Pittcon's 77th Annual Conference Generates Excitement in San Antonio Debut

Pittcon 2026 took place from March 7–11, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. It was the first time that the organization first held the conference in Texas, and the conference organizers called it a standout success.¹

Throughout the week, thousands of attendees, which ranged from researchers, analytical chemists, spectroscopists, laboratory scientists, and instrument vendors, gathered under one roof at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to network, present recently conducted research, and discuss the latest trends and developments in laboratory science. The week-long conference was marked on everyone’s calendars for the product launches, scientific programming and professional development opportunities that the conference facilitated.

The exposition floor was packed with hundreds of exhibitors, including major instrumentation companies Shimadzu, Xylem, and Waters, all of whom announced new products in areas ranging from sample preparation to laboratory software.

What Nobel Laureates were featured at Pittcon 2026?

Two Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry headlined Pittcon 2026's lecture series. Dr. Frances Arnold, who received the Nobel Prize in 2018, delivered the Wallace B. Coulter Lecture.¹ Dr. Omar Yaghi, awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was featured in the Waters Symposium.¹ The dual appearances gave attendees direct access to researchers working at the frontier of the discipline.

The conference also debuted the Mary Warga Symposium, described as an inaugural event celebrating women's leadership in science. Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business, served as a featured speaker for the new program.

What was one of the major trends that emerged from the conference?

One of the trends that emerged from the conference, according to the organizers, was that the attendance numbers revealed a sizable uptick in first-time attendees, undergraduate students, and graduate students compared to previous years. According to Pittcon leadership, one of the organization’s strategic initiatives was to engage younger scientists to bring them into the community.

"Today's students and early professionals are tomorrow's buyers and leaders," said Tammy Yallum, Executive Director of Pittcon, in a statement.¹ "One of our goals is to preserve and honor our history while bringing the next generation into the Pittcon community."

Exhibitors echoed the observation. Nicki Janus, Administrative Manager with Fritsch Milling & Sizing, Inc., said the influx of newer participants was a notable feature of the week.

"Their energy and enthusiasm for what they were seeing and experiencing made the event even more impactful," Janus said.¹

What took place on the Expo floor during Pittcon 2026 that was unique?

During Pittcon 2026, the exposition floor featured more than just product demonstrations. Some of the events that took place on the exposition floor included tastings tied to the science of Texas hot sauce and whiskey, a live armadillo lecture, a pet adoption zone, and a mascot race featuring Pittcon's character Dr. Pete Conn.¹ The lighter programming reflects a broader trend at scientific conferences toward experiential formats that supplement technical content.¹

What is Pittcon 2027 scheduled for and where will it take place?

Looking ahead, Pittcon 2027 is scheduled for April 24–28 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Organizers note this will mark the first time Pittcon has been held in Pittsburgh in 60 years, a milestone the organization is framing as historically significant.

Details for Pittcon 2027 are available at pittcon.org.

What is Pittcon?

Pittcon is a nonprofit organization whose main objective is to advance scientific collaboration across academic and industry sectors on an international scale.² More than 90 percent of its annual net revenue is directed toward scientific grants, education programs, laboratory improvements, and public outreach, which is a financial model that distinguishes it from commercially operated trade events.^1,2

Now that Pittcon 2026 has concluded, Pittcon 2027 is now in sight. Next year’s show will be held April 24–28 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

References

1. News-Medical, Pittcon’s First San Antonio Experience a Roaring Success. News Medical. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260324/Pittcone28099s-first-San-Antonio-experience-a-roaring-success.aspx (accessed 2026-03-24).
2. Pittcon, About Us. Pittcon.org. Available at: https://pittcon.org/about-us/ (accessed 2026-03-24).