VisitPITTSBURGH and Rivers of Steel are inviting student tour operators to experience a one-day, high-impact FAM designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s top educational and student-friendly attractions on Thursday, August 20.
DGP members will have several opportunities to meet with attendees through sponsorships and the DGP Member Marketplace in conjunction with the dinner in the Cultural District.
Please review the following information and complete the form below to participate.
FAM overview Who: up to 30 tour operators will be touring Pittsburgh with ROS and VP. An additional 100 guest, approximately 80 of them tour operators, will be touring the region the same day with Bud Geissler and Group Collect. All will be in town attending SYTA Annual Conference here in Pittsburgh What: a FAM tour is a familiarization tour for guests to visit multiple stops in a region giving them a taste of what their clients would experience. When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 – 7:10 AM – 9:00 PM for guests Where: There are multiple opportunities for members to participate and get face time with operators. Please see the form below for more. Itinerary stops: Tour and Pour at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms National Aviary Acriscure Stadium Blitz Tour Kamin Science Center Cultural District Why participate: So many reason – here are just a few. -Student tour operators are actively planning itineraries and need reliable, engaging, and safe experiences. From motorcoach access and group menus to hands on learning opportunities, a dedicated FAM gives them a firsthand look and lets us demonstrate exactly how student group ready we are allowing the Operators to more easily sell our region. -Student travel is a large segment and highly repeatable. Operators return year after year with new classes and groups. Establishing personal relationships during a FAM often leads to long term partnerships and consistent bookings. -Operators can share insight into what students and educators need from us. Hearing what they want and need for their groups will help us you adapt our offerings and remain competitive in the youth market.
FAM Tour Marketplace Details:
DGP membership covers much of Western PA. Since there isn't enough time to visit everyone, the Marketplace is your main opportunity to meet and greet the Operators and exhibit your property/destination with your table display. Please review the following details and sign up on the form below.
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The dinner and DGP Marketplace will take place Thursday, August 20 at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh's Cultural District.
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Set up 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Dinner/Event at 7:00 - 9:00pm. We encourage members to mingle near their tables for the evening.
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We are planning for approximately 120 tour operators to attend.
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Cost is $50 (plus processing fees) per person/per site. Cost includes dinner, beverages and optional table for Marketplace.
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Dinner is still being planned but will include Vegetarian and Gluten Free options.
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The Marketplace will feature our traditional "Pittsburgh Cookie Table". Each table/site is asked to bring one treat for the Operators to pick up for their cookie box as they visit. (please note, no refrigeration will be available). You do not need to bring a treat if you do not have a table.
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We encourage hotel members to partner with an attraction or DMO in their region for a table.
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Logistics are still being planned - more to come in the coming months.
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Your submission below confirms your commitment to the marketplace. Invoices will be sent approx. 8 weeks prior to the FAM for payment prior to the Marketplace. Invoices will be sent from Kris, DGP's administrator, to the primary email on the submission. Payment accepted via Credit Card will include and additional processing fees of approx. $2.
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2026 DGP Membership must be fully paid to participate in the dinner and Marketplace