The East Tennessee Preservation Alliance and Knox Heritage are hosting the 2010 East Tennessee Preservation Conference in historic Rugby Oct. 8 and 9.
     This year’s theme, “Preserve it, and they will come…” will focus on the power of heritage tourism for East Tennessee’s economic development and historic preservation.
     According to the United States Travel Association, Tennessee’s tourism industry had a $14.4 billion economic impact and earned more than $1 billion in state and local sales tax revenue in 2008 from the tourism industry.
     Nationwide, heritage tourists spend an average of $994 per trip versus $611 for all U.S. travelers. Tourism is big business for Tennessee and an important tool for communities and preservationists.
     Commissioner Susan Whitaker of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development kicks off the 2010 conference sessions at luncheon on Oct. 8. Carolyn Brackett, program director for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s cultural heritage tourism program, will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to make their places viable destinations by creating an authentic experience.
     Other speakers include David Moore from Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery; Jacob Burgette, who will lead a session on gravestone cleaning and repair; Jennifer Spence of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development who will speak about the important of linking communities along driving trails; Patrick McIntyre, the state historic preservation officer; and other leading professionals from around the region.
     This year’s conference weekend will also feature the inaugural East Tennessee Preservation Awards to be announced October 8 at the awards reception in Rugby. Nominations are being accepted until Aug. 2.
     The awards will recognize outstanding achievements for individuals’ and groups’ work on restoration, adaptive use, new infill design, rehabilitation projects and lifetime achievement in preservation advocacy in the region. Information on awards categories and criteria and nomination forms are available at www.knoxheritage.org.

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