PLACES Conference

The PLACES Conference is Washington's annual statewide gathering dedicated to the ongoing care of place through various avenues such as historic preservation, placemaking, and economic vitality. Organized by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation alongside the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, this conference serves as a platform for preservationists, planners, downtown development professionals, and anyone passionate about place to engage deeply with innovative ideas, expand their professional networks, and inspire new solutions.After more than a decade of hosting this conference under the name RevitalizeWA, the organizers felt it was time to rebrand, adopting the name PLACES to reflect the diverse contexts represented in their learning experiences. The conference encompasses a wide range of settings, from historic districts and cultural spaces to rural communities and urban neighborhoods, uniting preservationists and entrepreneurs alike, all driven by a shared love for places. The PLACES Conference underscores that great places are not accidental; rather, they require collective effort and commitment. The conference will continue to unite attendees each year, fostering an environment for learning, exploration, and action. The 2024 conference will take place in Ellensburg, presenting an ideal setting to further embody the new name and mission.