FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2026
October 14, 2026 event will examine how Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh region can capitalize on this generation-defining economic moment.
PITTSBURGH, PA — As America enters a dynamic era of industrial growth driven by surging power needs, rapid AI expansion, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain reshoring, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development will host the Energy & Industrial Future Summit on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh. This curated, cross-sector gathering will bring together leaders from energy, manufacturing, technology, labor, higher education, and government to examine the macro trends reshaping national investment decisions and explore why Southwestern Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to anchor this industrial transformation.
“Southwestern Pennsylvania has the skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing expertise and strong industrial base needed to support the growing demands of the nation’s defense and energy markets,”
said Josh Brittingham, Vice President and Sr. General Manager of Curtiss-Wright’s Cheswick, PA facility.
“The recent $80 million investment in our Cheswick operations reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to expanding critical manufacturing capacity here in Pennsylvania. With the support of the Commonwealth, this expansion will enable us to create a minimum of 150 new jobs while strengthening our ability to serve our customers and support these critical industries for decades to come.”
Attendees will gain direct insights from top public officials, utility executives, and executives leading global manufacturing brands on what it takes for Pennsylvania to capture new market opportunities. Key topics and program highlights include:
- Opening Keynote on America’s Next Industrial Economy: Rick Christensen, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors at the U.S. Department of Energy, will frame the national forces shaping investment decisions and outline how nuclear innovation serves as a foundation for industrial expansion and baseload power.
- Nuclear as the Foundation for Growth: Panelists from System One, Pittsburgh Technical, Westinghouse, Vistra, and Constellation will explore how advanced nuclear technology offers a competitive edge in attracting data centers, advanced manufacturing, and heavy industry.
- Building the Industrial Supply Chain: Leaders from Idaho National Laboratory (GAIN), North American Forgemasters, Curtiss-Wright, Ebara Elliott Energy, Eaton, and Westinghouse will discuss the advanced manufacturing, automation, and supply chain investments required to support the nation’s soaring energy infrastructure demands.
- Leadership Luncheon & Fireside Conversation: A high-level discussion on “America’s Competitive Moment,” examining the policies, public-private partnerships, and strategic investments needed to solidify the Commonwealth’s leadership position.
- Blueprint to Benchmark (Workforce & Ecosystems): Moderated by Carnegie Foundry, experts from FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, Wabtec, Kennametal, and Hitachi will address the collaborative strategies between industry, labor, and research institutions required to build a resilient workforce, innovation pipeline, and commercialization ecosystem.
- Closing & Executive Networking: A forward-looking look at the long-term decisions and investments needed over the next decade, followed by dedicated coffee and networking sessions to build regional partnerships.
Registration is officially open, but capacity at the event is limited. Business leaders, policy advocates, manufacturers, supply chain vendors, and regional stakeholders are urged to register now to reserve their seats.
- Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Location: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh, 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA
- 15222
- How to Register: Visit https://alleghenyconference.org/energy-industrial-futuresummit/ to secure your seat today.
The Energy & Industrial Future Summit also serves as the Fall Regional Investors Council (RIC) gathering, providing access to leadership opportunities, a high-impact networking event, timely insights and research, enhanced visibility, and meaningful avenues for community engagement. The convening will explore how Southwestern Pennsylvania and the broader Commonwealth can leverage energy assets, technical talent, and industrial supply chains to lead the next generation of American economic growth.
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Media Accreditation & Press Pass Requests
Credentialed members of the media are invited to cover the summit. Press passes include access to the full event. To request press credentials, contact:
About the Allegheny Conference: The Allegheny Conference on Community Development and its affiliate organizations – the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and the Pennsylvania Economy League – work together to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life in the 10-county southwestern Pennsylvania region. For more information, visit alleghenyconference.org.
