/ by Debra Rainey /

Upswell is about reimagining — how we think, collaborate, and develop solutions to community challenges. It’s also about reimagining where we do those things.

Pittsburgh’s Nova Place is the site of Upswell 2020, October 14-16. But don’t think of it as our meeting place. Instead, it’s where we’ll start and go from there.

Once an abandoned mall, Nova Place is now Pittsburgh’s largest urban renewal project — breathing new life into the city’s historic North Side, the local economy, and the surrounding communities. The 1.2 million-square-foot, mixed-use complex is near the intersection of the city’s major roadways and mass transit routes, and close to Pittsburgh’s downtown, sports stadiums, museums, and other cultural destinations.

The three-building shopping and office complex that is Nova Place includes a 10,000 square foot fitness center, modern common areas with seating, a 3,000 car parking garage with bike storage, contemporary residential units, and Pittsburgh’s largest co-working space. It’s also steps away from other attractions, including Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Innovation Works, and CoLab 18.

In a nutshell, Nova Place is where people work and meet, eat and drink, and live and play — not just inside its walls, but outside, and all around.

The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown will have special rates for Upswell attendees who need accommodations, and expect more soon about the exciting plans and activities that will be part of your Upswell 2020 experience. One thing’s for sure — you’ll never look at “conference space” the same way again.

Debra Rainey is Manager, Communications, at Independent Sector.