NEC

Speakers and Sessions

Call for Speakers

Take the stage at #NEC2027 in Pittsburgh, PA! SGMP is looking for innovative dynamic speakers to share fresh insights, proven strategies, and best practices with hundreds of government meeting planners and suppliers. Presenting at the National Education Conference positions you as an industry thought leader, expands your national network, and helps shape the future of public sector meetings.

Conference Dates: May 4–6, 2027 | Pittsburgh, PA
Proposal Deadline: November 20, 2026
Submit your proposal today: surveymonkey.com/r/89KRXM2 

Offsite Learning Labs

Beyond Four Walls: Producing Events in Public Spaces

Arts Landing
A venue-led tour using Arts Landing as a live case study in programming and operating a public outdoor space, including how planning changes when a civic space must continue to serve the public.

  • Logistics (Primary); Facilities & Services

Mission Meets Meetings: Creating Events with Cultural & Community Impact

August Wilson African American Cultural Center
A venue-led tour focused on how a mission-driven cultural institution balances exhibitions, performances, community engagement and event operations while creating meaningful experiences.

  • Education & Programming (Primary); Ethics

Building Better Events: Sustainability in Action

David L. Lawrence Convention Center – Sustainability Tour
A behind-the-scenes look at how the David L. Lawrence Convention Center's sustainable design and operating practices translate into meetings and events. Venue staff can discuss how planners and facilities work together to reduce environmental impact while supporting operational and attendee needs.

  • Facilities & Services (Primary); Logistics

Building Better Events: Sustainability in Action

Fairmont Pittsburgh
Discover how sustainability can be incorporated into hotel operations and event planning during a behind-the-scenes tour of the Fairmont Pittsburgh. Learn how the property's LEED certification informs its approach to environmental responsibility, resource management, and sustainable practices. Attendees will explore how hotels can integrate sustainability into their facilities and services while gaining practical ideas for making their own meetings and events more environmentally conscious.

  • Facilities & Services (Primary); Logistics

Safe by Design: Security & Emergency Preparedness for Major Events

Fairmont Pittsburgh
Go behind the scenes of event security and emergency preparedness at the Fairmont Pittsburgh. Drawing on the hotel's experience hosting VIPs, high-profile guests, and major events, this interactive walking tour will explore how hotel teams approach security planning, risk management, and emergency preparedness. Attendees will gain insight into the coordination, communication, and operational considerations involved in creating safe and successful experiences for meeting attendees and distinguished guests.

  • Logistics (Primary); Facilities & Services

Onsite Learning Labs

Creating a Downtown Destination: Community Events as Placemaking

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
A speaker-led session exploring how events such as Picklesburgh, Oktoberfest and Light Up Night activate Downtown, create a sense of place and bring residents and visitors together.

  • Education & Programming (Primary); Logistics

 

Disclaimer: While we do not anticipate any changes to the outlined program, the agenda may be subject to some minor changes due to circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make such adjustments as needed in response to unforeseen events.