Venture Outdoors

Yesterday, VisitPITTSBURGH hosted our 2024 Tourism Development Summit, in partnership with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.   More than 150 of our industry partners joined us to network and explore the future of tourism development across our region. The engagement, enthusiasm and feedback was invaluable as we prepare for a busy 2025, and the commitment to our shared long-term vision for Pittsburgh’s travel and tourism sector is paramount.     Thank you to our incredible line-up of presenters and panelists, including keynote speakers Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President & CEO Jeremy Waldrup and VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar.   Breakout panel discussions created engaging dialogue on tourism development projects already underway and exciting opportunities on the horizon, spanning arts and culture with Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Chief Development Officer Nick Gigante, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council CEO Patrick Fisher and The Andy Warhol Museum Interim Director Rachel Baron-Horn (moderated by Elaine Zedack); outdoor recreation with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Public Affairs Manager Ricky Durst, Venture Outdoors President & CEO Ash Andrews, Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy Executive Director Bryan Perry and Riverlife Pittsburgh President & CEO Matthew Galluzzo (moderated by Brady Inners); and business events and conventions with David L. Lawrence Convention Center General Manager Tim Muldoon, VisitPITTSBURGH Director, Eastern Region Sales in Convention Sales Shavonne Harding and SportsPITTSBURGH Vice President Jim Britt (moderated by Molly (Evans) Klaas).   We look forward to continued success for Allegheny County tourism in the year ahead. Check out our website for more information on our 10-Year Tourism Development Plan: https://pittsburghtdp.com/

“There are all sorts of folks who, for whatever reason, have been kept out of open and free access to the outdoors,” says Andrews. “Venture Outdoors is trying to change that. We know that people feel better about themselves and about their communities when they’re in nature and when they’re in nature with others who are like them.” - Ash Andrews

It's giving Tuesday! Help us celebrate 10 years of Venture Outdoors Learning Lab. Give today 👇 https://lnkd.in/eY9NNpK9

Give more ----> Get S'MORE! 🍫 Donate $50 or more through the end of 2024 and receive a thank you gift of 2 Venture Outdoors telescoping roasting sticks and classic s’mores ingredients. Donating to and supporting our mission has never been easier! Here are just a few ways you can make an impact: 1. Donate directly on our website - https://lnkd.in/g2AP7XqH 2. Partake in Give Big Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Magazine - https://lnkd.in/eX9QivhP 3. Become a member and receive amazing benefits, access to exclusive newsletters and events, and be a part of an outdoor community. From kayaking to snowboarding, from fishing to fire building, your impact will be felt in every memorable outdoor experience. 💚#GivingTuesday #OutdoorsforAll

Join our team as our new Youth Program Manager. Apply here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eBY-9PmT

Join Mara and fellow outdoor enthusiasts for Green Friday! 🌲 Mara said it best, "Ditch the Deals, Embrace the Trails!"

We just hosted our last group kayak experience of the season that rounded out a busy summer! These groups unplugged, built connections, and made lasting memories in the outdoors. Shoutout to our 2024 groups: PPG ICMA - International City/County Management Association FanDuel Duolingo McKinsey & Company Tucker Arensberg, P.C. National Association of State Retirement Administrators University of Pittsburgh Carnegie Mellon University Crisis Center North Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education Open Field United States Bartenders' Guild Christian Camping International Young Nonprofit Professionals Network - Pittsburgh Temple Ohav Shalom Thank you all for committing to get your employees, constituents, and communities connected to the benefits of getting outside. We're already booking for 2025 - reach out if you're interested! https://lnkd.in/eZEXNfEa

Huge thanks to QBurgh Magazine for highlighting our new President & CEO Ash Andrews!

Welcome, our NEW President & CEO, Ash Andrews! Meet Ash --> https://lnkd.in/eQhRi-kB

Big welcome to our two NEW youth programs staff, and sweet farewell to our longtime Vice President of Youth Programs, Lo Zemanek. Lo (second from the right) has been with us for 10 years and grew our Youth Programs to what they are today. We can't thank Lo enough for her passion and drive to get youth outdoors. We hope you enjoy time outdoors with your little ones, Lo. 💕 Welcome Lorren Kezmoh (first on left) to the team as our Fishing Programs Manager. She'll be in charge of our weekly lunchtime fishing downtown, as well as our fishing efforts across Canonsburg, McKeesport and beyond! Welcome Jody Rutten (center) to the team as our Director of Youth Programs! She comes to us with extensive knowledge in youth programs from her work at the Carnegie Museums. We're excited to see where you lead our youth programs next.