Historic Preservation Conference Features National Speakers, Celebrations and Trade Show.

DENVER -- Colorado Preservation Inc.'s 9th annual historic preservation conference, Saving Places 2006: Building on the Past, is once again shaping up to be the most significant statewide historic preservation conference in the nation.

Over 1,000 attendees are expected to attend the event, which features invited speakers Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the Interior; Fran Mainella, Director of the National Park Service; Ken Salazar, U.S. Senate; and John T. Salazar, U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, Patricia Gay, Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, and David Preziosi, Executive Director of the Mississippi Heritage Trust, will speak on Hurricane Katrina's effect on the Gulf's historic landmarks.

The event takes place February 8-10 at the historic 1770 Sherman Street Event Complex, Denver, and includes the announcement of Colorado's 2006 Most Endangered Places, Colorado's Main Street and Preserve America communities, and the Colorado Historical Society Stephen Hart awards.

Other highlights include recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Antiquities Act, the 100th Anniversary of Mesa Verde National Park and the 40th Anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.

The program features over 160 national and regional experts discussing preservation programs, projects, trends and technology, as well as educational sessions, workshops, tours, networking opportunities, and the only trade show of preservation services and products in the Rocky Mountain region. A silent auction features rare Native American artifacts, heritage travel packages and unique gifts.

The conference attracts preservation experts, architects, archeologists, real estate professionals, contractors, city planners, tourism experts, history buffs, homeowners and hobbyists from throughout the country. Continuing education credits are available to architects and real estate professionals.

For information visit www.coloradopreservation.org or call 303-893-4260. Discounted registration is available through January 20.

Colorado Preservation Inc. was founded in 1984 to promote historic preservation in Colorado by providing information, education, training, expertise and advocacy to Colorado communities. Funded through memberships, private donations, event proceeds and grants, CPI administers Colorado's Most Endangered Places Program, presents the annual Saving Places conference, hosts the Dana Crawford Awards dinner, which recognizes excellence in historic preservation, and maintains an active presence in the state legislature. CPI's annual Saving Places conference is funded in part by the State Historical Fund, a program of the Colorado Historical Society.