Insight & Influence: The Podcast

In late 2024, we launched our Insight & Influence e-newsletter to share information and updates on Harrisburg happenings and those with across the state. Now we've moved to the next level with a companion podcast, also called Insight & Influence.

Presented by C & G Strategies, Insight & Influence brings insightful conversations from influential people including government officials, industry leaders, and advocates from across the state.

Episode 6 of 2026 of the C & G Strategies podcast, Insight and Influence, is now available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Amie Downs and David Caliguiri sit down with Matt Smith, Chief Growth Officer of the Allegheny Conference, to discuss the massive economic potential behind the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Far more than just a three-day sporting event, Smith explains how the conference is leveraging the global spotlight to accelerate business development, bringing in national site selectors and international delegations to showcase the region’s unique "secret sauce" of public-private partnerships. From the revitalized downtown public spaces like Arts Landing and Market Square to the Southwest PA's reputation for solving the world’s most complex technical challenges, this conversation highlights how the Pittsburgh region is positioning itself as a premier global hub for investment and talent.

Listeners will gain an insider’s look at the "flywheel effect" of marquee events, including how the brand power of the Pittsburgh Steelers and new international flight paths are driving sustainable economic growth. Smith also dives into the region's commitment to workforce development, detailing how local trades and universities are preparing the next generation to build technologies that have never existed before. Tune in to discover how the energy of the Draft is being harnessed to create a lasting legacy for the community, ensuring that the momentum of this historic week continues to benefit the region for years to come.

You can find all of Insight & Influence’s episodes on our website and our YouTube channel. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast today and you'll never miss one!