests receiving a signed copy of this inspiring work.
• 10:00 – 10:45 AM – Keynote by Former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy
  Tom Murphy, a champion of urban beautification and former mayor of Pittsburgh, will deliver a keynote on the challenges and triumphs of integrating scenic beautification into urban development. Murphy’s insights are drawn from his transformative tenure in Pittsburgh, where he prioritized green spaces, public parks, and urban revitalization. This keynote will inspire and motivate attendees with practical ideas on how to promote scenic beauty within city planning.
• 10:45 – 11:00 AM – Break
  A brief intermission allows attendees to stretch, grab refreshments, and continue discussions from the morning’s sessions.
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Undergrounding Panel
  This panel features industry experts Mark Bridgers (Continuum Capital), Allie Kelly (The Ray), Madhu Bhargava (Burns & McDonnell), Troy Helming (EarthGrid), and Tziporah Feldman (Scenic America), who will explore the benefits of undergrounding utilities. Topics will include cost-effective strategies, recent advances in technology, and environmental and aesthetic benefits. With wildfires, storms, and urban sprawl threatening overhead lines, undergrounding utilities is a priority for scenic advocates, and panelists will discuss the growing case for this important solution.
• 12:00 – 1:15 PM – Lunch and Election Recap with Paul Bock
  Attendees will enjoy a catered lunch while Paul Bock of Thorn Run Partners recaps recent election outcomes and their implications for scenic conservation. This insightful analysis will look at state and federal elections, new legislation, and emerging trends affecting scenic preservation. Bock’s insider perspective is particularly valuable for understanding how shifts in political landscapes impact scenic initiatives.
• 1:15 – 2:15 PM – Scenic Byways Panel
  Experts Rick Duncan (Allegheny River Boulevard), Eric Hermanson (The Ozark Run Scenic Byway), and Mark Falzone (Scenic America) will discuss the successes and future plans for Scenic America’s byways programs. They’ll cover byways designation, community engagement, and funding opportunities, with a focus on how scenic byways benefit local economies, tourism, and environmental protection. This panel provides a roadmap for attendees interested in advocating for scenic byways in their own regions.
• 2:15 – 3:15 PM – Dark Skies Panel
  Former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Astronomer Diane Turnshek and architect Stephen Quick will delve into the impacts of light pollution on our night skies. This panel will cover the latest research, advocate for policies to preserve dark skies, and share successful examples of dark skies-friendly initiatives. The discussion will inspire attendees to incorporate dark skies advocacy into their scenic efforts, promoting policies and design strategies that protect nighttime scenery.
• 3:15 – 3:30 PM – Break
  A short break provides time to reflect on the afternoon sessions, continue networking, and prepare for the final discussions of the day.
• 3:30 – 4:15 PM – Zoning and Ordinance for Scenic Beauty
  Dave Demko from Scenic Pittsburgh will present best practices in zoning and ordinance that prioritize scenic beauty. Attendees will learn about regulatory tools and policy frameworks that encourage visual appeal and safeguard landscapes, with practical insights into how zoning can enhance both the functionality and beauty of public spaces.
• 4:15 – 5:00 PM – Legislative Updates from Allegheny County and Beyond
  In this session, Mike Dawida, Dave Demko, and Mark Falzone will provide updates on scenic legislation at both local and national levels. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how legislative efforts are evolving and the ways communities can advocate for stronger scenic policies. From billboard control to utility regulations, this session equips participants with knowledge and strategies to engage in scenic advocacy.
• 5:30 – 7:00 PM – Complimentary Happy Hour and Snacks
  The day concludes with a second complimentary happy hour, providing an opportunity for further networking, reflection, and relaxation. This is a chance for attendees to share thoughts on the day’s discussions and form connections that will strengthen scenic advocacy efforts long after the symposium concludes.
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM – Dark History PGH walking tour of Downtown Pittsburgh
  Hauntings! Murder! And all-around suspicious activity! Meet in the Lobby by 6:45 and prepare to visit the “dark side” Downtown Pittsburgh’s history. Visit more than 5 stops with Dark History PGH and end in historic Market Square. The tour is free but you need to register ahead of time. Space is very limited. Contact Allison Ruppert at aruppert@scenicpittsburgh.org

Wednesday, November 20: Scenic Community Expo

• 6:00 – 9:30 AM – Complimentary Hot Breakfast
  Start the final day with a hearty breakfast in the hotel dining room. This final meal together is a time to connect with fellow attendees, solidify new friendships, and prepare for the community-centered event that will wrap up the symposium.
• 9:00 – 12:00 PM – Scenic Community Expo
  The Scenic Community Expo offers an informal, interactive gathering of scenic organizations, vendors, partners, and community members, designed to foster connections and collaborations. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from scenic-focused organizations, learn about new projects, exchange ideas, and engage in discussions on preserving and enhancing scenic beauty. This open forum is designed to help attendees bring back new strategies, resources, and partnerships to their own scenic initiatives.

Registration

Use the form below to register for the event. Registration must be completed prior to the event. Sorry, no walk-ups will be allowed.

Registration Pricing: The cost of registration will be $229 and registration will be available through November 17.

Student Pricing: We are happy to offer $99 reduced registration rates for students! To request an exclusive student discount, please email Allison Ruppert at aruppert@scenicpittsburgh.org.

Your Scenic Symposium 2024 registration will include admission to Monday’s bus tour of Pittsburgh, Tuesday’s entire program, and a catered lunch on Tuesday. The Drury Plaza Hotel offers all guests complimentary breakfast from 6 – 9:30 AM and a complimentary “Kick-Back” happy hour every evening from 5:30 – 7 PM with buffet-style snacks and beverages from the bar.

*Sunday, November 17 will appear as an option. Please note that this day is not covered by the group rate. It is not necessary for you to book this date in order to enjoy the symposium programming. We recommend beginning your stay on Monday, November 18.

Hotel Cancellation Policy: Payment information is collected to reserve your room. If your plans change and you need to cancel, please do so by 12:00 p.m. the day before arrival to avoid being charged one night’s room and tax. A debit/credit card will be required to check in, Drury may place a hold on funds in your card account. The hold amount varies and can include the full anticipated price of the stay, plus a $50 deposit for incidentals. Drury typically releases the hold upon checkout after the final payment has been received. After Drury releases the hold, there may be an additional 7 to 10 days before the funds are back in your account, at the discretion of your card issuer.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Please contact Allison Ruppert for sponsorship inquiries or click here to view our sponsorship document.