Originally Printed in Professional Speakers Magazine
May 2006 Issue (pgs. 19 & 43)

Worth the Trip #1 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Have you noticed that you need to get to your speaking destination earlier than you did a few years ago? One speaking engagement often means being on the road for two or three days. So, I often find myself getting to the hotel the day before and saying, “Now what?”

Just ask some NSA members about their hometown or favorite places to visit when they travel, and I guarantee you'll discover some things to do that make getting to your speaking engagement early or staying late “worth the trip.” One of my best NSA buddies, Joanne Sujansky, PhD, CSP, jumped at the chance to brag about her hometown, Pittsburgh , Pa.

Joanne, who has traveled for business for nearly 30 years to more than 30 countries, tells me, “There's no place like home.” She loves Pittsburgh 's diverse terrain, the ethnic neighborhoods, the championship Steelers football team and the seasonal changes.

“Joanne, as a native Pittsburgher, where or what should I take the time to see if I find myself in the ‘Burgh' on business with time to spare?”

“Most speakers will probably find themselves in the downtown area of Pittsburgh . The city itself is truly beautiful, as it sits on the convergence of three rivers. The downtown area is primarily accessible by tunnels and bridges and can make rush hour a little interesting! Because of the topography, there is a steep ‘hill' that overlooks the entire city. The area at the top of the hill is Mt. Washington , a destination for visitors as well as locals. It was just ranked the second most beautiful view in America by USA Weekend magazine!”

“So, Joanne, what do you think makes Mt. Washington so special?”

“Its close proximity to town, but also its unusual view is breathtaking at any time of the year. It is accessible by car, but it is far more fun to take the ‘Incline,' which is a small trolley car that travels up and down Mt. Washington . On the 4 th of July, there is no better spot in the city to see the fireworks that are launched from river barges. But you better get there early, because space is always limited. If you find yourself with a little time to spare, you should treat yourself to lunch or dinner on Mt. Washington . Food is as diverse as the city itself. Some of my favorites are: The Tin Angel, the Georgetowne Inn, and The Monterey Bay Fish Grotto.”

“Any other favorite spots?”

“After you have enjoyed a scrumptious dinner on Mt. Washington , you might like to take a short car ride to the Southside Works. It is a wonderfully restored area where you will find the best in cool jazz, great cafes and intriguing shops. It is right across the river from the University of Pittsburgh , so you just might feel like you have gone back to your college days. Finish off your visit with a decadent piece of cheesecake at the new Cheesecake Factory. Believe me, it is worth the calories.

“Your tour of the ‘Best of the Burgh' can be done in an hour or an evening, and it is all within the city limits! You might even fall in love with this city, which was just ranked seventh most popular city in the country for retirees!

“Recently, USAweekend.com had this to say about my hometown: ‘At night, lights twinkle on no fewer than 15 bridges. Almost as breathtaking as the vista itself is the urban renewal that made it possible. A century ago, a pall of smoke lay so thick over town that streetlights burned all day. As Pittsburgh continues an evolutionary course that has taken it from trading post to transportation hub to industrial goliath, we salute its reinvention into one of America 's most scenic and livable communities.'”

“Joanne, as a Pittsburgher for 21 years, I can agree that these sights are ‘worth the trip.' Joanne, I know you travel extensively and always have. What is the one thing you never leave home without?”

“Sneakers! Call them what you will, but I have to have them in my suitcase. I'll take them in my briefcase if I need to make them fit! Sometimes I just need to be comfortable, other times I need a quick workout, and there are times I just need to take a walk to ‘clear my head.'”

So, if you find yourself in Pittsburgh on business, or flying through the fabulous new airport with shops galore, take advantage of what this neat city has to offer, and you will never refer to Pittsburgh as an “old steel town” again!

Anne M. Obarski is the executive director of Merchandise Concepts, a retail consulting service located in St. Louis, Mo. Anne is an author and executive image coach who challenges her audiences to see themselves through their customer's eyes. She can be reached at anne@merchandiseconcepts.com.