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Tech Council Membership Service Impact Report

By Pittsburgh Technology Council

As we finished our first quarter and begin 2026, the Pittsburgh Technology Council is moving at full stride. The first quarter has been fast, focused, and deeply aligned with the priorities of our members and the region we serve. Across every pillar of our work, we are seeing momentum build and impact take shape as we advance our strategic plan and stay closely connected to the needs of our technology community.

This busy start is intentional. As the pace of change accelerates, the Council remains committed to staying close to our members, listening carefully, anticipating emerging needs, and delivering products, services, and connections that help them succeed. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected technology ecosystem for Pittsburgh and beyond.

~ Audrey Russo, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council

Government Relations: Building Bridges to Power and Policy

The Council accelerated its advocacy and defense-sector engagement through new coalitions and high-level connections, positioning the region as a serious national player in AI, infrastructure, and robotics.

Key Highlights

  • Launched two major coalitions: Data Center & AI Infrastructure and Defense Robotics & AI.

  • Organized a 12+ company pavilion at Discovery Day with direct DoD and international defense meetings.

  • Hosted Senator Jay Costa at TRETC to spotlight STEM, equity, and education funding.

  • Expanded member access to public-sector procurement and federal opportunities.

Big Picture Impact
Government Relations is operating like a diplomatic engine room, translating policy access into real funding, partnerships, and national visibility.

Talent: Engineering the Workforce Pipeline

The Talent pillar focused on connecting classrooms, jobseekers, and employers into one continuous talent ecosystem, from K–12 to mid-career professionals.

Key Highlights

  • Distributed 20 3D printers through Educator Industry Insights to support maker education.

  • Hosted HireUP: Smart Manufacturing (49 jobseekers, 10 employers).

  • Ran the Fall Internship Fair with 150+ student registrants.

  • Convened K–12 CyberHub working groups on cybersecurity awareness.

  • Delivered TechFest with 379 attendees, 49 speakers, and 45 sessions.

  • Produced the largest-ever TRETC with 573 attendees from 52 districts.

  • Strengthened alumni and mentoring through L.A.U.N.C.H. outings.

Big Picture Impact
Talent initiatives now function like a talent conveyor belt, moving students and professionals steadily toward high-demand tech careers.

Business Development: Turning Connections into Commerce

Business Development focused on translating networking into revenue opportunities, especially in cybersecurity and AI infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • Hosted CIO Insights on cybersecurity strategy and risk management.

  • Produced the AI Data Center Supply Chain Forum for manufacturers.

  • Celebrated innovation through Tech 50, with nearly 500 attendees.

  • Highlighted advanced manufacturing through “Explore the Floor” at Ebara Elliott Energy.

  • Expanded forums that connect members with customers, partners, and funders.

Big Picture Impact
This pillar is acting as the region’s deal-making marketplace, where ideas meet buyers and partnerships turn into pipelines.

Visibility: Amplifying Pittsburgh’s Tech Voice

Visibility efforts expanded the Council’s multimedia footprint and reinforced Pittsburgh’s national tech narrative.

Key Highlights

  • Published Winter 2026 issue featuring Tech 50 and ATHENA.

  • Expanded TEQHub coverage of CES and future trends.

  • Produced live TechVibe broadcasts with KDKA/Audacy.

  • Recorded Fireside Chats and CES interviews with ~12 companies.

  • Website traffic grew to 46K users (+21%).

  • Logged ~3,700 podcast downloads.

  • Maintained strong email engagement (34% open rate).

  • Built LinkedIn reach to 92K+ impressions.

Big Picture Impact
Visibility is operating like a regional broadcast tower, projecting member stories across print, audio, video, and digital channels.

Our Coalitions Are Cooking!

Defense Robotics & AI Coalition

We connect Pittsburgh's world-class robotics, autonomy, and AI companies with the Department of Defense to strengthen national security and establish Pittsburgh as America's premier defense innovation hub.

  • Defense Pavilion at Discovery Day: The Tech Council organized a12+company pavilion atthe PRN’s 2025 Discovery Day. We held private one-on-one meetings with the Ukraine Ministry of Defense, the Army AI Integration Center, the Marine Innovation Unit, the U.S. Air Force, and representatives from the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Data Center & AI Infrastructure Community

Our mission is to make Pennsylvania a global hub for data center and AI innovation, powered by our energy, built by our manufacturers, and creating high quality local jobs.

  • Launched Whiskey & Watts meetup for data center and energy specific members.
  • Commenced study to quantify the economic impact of data centers in Pennsylvania. The release date for this study is March 27, 2026.
  • Hosted manufacturing members at an Explore the Floor at Ebara Elliott Energy.

Be Part of the Momentum!

If you are a member looking to get engaged across any of our strategic pillars and coalitions contact Membership Director Betsy Rusnic at brusnic@pghtech.org. We can't wait to help you succeed!

If you you would like to become a member and take advantage of our services contact Membership Sales Rep. Brooke Wozniak at bwozniak@pghtech.org.

If you would like to learn more about increading your reach into the Tech Council's membership and the region's tech ecosystem contact VP of Business Development Ashley Steckel at asteckel@pghtech.org to learn about sponsorship and advertising opportunities.