Heinz Field and City Theatre aren't your typical venues for business conferences.

But the Pittsburgh Steelers' home stadium on the North Shore and an innovative urban theater on the South Side were deliberate choices by a group that wants to attract young professionals from around the state to the city this week.

Pennsylvania Young Professionals will gather here Friday through Sunday for its annual conference, ImPAct 2007, to brainstorm about ways to retain young talent in Pennsylvania.

The organizers selected unusual locations for the various workshops and seminars because they wanted to showcase the wide scope of cultural and lifestyle amenities that the city offers, said J.J. Richardson, a Downtown attorney and conference chair.

Among the scheduled presenters are Andrew Moore, director of the Google Pittsburgh engineering office, and Lucas Piatt, vice president of real estate for Millcraft Industries, the developer trying to revitalize the shabby Downtown retail corridor. The keynote address will be delivered by J.T. Thomas, retired Steeler and chain restaurant franchisee.

The conference is "an opportunity for young professionals to learn from each other," said Mr. Richardson. "There will be panels on things they've done in their communities that have worked, and discussions about what hasn't worked."

About 500 people are expected to attend. The first ImPAct conference was held here in 2001 and subsequent events have been held in 2003 in Philadelphia and in 2005 in Harrisburg.

This week's conference kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday with a reception and networking event at The Riverwatch in the Strip District. Saturday's lineup of presenters at Heinz Field will address topics including urban redevelopment, planning and staying on your career path, and retaining young professionals in Pennsylvania.

Participants can tour Heinz Field after the program and attend a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park followed by a concert featuring popular area band The Clarks.

Sunday's schedule at City Theatre includes discussions on entrepreneurship, leadership and fund-raising.

Though the conference is targeted for professionals between ages 22 and 40, "by no means do we restrict by age," said Mr. Richardson, who is 32. "People who consider themselves young professionals are usually in that age range but not everything has to do with age. They can be people starting off in careers who are new to the corporate world or new to their profession."

Mr. Richardson considers himself a good profile of the type of professional the state needs to attract: Raised in Erie, he came to Pittsburgh to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, landed a job in the litigation department of Dinsmore & Shohl, and makes his home in a South Side neighborhood.

"In part I fell in love with the city ... the opportunities for outdoors activities like camping and mountain biking and dynamic cultural activities. And the cost of living here was attractive.

"Also, the opportunities to make a difference at a young age in Pittsburgh are much more accessible than in some other areas of the country. I never experienced barriers of entry in nonprofit or political activities. It felt accessible to me."

Cost of the conference is $100 per person. The Friday night reception is $20. For registration or more information, go to www.payoungprofessionals.com or call 412-253-0677.