Conferences and Workshops
Professionals, volunteers, and community leaders involved in historic preservation have access to a wide range of learning and networking opportunities through state and national conferences and workshops. These gatherings provide valuable spaces for participants to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and gain practical tools for preserving historic places and strengthening community vitality. Through workshops, expert-led sessions, field tours, and collaborative discussions, attendees can deepen their knowledge, build connections with peers, and stay informed about the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the field. These events support a vibrant, informed, and engaged preservation community.
The Preserve Iowa Summit is Iowa’s premier statewide conference for both professional and volunteer historic preservationists, hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa in connection with various partners. It brings together historic preservation commissioners, historic property owners, architects, planners, local officials, and community advocates for expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and mobile tours of historic sites. The annual event also features a keynote address and statewide preservation awards. Additional information is available online at https://opportunityiowa.gov/events/preserve-iowa-summit.
PastForward is the national preservation conference sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This annual conference brings together preservation professionals, scholars, community leaders, and advocates to explore major issues shaping the field. The multi-day event typically features workshops, educational sessions, field studies, networking opportunities, and the National Preservation Awards. Recent conferences have focused on themes such as climate resilience, inclusive and representative preservation, and community-based development, with the 2025 conference marking the Trust’s 75th anniversary. Additional information on future conferences is available online at https://savingplaces.org/conference.
FORUM is the national conference of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC. It is the only national conference dedicated specifically to local historic preservation commissions and boards. Held every two years, it brings together commissioners, planners, preservation professionals, and community advocates to address the unique challenges and opportunities of local preservation practice. The conference offers training sessions, legal and policy updates, hands-on workshops, and mobile tours that highlight real-world preservation issues in the host community. FORUM emphasizes practical guidance on design review, ordinance development, community engagement, and ethical decision-making, providing attendees with the tools, knowledge, and peer support needed to strengthen local preservation programs and foster effective stewardship of historic resources. Information on future conferences is available online at https://forum.napcommissions.org. Additional training opportunities are available online at https://www.napcommissions.org.
The Main Street Now Conference, hosted by Main Street America, is a national gathering focused on preservation-based downtown and commercial district revitalization. It brings together community leaders, planners, preservationists, economic development professionals, and Main Street program directors to explore strategies for strengthening historic downtowns through design, economic vitality, place-making, and community engagement. The conference features workshops, case studies, and field sessions highlighting successful revitalization projects and innovative approaches to preserving historic character while supporting thriving local economies. Known for its practical, community-centered focus, Main Street Now equips attendees with tools and inspiration to build vibrant and resilient downtown districts that are centered on their historic character. Information on future conferences is available online at https://mainstreet.org/resources/main-street-now-conference
The Iowa Downtown Conference is a statewide event hosted by the Downtown Resource Center of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, celebrating the historic downtown districts and neighborhood commercial areas that are essential to thriving communities. Open to anyone interested in downtown economic development, the conference brings together dedicated professionals, volunteers, civic leaders, and community advocates. Powered by their shared commitment to strong, vibrant main streets, the event offers opportunities to learn from industry experts about strategies to grow and sustain downtown districts as hubs of economic and social opportunity. Information on future conferences and other events hosted by the Downtown Resource Center is available online at https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/downtown-resource-center/downtown-resources-networking.
The Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) Conference is a leading national and international gathering for architects, engineers, conservators, scientists, and preservation professionals focused on the technical aspects of conserving and restoring historic structures and materials. The conference features research presentations, case studies, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations covering topics such as building diagnostics, material science, restoration technologies, and sustainability in historic preservation. Known for its highly technical and research-driven content, APTI offers attendees opportunities to engage with cutting-edge preservation methods, exchange expertise across disciplines, and explore innovative approaches to maintaining and rehabilitating historic buildings and cultural resources. Additional information on future conferences is available online at https://www.apti.org/annual-conference. Other webinars, workshops and events are outlined online at https://www.apti.org/upcoming-events.
The Vernacular Architecture Forum (VAF) Conference is an annual gathering of scholars, preservationists, and enthusiasts focused on the study and preservation of everyday buildings and cultural landscapes. The conference combines paper sessions, workshops, and field tours to explore local vernacular architecture, fostering scholarship, knowledge exchange, and appreciation for the social and cultural stories embodied in ordinary structures. Additional information is available online at https://www.vafweb.org/conference.
The Annual Conference of the American Association for State and Local History is a leading national gathering for public historians, museum professionals, and community heritage advocates, focusing on local and regional history. Through sessions, workshops, and networking, it provides practical guidance, shares best practices, and fosters collaboration to support the preservation and interpretation of diverse stories across the United States. Additional information is available online at https://aaslh.org/annualconference.
This list provides a sampling of the most popular conferences related to historic preservation, with additional conferences, workshops, seminars, and trainings offered by organizations at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Additional information on upcoming preservation conferences and events can be found on Preservation Iowa’s Facebook page. Check out our posts and follow us there for the most up-to-date announcements and opportunities