Registration has commenced for Real Places 2025, the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) historic preservation and heritage tourism conference. The event is set to return to Austin, allowing attendees to participate either in person or virtually.

The conference, presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission alongside Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC, will feature over 100 speakers from Texas and beyond. Topics covered will include conveying the value of preservation to non-preservationists, protecting historic cemeteries, crafting successful grant projects, creating effective narratives and interpretation, conducting oral histories, promoting heritage tourism, performing archival research, among others.

In-person participants will gather at the Renaissance Austin Hotel to engage with THC staff and partners. Those opting for virtual attendance can stream all sessions. Recordings will be accessible post-conference for at least 60 days.

Attendees have a choice between "premium" and "basic" registration options for in-person participation. Premium registration includes all meals and access to all sessions and events except pre-conference workshops which incur an additional cost. Basic registration offers a $150 discount but excludes breakfasts and lunches on Thursday and Friday.

Discounts are available for Courthouse Stewards (county judges and county facility managers), students, and groups registering multiple people simultaneously. A la carte pricing is offered for single-day registrations and special events.

For further information on scheduling or registration inquiries, visit realplaces.us or contact 512-463-7475 or realplaces@thcfriends.org.