AUGUST, 2026
Our On Location
Program arrives in Pittsburgh
Our life-changing program brings multicultural perspectives and professional skills to young people across the world. Will you help us bring change to Pittsburgh?
BUILD the SKILLS you need to BE READY
ON Location August 22 & 23, 2026
David L. Lawerence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA🇺🇸
Your Big Year® is coming to Pittsburgh with our career-readiness program! In partnership with Visit Pittsburgh, Peace Through Tourism and Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA), we are offering youth, ages 15-20, with some flexibility slightly younger or older, a fully-funded, interactive workshop alongside SYTA’s Annual Conference!
Love travel? Curious about tourism? Great. Not sure either one is your thing? Still great.
This workshop is for any young person who wants to build confidence, explore future possibilities, and develop career-readiness skills that can support them no matter what path they’re considering. Along the way, participants will connect with friendly, passionate leaders from the travel and tourism industry and discover how skills like communication, creativity, leadership, and problem-solving can open doors in any field.
Did we mention that FREE lunch and a FREE event t-shirt are also included?
This program is run by high energy facilitators who maintain engaging participation. What makes this program more unique is that it is highly adaptable to specific needs of an institution, geographical location, and logistical requirements.
Our programming is based on 20+ years of experience working with young people, globally, and with leading technology companies to design products for the future of work and education.
Apply by May 31 for priority consideration.
We accept applications on a rolling basis until August 1.
Spaces are limited to just 150 participants.
Thank you to our Partners:
SEE WHAT THE EVENT LOOKS LIKE
Event Schedule
| Day 1 10:00 am - 3:30 pm |
Included:
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| Day 2 10:30 am - 1:00 pm |
Included:
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FAQ
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Your Big Year® On Location Pittsburgh is a fully funded, interactive career-readiness workshop for youth. The program helps young people build confidence, explore future possibilities, develop professional skills, and connect with supportive leaders.
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No. The program is proudly supported by leaders in travel and tourism, and participants will get the chance to connect with friendly professionals from that industry. But the skills you will build, communication, confidence, networking, personal branding, goal setting, and presenting yourself, can be used in any field.
Think of travel and tourism as the exciting setting, not the only destination. -
At the David L. Lawerence Convention Center.
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On Day 1, the program runs from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm and includes skill-building activities, lunch, swag, rewards, and a professional panel. On Day 2, the program runs from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm and includes speed networking with professionals, live conference floor access, and snacks.
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While we recommend attending both days, you are able to attend just day 1.
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That is exactly why this program exists. You do not need to have your future figured out. The workshop is designed to help you explore options, discover strengths, meet supportive professionals, and take practical next steps toward whatever future direction feels right for you.
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Yes! The webpage notes that exceptions may be available for applicants who are slightly outside the listed age range, so interested youth are encouraged to apply anyway.
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No previous experience is required. This program is for youth who are curious, open to learning, and interested in building skills for their future.
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Interested participants can sign up through the application link on the Your Big Year® On Location Pittsburgh page.
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It’s simple, opportunities are everywhere, and this program helps you feel ready for them!
Whether you are thinking about college, work, entrepreneurship, travel, community leadership, creative industries, or something completely different, this experience is designed to help you build confidence, meet inspiring people, and walk away with skills you can use anywhere.
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No! You can be from anywhere - Pittsburgh, surrounding counties or passing through!
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SYTA (Student Youth Travel Association) is a premier professional trade association that promotes student and youth travel worldwide.
They are dedicated to providing life-enhancing travel experiences to students and young people.
Your Big Year® has extensive reach:
Through partnerships, we’ve engaged young people globally. Partner with us, so we can make this year YOUR BIG YEAR.