2026 California Preservation Conference: Past Meets Possible: Reimagining Place and Purpose

The 2026 California Preservation Conference is the premier gathering for preservation professionals, advocates, designers, planners, and community leaders eager to explore how heritage conservation can be a force for California’s future. From climate resilience and equitable housing to community revitalization and inclusive planning, the conference uncovers bold, interdisciplinary strategies that expand preservation’s role in shaping resilient, vibrant, and just communities across the state. This 50th Annual Conference invites preservationists, planners, architects, advocates, and community leaders to explore how heritage conservation can drive creative, inclusive, and sustainable futures. Through five interdisciplinary tracks–Reuse & Revitalization, Participation & Engagement, Tools & Technology, History & Heritage, and Preservation Planning & Practice–the conference will uncover bold ideas that expand preservation’s role in solving today’s most pressing challenges. From adaptive reuse and housing innovation to digital documentation, community empowerment, and policy reform, this year’s conference bridges past and future to reimagine what preservation can be–and who it serves.