2026 Save the date!
February 11th-13th, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Denver (3203 Quebec St, Denver, CO 80207)
CPI’s 2026 Saving Places Conference will highlight three monumental anniversaries to include the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act (establishing a national program to protect historic and archaeological sites in the United States), the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s entrance into the Union, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
NEW for 2026 – CPI is pleased to introduce a new Preservation Workforce Development Track, featuring hands-on training in traditional trades while looking at ways to advance and expand the career field of preservation. This initiative not only connects those interested in joining the preservation workforce with educators and employers, but also explores the challenges and opportunities of developing a more robust and inclusive preservation career field.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING FALL 2025!
About the Saving Places Conference
The Saving Places Conference is an essential annual event for those passionate about preserving historic and cultural landmarks. With its multi-day format, it offers a diverse range of educational content and networking opportunities for individuals, organizations, and communities dedicated to safeguarding our shared past.
At its core, the conference emphasizes storytelling—of endangered landmarks, their historical significance, and the urgent need for preservation. By providing a platform for members to share these narratives, the conference raises awareness and empowers attendees to disseminate crucial information to communities nationwide.
Drawing attendees from various states, the conference serves as a melting pot of diverse perspectives and experiences. Engaging speakers, including professionals, thought leaders, and activists, offer insights through sessions, workshops, tours, and roundtable discussions, catering to attendees at all stages of their preservation journey.
The inclusive programming ranges from introductory sessions to advanced workshops, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Accreditation opportunities, such as AIA, AIA HSW, APA, and Educator credits, highlight the conference’s commitment to fostering continuous learning.
Beyond education, the conference fosters meaningful connections and collaborations through networking events and informal discussions. Attendees have the opportunity to forge lasting relationships, laying the groundwork for future partnerships in heritage conservation.
Conference Recap Archive
2025 Conference Recap
The 2025 Saving Places Conference, held from January 29 to February 1 at the picturesque Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, successfully brought together passionate individuals dedicated to the theme of “intangible heritage.” This often-overlooked aspect of preservation emphasizes the importance of cultural, social, and historical practices that shape a community’s identity and collective memory.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization and execution of the sessions. A special thank you goes to our esteemed keynote speakers: Maribel Alvarez, Ennis Davis, Ashley Fry, Judge Gary Jackson, John Kamp, James Rojas, and Chip Thomas. Their insights and expertise sparked meaningful discussions and challenged attendees to think critically about the role of intangible heritage in preservation efforts.
The conference aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of preservation’s impact on cultural diversity and community identity. Through engaging sessions and discussions, participants explored contemporary theories and practical applications, all while ensuring that a range of ideas were welcomed and appreciated.
CPI is proud to have hosted an event that not only facilitated connections within the industry but also encouraged a deeper conversation about the significance of intangible heritage. We look forward to continuing these important discussions and collaborations in future conferences.
Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making the 2025 Saving Places Conference a resounding success!
2024 Saving Places
The 2024 Saving Places Conference focused on the preservation of our cultural heritage and ensure its enduring relevance for generations to come.
2023 Saving Places Conference
Saving Places 2023 celebrated the heart of preservation, the people, partners and funders making a difference in communities throughout Colorado.
2022 Saving Places Recap
“Perspectives in Preservation;” the overarching theme of bringing voices that have been lost, sidelined, or overlooked within the preservation community and beyond.
2021 Saving Places Recap
Saving Places® went virtual for 2021! The conference’s theme of Preservation in Action speaks to what many of us experienced in the wave of 2020 and its ripple effects.
Saving Places 2020
“A Focus on the Future” took a special look at different ways education impacts historic preservation, archaeology, planning, and associated fields.
2019 Saving Places Conference
A Call to Action. Every generation chooses what they save. How do individual communities deal with common issues?
