The East Tennessee Preservation Conference is held annually as a regional resource for civic leaders, history enthusiasts, and professionals in the fields of architecture, real estate, property development, and academia to provide education about East Tennessee’s historic sites and how we can all work together to preserve our shared history.

This year’s theme is “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future: Balancing Preservation with Environmental Responsibility.” All conference sessions, including the keynote presentation, each earn 1 AIA LU/HSW Credit!

$100/person, or $80/person for current Knox Heritage members.

Not a member? Join here.

Registration includes all Friday sessions, light breakfast, and lunch.

5:30 PM | Opening Reception

6:15 PM | Welcome by Knox Heritage Executive Director Christine Cloninger

6:30 PM | Revitalizing the Sanitary Laundry: Restoration, Remediation, and Sustainability

Hannah Walter PE, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP – Owner & Sustainability Consulting Manager, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.

This presentation will delve into McCarty Holsaple McCarty’s impressive transformation of the historic Sanitary Laundry building into their new headquarters, spotlighting the environmental and sustainability challenges the team successfully navigated. Situated on a designated brownfield site, the project demanded extensive remediation efforts. Beyond restoration, the team set ambitious sustainability targets, pursuing LEED, WELL, and Net Zero certifications. Attendees will discover the innovative approaches that turned a once-contaminated industrial site into a healthy, energy-efficient, and future-ready workspace while honoring and preserving its historic charm.

Earns 1 AIA LU/HSW Credit!

9:00 AM Registration Opens | Networking

Join us for coffee, light breakfast, and mingling with like-minded preservationists! Typical conference attendees include preservation professionals, architects, planners, tourism professionals, government and community leaders, economic developers, real estate professionals and others who value advanced knowledge of historic preservation principles and practices.

Coffee generously provided by

9:35 AM | State of Preservation in Tennessee

E. Patrick McIntyre, Jr. | Executive Director & State Historic Preservation Officer, Tennessee Historical Commission

A report on the current programs and efforts of the Tennessee Historical Commission.

10:00 AM | Preserving the Past, Powering the Future: KUB’s Commitment to Sustainability and Historic Preservation

Chasity Hobby, Manager, Environmental Stewardship, Knoxville Utilities Board

An engaging session that explores how the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) balances forward-thinking innovation with a deep commitment to preservation. Learn how historic landmarks like the Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant and the iconic Millers Building are thoughtfully maintained as part of KUB’s mission. This session will showcase KUB’s leadership in energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental stewardship—demonstrating how the organization continues to make a meaningful impact on both our community and our region’s architectural and natural heritage.

Earns 1 AIA LU/HSW Credit!

11:00 AM | Building a Sustainable Knoxville: Projects, Partnerships & a Greener Future

Patience Melnik, Sustainability Director, Office of Sustainability, City of Knoxville

For more than a decade, the City of Knoxville has worked to make Knoxville a greener, more sustainable city. This presentation will highlight the city’s latest initiatives to promote environmental responsibility and resilience. The talk will cover Knoxville’s progress toward climate goals, energy efficiency programs, green infrastructure projects, and community partnerships driving sustainable development. Attendees will gain insight into the city’s vision for a cleaner, more equitable future and learn how they can get involved in local sustainability efforts.

Earns 1 AIA LU/HSW Credit!

12:00 pM | lunch break

Lunch generously provided by

1:00 PM | Creating a Cleaner, Greener Knoxville: The Mission of Keep Knoxville Beautiful

Lizzie gaver, Executive Director, Keep Knoxville Beautiful

Keep Knoxville Beautiful (KKB) is a local nonprofit dedicated to improving and beautifying our community through litter prevention, waste reduction, and environmental education. Learn how KKB engages neighborhoods, schools, and businesses to promote sustainability and civic pride. This session will explore the impact of KKB’s programs, including community cleanups, tree plantings, public art initiatives, and youth outreach. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, educator, or business owner, discover how you can play a part in keeping Knoxville beautiful for generations to come.

Earns 1 AIA LU/HSW Credit!

2:00 PM | Balancing Heritage and Sustainability in the Built Environment

Don Horton, Principal, HORTON Built Environments Consulting, Inc.

Most cities are filled with existing buildings, not new ones. While modern building science has helped us design energy-efficient, high-performing new buildings, applying these ideas to older buildings can be challenging. We’ll look at three historic buildings recently certified LEED Gold and two currently in the process, discussing the steps taken, the obstacles faced, and the lessons learned in making older buildings more sustainable while respecting their historic character.

Earns 1 AIA LU/HSW Credit!