2026 Preservation Conference
APRIL 15-17, 2026
Cooperstown, NY
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 from across the state, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Your Conference registration includes an intensive, pre-Conference training session, tours, 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.
REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $150 (deadline March 6th)
General Registration: $175 (deadline March 25th)
Late Registration: $200 (March 26th and after)
Student Registration: $25 (Student ID required at Registration Table)
Optional Pre-Conference Event: Preservation Book Club Meetup
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
Conference attendees do not need a separate ticket to the New York State Historic Preservation Awards and Reception – it is included in your registration. If you are an awardee or guest planning to attend the Awards ceremony and reception only, please select the complimentary 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.
ROOM BLOCK RATES END MARCH 13, 2026!
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 END MARCH 20, 2026!
Conference Schedule
ADDITIONAL DETAILS COMING SOON!
Wednesday, April 15th
CLG Training, Preservation Colleagues Retreat, and Meet & Greet
Thursday, April 16th
Sessions, Lunch, Keynote, and State Preservation Awards
Friday, April 17th
Field Sessions
