FALL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER IMPACT SESSION

Forging Ahead: Building Bridges to Retain, Grow, Thrive

Come join us for “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!”

Saturday, October 3, 2026 (8am-5pm), hosted by Laurel Highlands Council

Flag Plaza,1275 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Optional:   7pm Fri Welcome Reception at Flag Plaza

10am SunHeinz History Center

All are invited to attend, including commissioners and non-commissioners (council/district/unit Scouters and professionals) to collaborate and explore new ways to increase your Scouting impact!  Please plan to wear your BSA field uniform for the Commissioner Impact Session, and bring a notebook and pen, and completed BSA medical form (Parts A and B).  

Why attend?  Review our new Trail Map with National Commissioner Devang Desai. Learn what’s new in membership with Chair Ken Gordon (National Membership Engagement Committee). Connect with the National Commissioner Service Team and fellow commissioners to collaborate and explore new ways to increase your impact on Scouting. Together, we’ll help every unit Retain, Grow, and Thrive!

About Pittsburgh!  Pittsburgh is the city of bridges, Mr Rogers neighborhood, and the home of Heinz Ketchup. Come visit the Heinz History Center with us on Sunday, and see some of what makes our city special! You can see the set from the land of make believe, explore an exhibit about the role of Pittsburgh in WWII (including our own Rosie the Riveter!), and learn what really put Heinz on the map (hint: it’s not ketchup!).

Optional Group Activity (pay on own):   We will meet 10am at the Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St, located less than a mile from Flag Plaza. NOTE: Admission  Admission: $20 for adults/$18 for age 65+   ($2 off for Military). Youth 18 and under are free. Students 18+ are $11 with ID. For more information at www.heinzhistorycenter.org.

Conference fee: $50

Includes conference materials and meals (Saturday light morning refreshments and lunch).  Travel and housing are NOT included and will need to be handled by each conference attendee.

There are a number of hotels within several miles of the LHC Flag Plaza. We have NOT reserved any room blocks for the event. Here are a few nearby hotels:

Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh: 1320 Centre Ave (0.3 miles)

Pittsburgh Mariott City Center: 112 Washington Place (0.3 miles)

DoubleTree by Hilton, Pittsburgh Downtown: One Bigelow Square (0.5 miles)

Hampton Inn & Suites: 1410 Smallman St (.9 miles, near the Heinz History Center)

Homewood Suites by Hilton: 1410 Smallman St (.9 miles, near the Heinz History Center)

Hyatt Place Pittsburgh, North Shore: 260 North Shore Drive (1.7 miles)

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us!
Fall Commissioner Impact Session Lead Julia Lesko at scouterjulia@gmail.com | 703-965-7013

LHC Council Commissioner Vernon Smith at eknight423@verizon.net | 412-925-9353