2026 Preservation Conference
APRIL 15-17, 2026
Cooperstown, NY
Presented by:
The NY Statewide Preservation Conference is the only event of its kind in the state – a multi-day gathering for anyone involved in preservation and community revitalization. This is a unique opportunity to learn and network with professionals and advocates from across the state – and this year’s sessions will offer a range of engaging and relevant topics within the expansive field of historic preservation.
The Conference includes an intensive Certified Local Government (CLG) training session, Preservation Colleagues Retreat (separate registration with the Preservation League of NYS required), a Welcome to Cooperstown Walking Tour, and Meet & Greet on Wednesday; a full day of breakout sessions, lunch, and Keynote on Thursday; and your choice of field sessions on Friday.
In addition, the New York State Historic Preservation Awards and Reception, hosted by the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, will take place on Thursday evening during the Conference. The Awards recognize individuals, organizations, agencies, and communities for recent projects demonstrating outstanding achievements in historic preservation efforts in New York State.
Our home base for this year’s Conference will be the Otesaga Hotel. Founded in 1909 on the shores of Otsego Lake, this beautiful and historic resort will serve as a place of retreat and learning.
Find all the conference details below. We can’t wait to see you there!
REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $150 (deadline March 15th)
General Registration: $175 (March 16th – March 27th)
Late Registration: $200 (March 28th and after)
Student Registration: $25 (Student ID required at Registration Table)
Please register each Conference attendee individually.
Optional Pre-Conference Event: Preservation Book Club Meetup
Wednesday, April 15th at 5:00PM
Please select this in addition to your conference registration.
The League’s Preservation Book Club is breaking out of Zoom for a rare in-person event during the statewide conference. Join us for a casual meetup and facilitated discussion of The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff. Space is limited, so please register in advance by adding this to your registration. Those who register before the early-bird deadline will receive a Preservation Book Club care package before the conference, including the book! Questions? Email Katy Peace at kpeace@preservenys.org. Location to be shared with registrants ahead of the meeting date.
NY State Preservation Awards
Thursday, April 16th at 6:00PM
If you are registering for the full Conference and plan to attend the Awards ceremony and reception, please add this option to your registration – all are welcome!
If you are an awardee or guest planning to attend the Awards ceremony and receiption ONLY, please select only the complimentary Awards ticket option.
Scholarships
CLG SCHOLARSHIP
CLG Scholarships are available for municipal staff and those who serve on municipal boards (such as Preservation Commissions, Zoning Boards, and Planning Commissions) in Certified Local Government (CLG) communities.
CLG scholarships cover the cost of the entire conference registration; they do NOT cover lodging or travel. Applicants MUST attend the full-day CLG training to receive scholarship, and MUST be a commission/board member or a staff person associated with a CLG.
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
Diversity Scholarships support the attendance of leaders from underrepresented communities new to preservation and of emerging preservation professionals. The goal of this scholarship program is to attract and support grassroots preservation advocates, neighborhood/community leaders, and potential or emerging preservation and planning professionals from a diverse range of racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, gender, and generational backgrounds.
Scholarships cover the full cost of Conference registration; they do NOT cover lodging or travel.
HOTEL BLOCK BOOKING INFORMATION
Please see the two (2) hotel block options below and the information specific to each hotel.
OPTION 1:
A room block has been reserved at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, our official Conference hotel and venue, at $249/night plus tax.
How to book:
By Phone:
You can call the Reservations Office M-F 8a-6p and weekends 8:30a-5pm at 866-484-0085. To get the special rate, mention the name of the event (2026 NY Statewide Preservation Conference) and the dates.
Online:
Use the link below to book a room online through the Conference room block. Be sure under the ‘Accommodations’ section it shows the group block name “Landmark Society of Western New York”. If you have any issues, please contact the hotel directly.
Set on the shores of Otsego Lake and within the Glimmerglass Historic District, The Otesaga is just a short walk from downtown Cooperstown, putting you steps from the Baseball Hall of Fame, shops, restaurants, and plenty of recreational activities.
OPTION 2:
A limited room block has been reserved at the Hampton Inn Cooperstown, at $129/night plus tax.
How to book:
By Phone:
You can call the hotel at 607-282-9000. To get the special rate, mention the name of the event (NY Preservation Conference) or the Group Booking Code “901”.
Online:
Use the link below to book a room online through the Conference room block. Be sure your booking shows NY Preservation Conf. If you have any issues, please contact the hotel directly.
ROOM BLOCK RATES AT BOTH HOTELS END MARCH 20, 2026!
Conference Schedule
ADDITIONAL DETAILS COMING SOON!
Wednesday, April 15th
CLG Training, Preservation Colleagues Retreat, Welcome to Cooperstown Walking Tour, and Meet & Greet
Thursday, April 16th
Sessions, Lunch, Keynote, and State Preservation Awards
Friday, April 17th
Field Sessions
Questions? Reach out to Megan Hillyard at mhillyard@landmarksociety.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE PARTNERS:
THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS:
Sponsorship opportunities
We are thankful for our Conference sponsors who make it possible to advance preservation through education, collaboration, and shared expertise. If your organization is interested in supporting this work, we invite you to view our sponsorship opportunities.
