2010 East Tennessee Preservation Conference and Awards

At Historic Rugby on October 8 & 9, 2010

KNOXVILLE, TENN. –The East Tennessee Preservation Alliance and Knox Heritage are hosting the 2010 East Tennessee Preservation Conference in Historic Rugby on October 8 & 9, 2010.  This year’s theme, “Preserve it, and they will come…” will focus on the power of heritage tourism for East Tennessee’s economic development and historic preservation.   

According to the U.S. Travel Association, Tennessee’s tourism industry had a $14.4 billion economic impact and earned over $1 billion in state and local sales tax revenue in 2008 from the tourism industry.  Nationwide, heritage tourists spend an average of $994 per trip versus $611 for all U.S. travelers.  Tourism is big business for Tennessee and an important tool for communities and preservationists.

Commissioner Susan Whitaker with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will lead off the 2010 conference sessions at lunch on Friday, October 8.  Whitaker has been instrumental in securing Tennessee as a leader in the southeast for sustainable tourism.  Carolyn Brackett, Program Director for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Cultural Heritage Tourism Program, will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to make their places viable destinations by creating an authentic experience.

Other speakers include David Moore from Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery; Jacob Burgette ,who will lead a session on gravestone cleaning and repair; Jennifer Spence with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development who will speak to the importance of linking communities along driving trails; Patrick McIntyre the State Historic Preservation Officer; and many other leading professionals from around the region. 
 

This year’s conference weekend will also feature the inaugural East Tennessee Preservation Awards to be announced on Friday, October 8, at the Awards Reception in Rugby.  Nominations are being accepted until Monday, August 2.  The awards will recognize outstanding achievements for individuals’ and groups’ work on restoration, adaptive use, new infill design, rehabilitation projects and lifetime achievement in preservation advocacy in the region.  Information on awards categories and criteria and nomination forms are available at www.knoxheritage.org.

Contact Historic Rugby at 888-214-3100 for special conference lodging rates and information.  Lodging space is limited.  The full conference schedule and information will be available at www.knoxheritage.org  in mid-August. 

ETPA was founded in 2009 serve the 16-county East Tennessee region.  ETPA is made up of representatives from all 16 counties and works to help further historic preservation in the region through educational events, technical assistance, and by assisting existing organizations.  

Preservation field services provided by Knox Heritage are assisted by a Partners in the Field challenge grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  For more information, visit www.preservationnation.org.

Ethiel Garlington

Director of Preservation Field Services | Knox Heritage

(p) 865-523-8008 | (f) 865-523-0938

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