Why visit?
Why Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is not only a thriving innovation hub but also home to one of the most significant airport transformation projects in the world, making it the perfect host for the FTE World Innovation Summit.
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A Thriving Innovation Hub
Pittsburgh has long been a city of firsts, pioneering advances in AI, robotics, and autonomy that are reshaping industries worldwide. It is a place where leading tech companies, emerging startups, and academic leaders converge to solve the toughest problems and tackle the biggest global challenges.
- Birthplace of AI: From Carnegie Mellon University’s pioneering AI research in the 1950s to the present day, Pittsburgh remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence and robotics innovation.
- Top companies in tech: Pittsburgh hosts global giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Google, alongside robotics trailblazers including Aurora, Caterpillar, Carnegie Robotics, Gecko Robotics, and many more.
- Home to groundbreaking talent: With over 20 academic and private research centers, Pittsburgh connects the best minds in innovation with the biggest opportunities in the world.
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): A hub of transformation
Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing its most ambitious transformation yet with the Terminal Modernization Program (TMP). Set to redefine the passenger experience, the project is a shining example of how airports can innovate and modernize to meet future demands.
- What to expect: Dedicated conference sessions and tailored tours will provide first-hand insight into the TMP, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices that are reimagining the future of air travel.
- A future-ready airport: PIT’s vision aligns with the summit’s themes of Advanced Technology, Energy & Sustainability, and Future Airports, reinforcing the airport as a model for innovation.
“Pittsburgh is the birthplace of Al and both an incubator and living laboratory for world-shaping creativity and digital transformations. The new PIT is the front door that connects Pittsburgh to the world, and the world to Pittsburgh. It is truly passenger-first, with a seamless, smarter and more welcoming curb-to-gate experience, leveraging the latest tech to deliver the airport of the future.”
Christina Cassotis, Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh International Airport
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Register NowExplore the hidden gem that is Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a vibrant, mid-sized city that combines the charm of a small town with big-city amenities that travelers love. Known for its unique terrain, natural beauty, and approachable spirit, Pittsburgh offers a surprising and unexpected experience at every turn. The city stands at the forefront of innovation, contributing to major advances in technology, medicine, robotics, and education, yet remains unpretentious, rooted in its rich history and blue-collar resilience.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Pittsburgh’s thriving arts and culture scene, with world-class institutions like The Andy Warhol Museum, celebrating the life and work of the iconic Pop Art pioneer, and the Carnegie Museum of Art, America’s first contemporary art museum. History lovers can explore the Heinz History Center, Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and a Smithsonian affiliate.
For sports enthusiasts, Pittsburgh – aptly named the City of Champions – is home to legendary teams like the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, with iconic venues such as Acrisure Stadium, PPG Paints Arena, and PNC Park standing as architectural landmarks. Combined with a dynamic food and beverage scene and endless entertainment options, Pittsburgh truly offers the best of both worlds – a city brimming with innovation and cultural richness while maintaining an approachable, authentic charm.
For further inspiration and information, on what else you might do outside of show hours:
Visit Pittsburgh
“I believe innovation is a mindset, and the primary goal of this Summit is to co-create new approaches and highlight how first-movers and pioneers are already leading the charge when it comes to new technology adoption, and energy and sustainability innovation. It will also provide the perfect showcase for our transformational new terminal program, with multiple conference sessions and dedicated tours of the new terminal - opening in 2025 - sure to be among the many event highlights.”
Christina Cassotis, Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh International Airport
Read the full letterWhy attend FTE World Innovation Summit 2025?
“This event is the highlight of my year and the conversations, ideas, and collaborations that come out will have a lasting impact on this industry. I think the format (day 1 demos, day 2 lectures and tours, day 3 workshop) allows professionals to get inspired and really drive meaningful conversations.”
“Absolutely wonderful. It was very well coordinated, the speakers were phenomenal, the events were engaging, and the attendees were friendly and hospitable. Wonderful job!”
“The Summit served as a thought-provoking platform for Alaska Airlines. It was two days filled with engaging interactions with core engineers and product demonstrations by innovators in Pittsburgh. The experience of exploring potential applications of these technologies across various facets of our industry was intellectually stimulating, competitively thrilling, and enlightening.”
“The Summit brings together forward-thinking individuals from across the industry in one of the most innovative cities in America. It’s an incredible opportunity to think outside the box and envision the possibilities that lie before us in the future of aviation.”
“The Summit is the only event I’ve participated in – in any industry – that proactively works to develop new partnerships, technologies, and companies to address aviation’s most critical needs. By dedicating significant time to workshops focused on building multi-disciplinary groups of aviation professionals alongside technologists, roboticists, researchers and entrepreneurs, the Summit has created a unique environment than can actually lead to real advances for the industry.”