As Neo Science Hub (NSH) explores monumental strides in laboratory science, the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon) stands out as a beacon of innovation and community. Celebrating 75 years of influential gatherings, Pittcon has not only shaped the landscape of analytical instrumentation and spectroscopy but has also fostered a global community dedicated to scientific advancement. In this feature, we delve into the origins, evolution, and current initiatives of Pittcon, illuminating its significant contributions and ongoing commitment to enhancing laboratory science worldwide. Join us as we uncover the stories behind Pittcon’s enduring legacy and its profound influence on the Indian laboratory community through exclusive insights from its organizing committee during their chat with Dr. Subramanian S.Iyer of NSH.
1. Pittcon is currently 75 years old. What keeps it alive and where did it all begin?
The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy held its first convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1950. It was the brainchild of the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society on Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, who decided to combine their symposia as a small technical meeting with an instrumentation exhibition. The conference was conducted on the 17th floor of the William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.
Pittcon was held in Pittsburgh every year until 1968, when a worker’s strike prompted a move to nearby Cleveland, Ohio. In 1980, Pittcon became a National Conference,moving its tradeshow from city to city throughout the United States. Boston, Massachusetts will host the next Pittcon, from March 1-5, 2025.
Pittcon is actually a nonprofit and is kept alive through the dedication of 10, full-time office staff and a host of volunteers. Their ongoing commitmentcontinues to lead the advancement and enrichment of scientific endeavor.
Pittcon connects scientists worldwide, facilitates the exchange of research and ideas, showcases the latest in laboratory innovation, and directly funds science education and outreach through grants and endowments.
Over 90% of Pittcon’s net profit funds primary and secondary education, college research programs, continuing education, scholarships, laboratory improvements, and outreach activities. This philanthropic mission is what separates Pittcon from other conferences.
2. What has been the significant contribution of Pittcon to analytical instrumentation and spectroscopy?
Pittcon’s contribution to analytical instrumentation and spectroscopy lies within its Exhibition and Technical Program. As new instrumentation develops, Pittcon is where the latest in product development is showcased. Attendees receive “hands-on” demonstrations of the latest research equipment from companies around the world.
The same holds true for the Pittcon Technical Program. Short Courses and Program provide the platform for learning as well as classes for continuing education on research and developments in laboratory science. In addition, Pittcon Award symposia honor those scientists who have made outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy.
3. We’ve noticed recently that attendance at these trade fairs has decreased. In the age of digital marketing, what initiatives is Pittcon taking to get visitors to visit stalls?
After 75 years of significant contributions to science and science education, our volunteers and staff know that digital marketing helps attract visitors to Pittcon and our exhibitor booths. Since 1950, millions of attendees and thousands of exhibitors have graced Pittcon classrooms and stages across the country.
Next year, Pittcon will be in the Boston Convention & Exposition Center from March 1-5, 2025 – the first time in Pittcon’s illustrious historywe’ll be traveling to Boston.
Michael Soloway, Marketing and Communications for Pittcon, recently saidthat leading the industry requires evolution, and improving the exhibitor experience is always a Pittcon priority.
“Our social media channels are growing, as we appeal to a newer generation of scientists entering the field,” said Michael. “Pittcon deploys an extensive Google ads campaign. We also use geo-targeting and geo-fencing to create local awareness and buzz, especially in places like Boston.”
Boston happens to be the No. 1 international conference site in the U.S. It has a burgeoning pharmaceutical industry and has become the largest biotech hub in the world. In addition, Boston is home to nearly 50 major college and universities, where students can major in chemistry and other sciences.
“But our marketing mix is just that – a mix and a delicate balance,” said Michael. “Giving exhibitors and visitors alike a scientific playground to explore is not all about modern media and adding new channels… it’s also about our mission and specific messaging.”
Pittcon drives advancement in the tradeshow industry by including both technical programs and its exhibition under one roof, eliciting all five senses for a truly immersive experience.The best way to drive engagement is to show curious booth visitors exactly what a company does best.By showing their products in person, companies stay top-of-mind when it comes to buying decisions.
Michael said that Pittcon encourages its exhibitors to showcase the harmony between humans and machines.
“We believe that incorporating sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch gives attendees, and potential customers, a much more memorable experience,” said Michael. “YouTube is a great resource, but there’s nothing like being on the Expo Floor, seeing new products in action.”
Michael continued: “We’re also bringing back the Pittcon Passport this year, in which attendees get a special ‘passport’ stamped by exhibitors. This not only increases attendee excitement, but exhibitor foot traffic. And we’veintroduced the Pittcon Promise… a declaration of what general attendees and exhibitors will receive when they come to Pittcon each and every year.”
The #pittconpromisestates that Pittcon promises:
- To be your life-long learning partner.
- To make your experience with us a valuable one.
- To be “Always On” for you and your career.
- To fund the next generation of scientists while fulfilling your own dreams.
Our Expo and Sales staff have also relied on old-fashioned communication to attract high-profile exhibitors back to Pittcon. In fact, word-of-mouth is still cited as one of the main reasons people attend scientific conferences like Pittcon.
“We believe in personal relationships, picking up the phone, and not relying on social media to do our work for us,” said Colleen Ellison, Pittcon Client Relations &Acquisitions Manager. “Companies such as Horiba Instruments Inc. and Aalborg Instruments have come back to Pittcon because of our reputation, but also because of the new programs we continue to implement. We will even have Pittcon Pups on the Expo Floor in Boston, where attendees can literally adopt a dog on the spot!”
In conclusion, Michael said, “Digital marketing plays a significant role in attracting people to Pittcon. But it’s our offerings, experiences, and mission that keep them coming back. After all, as a nonprofit, we profit – and science education profits – when all of our exhibitors do.”
4. Given the rapid growth of Indian pharmaceuticals, are there any intentions to work with them to expand Pittcon globally?
“The collaboration has already begun,” said Pittcon 2025 President, Heather Juzwa. “India’s exponential growth in the pharmaceutical industry has been impressive, particularly in generics.”
In fact, Pittcon’s International Affairs Committee recently met with Chandrahas Shetty and Vipul Chatbar from the Indian Analytical Instruments Association (IAIA) to see how we might collaborate.
The IAIA and Pittcon focused discussions on training opportunities for regulated environments.Pittcon even shared its online short course lineup with IAIA, to help promote year-round educational opportunities to labs in India. Courses included chromatography troubleshooting and data management and integrity.
“Like our celebrated Short Courses at Pittcon, these online courses are designed to enhance lab practices,” said Heather.“We’re proudof our various offerings and excited to help meet the needs of the growing pharmaceutical landscape in India.”
Pittcon’s Pharmaceutical and Biologics Technical Program track is among its most popular, alongside an increase in biologics quality control.
“Our technical program, combined with our vast exhibition hall in the biotech hub of the world makes Boston an idea location for attendees from India. We look forward to growing our connections and collaborations in India, and welcome everyone to join us in Boston next year.”
5. How will the widespread use of AI and ML affect analytical instruments, and what steps is Pittcon taking to stay current?
Pittcon acknowledges the profound impact Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are poised to have on the analytical instrumentation industry. Our Program Committee has actively sought out symposia that delve into this transformative topic as part of our Instrumentation and Nanoscience Technical Track.
“We are pleased to see a number of interesting submissions in the fields of disease diagnosis using vibrational spectroscopy, drug discovery, and even environmental remediation with biofunctionalized surfaces,” said Heather. “A conference like Pittcon is designed to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration… our expansive exposition, where analytical suppliers get to collaborate with the best analytical minds, enables us all to work collectively to embrace and shape the future.”
6.What message do you have for Neo Science Hub?
We’re thrilled to partner with Neo Science Hub. India is a rising star in the fields of AI and pharmaceuticals, and Pittcon is excited to work closer with Neo Science Hub as we improve our own conference and expo, and advance our online offerings. Pittcon has been leading the way for over 75 years and we see Neo Science Hub doing the same. We’d also say, “Come to Pittcon!” You won’t be disappointed. And that’s a #pittconpromise.
