The 2026 Speaker Series

February 12, 2026

AI: Why Western PA?

Peter Dailey, Chairman & CEO, International Electric Power, LLC

John Hamilton, SVP, International Electric Power, LLC

Peter Dailey and John Hamilton explored how Western Pennsylvania’s unique combination of world-class talent and robust energy infrastructure positions the region as a strategic alternative to traditional tech hubs.

The session centered on Project Hummingbird, a flagship IEP initiative in Greene County. This massive project is transforming the former Robena Mine site into a hyperscale data center and power plant complex. By leveraging a reclaimed 1,400-acre brownfield and a dedicated "Power Island" generating over 900 megawatts, the initiative establishes a global hub for AI and cloud computing while driving significant economic momentum and high-tech job creation through 2028.

May 7, 2026

Holistic Health & Wellness: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Sandy Cooper, CRNP, Functional Medicine Practitioner

Join Sandy for an enlightening look at how Functional Medicine shifts the focus from managing symptoms to uncovering the root causes of illness.

This session explores how advanced diagnostics—paired with the "five pillars" of nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and purpose—can significantly enhance your health span and longevity.

Learn what to expect from a whole-person approach to wellness and gain practical tools to thrive at every stage of life.

October 22, 2026

A Photographer's Journey: From the Gridiron to the Garden

Shelley Lipton, Editorial Photographer

Explore the fascinating intersection of high-octane professional sports and the quiet introspection of fine art.

Award-winning photographer Shelley Lipton discusses her creative journey—revealing how her background in psychology and her experience on the sidelines of the Pittsburgh Steelers helped her navigate a transformative pivot toward botanical photography.

Discover how a shift in focus can reveal new interpretations of natural subjects and bridge the gap between adrenaline and stillness.

Our Legacy: A History of Ideas

Since its inception, Tapas Talks has served as a vibrant stage for the voices that shape our region. Our archive is a testament to the diverse expertise found within the Sewickley community.

Explore our past seasons to see how these focused conversations have sparked big ideas, fostered lasting connections, and inspired a deeper commitment to the place we call home.

Past Speakers

2025

Entrepreneur Confidential: What It Takes to Scale a Small Business from Scratch
Beth Genter (Schenley Capital), Melissa Horvath (Sweet Water Décor), C. Holly Wilbanks (The Wilbanks Consulting Group)
Date: February 13, 2025

Foul Deeds and Fair Balls: An Insider’s View of a Captured War Criminal and the Saving Grace of Baseball
Will Bardenwerper — Former Infantry Officer, Financier, Pentagon Official, Author (Moderated by Marcie McClintic Coates)
Date: May 1, 2025

From the Depths of the Sea to the Boardroom: How the Navy Shaped My Leadership Journey
Mike Cherock — Founder, President & CEO, AE Works (Moderated by Todd DePastino)
Date: October 23, 2025

2024

On the Tee with Carol Semple Thompson
Carol Semple Thompson — Amateur Golfer
Date: February 15, 2024

Energy Innovations: Creating Much More Than Electricity
Don Evans — CEO & President, Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation
Date: April 25, 2024

AI: The Future Is Now | How Artificial Intelligence Has and Will Change Our Lives
Byron Galbraith & Dave Pawloski
Date: October 24, 2024

2023

Healthcare: Past, Present & Future
Panel: Dr. Daniel Brooks, Norman Mitry, Dr. Kathleen Osten, Patrick Colletti
Date: February 16, 2023

The Importance of Land & Wildlife Conservation
John Oliver
Date: April 27, 2023

Color at Work: The Roots of Chromatic Persuasion in Branding and Packaging
Keith Recker — Editor in Chief, TABLE Magazine
Date: October 26, 2023

2022

Food Passion: A Journey to Sewickley
Nick Ambeliotis (Mediterra), Barbara McKenna (Hyeholde), Robin Fernandez (The Sewickley Hotel)
Date: February 17, 2022

Riverfronts for All: Advancing a 21st Century Vision for Pittsburgh
Matthew Galluzzo — President & CEO, Riverlife
Date: April 7, 2022

Your Next Season: Creating a Blueprint for What’s Next
Leslie Braksick — Co-founder & Senior Partner, My Next Season
Date: October 27, 2022

2019 | 2020

Demographics Are Not Destiny
Dr. Chris Howard — President, Robert Morris University
Date: October 24, 2019

Transforming Pittsburgh International Airport
Christina Cassotis — CEO, Allegheny County Airport Authority
Date: January 30, 2020