Registration for Scenic Symposium 2024, this year’s edition of Scenic America’s bi-annual gathering on scenic conservation issues and initiatives is now open. This year’s event will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from November 18-20. Hosted in partnership with Scenic Pittsburgh, the symposium will bring together experts, advocates, and community leaders to discuss and promote scenic conservation and beautification initiatives across the country.

Scenic Symposium 2024 will take place at the Drury Plaza Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Attendees can expect a comprehensive agenda packed with insightful panel discussions, keynote speeches, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The event will also include a scenic tour of Pittsburgh, showcasing the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and urban landscapes, and a scenic dinner cruise.

The symposium will also feature a Scenic Community Expo, where attendees can learn about various organizations and initiatives dedicated to scenic conservation. This expo will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, strategies, and success stories from communities that have made significant strides in preserving their scenic character.

Scenic Beauty Through Action and Advocacy

The theme for Scenic Symposium 2024 is “Scenic Beauty Through Action and Advocacy,” reflecting the event’s focus on proactive measures to preserve and enhance the visual character of America’s landscapes. The symposium will highlight the importance of both grassroots and policy-driven efforts in achieving scenic conservation goals. Through a variety of discussions, panels, and programs, attendees will explore how to effectively advocate for and implement changes that support scenic beauty in urban, suburban, and rural settings.

Speakers and Highlights

“Scenic Symposium is a unique opportunity to bring together people who are passionate about preserving the beauty of our surroundings,” said Scenic America Communications Director Max Duchaine. “This year’s setting in Pittsburgh is particularly exciting, as the city has made remarkable efforts in recent years to enhance its scenic and environmental quality.”

Scenic America President Mark Falzone emphasized the importance of the symposium in driving policy and advocacy efforts. “Scenic beauty is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that enhance quality of life, promote tourism, and foster community pride. Scenic Symposium provides a platform for discussing these critical issues and developing strategies to protect our nation’s scenic resources.”

Dave Demko, executive director of Scenic Pittsburgh, highlighted the significance of hosting the symposium in Pittsburgh. “Pittsburgh is a city that has undergone a transformation in how it values and integrates scenic beauty into urban planning. We’re excited to showcase our city’s progress and to learn from other communities that share our commitment to preserving scenic beauty.”

Registration and More Information

Scenic Symposium 2024 is open to anyone interested in scenic conservation, including policymakers, urban planners, community advocates, and members of the public. Confirmed attendees will include Scenic America board members, chapter representatives, as well as members of affiliate organizations. Registration is now open, and Scenic America encourages early registration to take advantage of discounted rates. Early bird registration is available until October 16 at a special rate of $199. As of October 16, the regular registration fee will be $229.

Attendees are advised to register early to secure their spot and benefit from the reduced rate. For registration and more details about the symposium, visit the Scenic Symposium 2024 event page.

Programming Highlights

The Scenic Symposium 2024 will feature a variety of engaging sessions designed to inspire and educate attendees. Highlights of the schedule include:

• Day 1: Exploring Scenic Pittsburgh – Kicking off with a tour highlighting Pittsburgh’s scenic vistas, parks, and architectural landmarks, offering a firsthand experience of the city’s commitment to scenic beauty, followed by a dinner cruise on Pittsburgh’s iconic rivers.
• Day 2: Panel Discussions and Keynote Speakers – A series of panels will address topics such as scenic byways, billboard regulation, and urban planning for scenic preservation. Notable speakers from various fields will share insights and strategies for advancing scenic conservation efforts.
• Day 3: Scenic Community Expo – The expo will showcase organizations and initiatives dedicated to scenic conservation. Attendees can explore different projects, network with industry professionals, and discover new ideas for preserving scenic beauty in their own communities.

These sessions aim to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to help attendees advocate for and implement scenic conservation practices in their regions.

For a complete schedule and to learn more about each session, please visit the Scenic Symposium 2024 event page.

Scenic America looks forward to welcoming attendees to Pittsburgh for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful event dedicated to the future of America’s scenic landscapes.