Registration is now open for the Texas Historical Commission's Real Places 2025 conference, which will take place in Austin. This event focuses on historic preservation and heritage tourism, gathering individuals interested in preserving the stories and sites of their communities.

Participants have the option to attend the full conference either in person or virtually. The registration process offers discounts for courthouse stewards, students, and organizations registering multiple attendees. There are also options for single-day registrations and special events.

The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, in partnership with Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC, present this year's conference. It will feature over 100 speakers from Texas and beyond. Topics include conveying preservation value to non-preservationists, protecting historic cemeteries, crafting grant projects, creating narratives and interpretation, conducting oral histories, promoting heritage tourism, performing archival research, among others.

In-person attendees will gather at the Renaissance Austin Hotel to engage with THC staff and partners. Virtual attendees can stream all sessions live. Recordings will be available post-conference for at least 60 days.

Attendees will gain insights into best practices for protecting historical sites and promoting community visitation to these destinations.

New registration options in 2025 include "premium" and "basic" packages. Premium registration covers all meals plus access to all sessions and events except pre-conference workshops which require an additional fee. Basic registration excludes some meals but offers a $150 discount for those who wish to explore local dining options near the hotel.

For more information about schedules or registration details visit realplaces.us or contact via phone at 512-463-7475 or email realplaces@thcfriends.org.