The annual Pittcon (Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy) laboratory science conference and exhibition will be held in San Diego, California, February 24-28. This marks the show’s first time on the West Coast. Run by the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP), the conference has been held for nearly 75 years. The organizers shared with IBO what is in store for this year’s conference and exhibition.

What are some of the new features this year that you are most excited about?

Restructured Technical Program Schedule: We have restructured the technical program schedule to provide more access to our prominent award winners. Our enhanced program schedule also gives attendees increased flexibility to transition from short courses, symposia, oral sessions, networking roundtables and workshops.

New Technical Program Tracks: We have new tracks to organize our expansive program, maintaining emphases in areas such as Bioanalytical & Life Sciences and Instrumentation & Nanoscience and expanding to include Professional and Career Development.

Engaging Exposition and Activities: Attendees will want to visit the exposition and browse the approximately 470 booths including over one hundred new companies that have joined Pittcon 2024. While there, make sure to visit the highly popular Lab Gauntlet to test your laboratory skills and earn a Gauntlet t-shirt, participate in Science Olympiad activities, increase your scientific knowledge at the Demo Zone, encounter awesome animals at Zovargo, and take a photo on the moon at Earth to Moon. The exposition will open Monday, February 26 at 9 am and close on Wednesday, February 28 at 3 pm.

Pittcon Central Boston 2025: Pittcon will travel from Coast to Coast as we head to Boston, Massachusetts, for the first time in 2025! Stop by Pittcon Central to construct your traditional luggage tag, make a memory at the Pittcon photo booth, update your headshot and snack on some clam chowder.

Periodic Lunch Breaks: Located in the Pittcon Pavilion in Hall H, these sessions will offer a tasty lesson in molecular gastronomy (Monday), a look behind the scenes of YouTube’s most popular science channel SciShow (Tuesday) and a lesson in the biochemistry of brewing by a master brewer (Wednesday). Each session will run from 12:15 pm to 1 pm and will include snacks (while supplies last) and samples (Monday and Wednesday).

Employment Service: After a three-year absence, Pittcon has restored and revised the Employment Service. Companies can post open positions and arrange interviews using convenient on-site interview booths. Those seeking employment can post their resumes and indicate interest in open positions. The employment service will be available for one month following conference week. If you need to update your resume, don’t forget to visit the headshot lounge in Pittcon Central!

Pittcon Party and Evening Activities: On Monday evening, attendees may choose to participate in a variety of social activities in San Diego from dinners to escape rooms to a brewery visit. Tuesday evening, we will celebrate our 75th anniversary at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. We invite you to join us for fun, food and entertainment!

Swab to Save a Life: Pittcon is partnering with NMDP (formerly Be the Match and the National Marrow Donor Program) to promote their efforts to advance research, treatment and support to cure blood cancer and blood disorders. NMDP aligns with Pittcon’s mission to advance and enrich scientific endeavors and to facilitate the exchange of research and ideas as the global nonprofit leader in cell therapy. Attendees between the ages of 18 to 40 can help to save lives by joining the blood stem cell donor registry with a simple cheek swab at Pittcon Park #1. Those who supply either a financial or DNA donation will receive a coupon for Pittcon merchandise at Pittcon Central. All those visiting the booth can spin the wheel to win various prizes.

What can Pittcon offer that more specialized conferences cannot?

Pittcon is organized around six tracks that help attendees identify short courses and technical program sessions of interest. Using these tracks, attendees can have the experience of attending a specialized conference while still having access to the benefits of a larger event. As a conference dedicated to the breadth of laboratory science, Pittcon brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering the cross-pollination of ideas and collaboration between the subdisciplines of laboratory science. Not only do these multidisciplinary perspectives provide a valuable experience for solving complex problems, but they also allow for the development of a strong network of experts and collaborators around the world. Pittcon’s large exhibition also provides attendees with opportunities to compare different options and stay up to date on industry trends.

Why did Pittcon choose a West Coast location for the first time?

Our attendees and exhibitors indicated that a West Coast location like San Diego was desirable. San Diego was selected for several reasons:

World-renowned Research Institutions: San Diego is home to several world-renowned research institutions such as the University of California San Diego, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. This provides access to cutting-edge research and expertise in a variety of fields.

Strong Life Science Industry: San Diego is known for its strong biotech and life sciences industry, and there are over 1,200 life science companies located within a 100-mile radius of San Diego. These companies range from small startups to large corporations and cover a wide range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology and diagnostics.

Easy Access: San Diego is easily accessible by air, with a major international airport located within the city. It is also located close to major highways, making it easy to travel to and from the city.

Pleasant Weather: San Diego has a mild climate with average temperatures ranging from 57°F (14°C) to 72°F (22°C), making it an ideal location for a conference year-round.

Beautiful Scenery: San Diego is situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and is home to several beautiful beaches, parks and outdoor recreational areas. This makes it an ideal location for attendees to enjoy leisure activities before or after the conference.

Vibrant Culture: San Diego has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several museums, galleries and performing arts venues. This provides attendees with opportunities to explore and experience the local culture during their stay in the city. The Gaslamp district, located adjacent to the convention center, is home to dozens of restaurants and entertainment venues.

Does this year’s Pittcon feature any new Tracks as part of the technical program?

Pittcon 2024 is arranged in six new technical program tracks:

How many exhibitors does Pittcon 2024 expect?

We expect approximately 470 exhibitors with over one hundred new exhibitors at Pittcon 2024.

IBO will be attending Pittcon 2024. Look for our coverage in the March 15 issue.

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