Pittcon 2020: What to Expect
From added networking opportunities to a more streamlined program, learn what Pittcon 2020 has in store
Pittcon is an annual event that provides a unique opportunity to get a hands-on look at the newest technological innovations, find out more about the latest research in a variety of fields, and network with colleagues. This year’s event will take place from March 1 to 5 in Chicago, IL. Pittcon offers a technical program, short courses, networking events, and an expo. We spoke with Dr. Neal Dando, president of Pittcon 2021, about what our readers can expect from this year’s conference.
The conference’s technical program offers a variety of symposia and workshops to help keep attendees informed of significant research developments. According to Dr. Dando, “Attendees can expect a technical program of approximately 170 sessions that cover a range of topics while also providing the depth they desire, particularly with regard to life sciences, pharma, environmental, cannabis, forensic science, food science, and art preservation.”
Dr. Dando adds: “Our portfolio of 84 short course offerings are geared to effectively address a range of training needs.” The subjects for these courses include a variety of topics, from leadership skills such as managing conflict and laboratory safety, to method-specific skills such as mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. For those interested in specific research areas, this year’s conference will be easier to navigate than ever. “We’ve worked to better harmonize the scheduling of our technical program and short courses so that folks interested in specific tracks of emphasis can more efficiently access a range of offerings tailored to their particular interests,” says Dr. Dando.
Pittcon will also be offering new opportunities for all attendees to build relationships with colleagues and establish networks for collaboration. Dr. Dando shares that “In addition to a welcome reception Monday evening, we’re holding an even larger reception at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry on Wednesday evening of Conference week.”
Lab Manager also spoke to readers about what they’re most excited for at this year’s Pittcon. Almost 70 percent of those surveyed are looking forward to learning about new technology. “It is interesting to see the new technologies and how they may benefit my company's research efforts,” said one reader. Another wrote that they “love seeing and touching the instrumentation and interacting with everyone at the expo.” Pittcon is known for its expo, which provides attendees with an opportunity to get a first-hand look at the latest technology, talk with technical experts, and attend live seminars and demonstrations. Dr. Dando hopes that this expo will help attendees “update their awareness of current product offerings while also enabling them to advance or finalize purchase decisions.”
What can attendees expect in terms of technology trends? Dr. Dando predicts that we will see increased connectivity, allowing faster data sharing, remote monitoring and repairs, and more efficient data archiving and retrieving. He also anticipates more intelligent equipment controlling and operating software to continue with the push toward automated sample preparation, analyses, and data diagnostics. Finally, he expects to see continued breakthroughs in analysis capability, especially in the fields of life sciences and pharmaceuticals.
Between the 170 technical program sessions, 84 short courses, multiple networking events, and the expo, attendees are sure to get the most out of their registration fees. As a bonus, Dr. Dando adds that “more than 90 percent of the profits from Pittcon are turned over in grants, science education, and hands-on science activities. By attending Pittcon, attendees are directly contributing to our outreach efforts.”