FAQ

Registration and Payment Options

Are there scholarships or discounts available?

Yes. We recognize that despite our best efforts to control attendance costs and provide a high-value experience, the costs may be difficult or unobtainable for some constituents. See the Scholarships and Special Rates and Discount Codes section on the Pricing page for additional information.

Can I be invoiced for my registration instead of paying immediately?

Yes, there is an "Invoice Me" option available to government or nonprofit employees whose employer requires an invoice to obtain approval for conference attendance. Invoices must be paid by April 9, 2027.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

Cancellations should be made through the registration website on or before April 9, 2027. There is a $40 cancellation fee per registrant. No refunds will be granted after April 9, 2027. Substitutions of attendees are permissible until April 23, 2027, and must be requested in writing to realplaces@thcfriends.org. No cancellations will be accepted by phone. 

What is a "Courthouse Steward"?

The Texas Historical Commission defines a "Courthouse Steward" as a person in charge of maintaining their county's courthouse. It can be one or more people per county, and is typically the county judge, a county commissioner, and the county facility manager. Official Courthouse Stewards receive $250 off any conference pass, generously supported by the Texas Land Title Association—use the discount code sent to your email, or contact diana.larkin@thc.texas.gov if you need yours resent.

Schedule and Attendance Options

Is there an online or virtual component of the conference? 

Yes! This year’s conference will be held in-person at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, and events and sessions can be experienced either in-person or virtually through the conference website. Attendees must choose either the in-person or virtual path at the time of registration. Pre-conference workshops and tours will be presented only in-person with no recordings available.

If I add a session to my schedule, can I change it?

Yes! Selecting a session does not commit you to attend. All sessions will be open to all attendees, just as in previous years. If you would like to change sessions to have an accurate schedule to follow, click the "My Schedule" or "All Sessions" links on the mobile app (which will launch and be shared prior to the event). On the "My Schedule" tab, you will see a plus sign next to a session if it's available to add and a checkmark next to a session if it's already on your agenda. On the "All Sessions" tab, you will see an "Add" button next to a session if it's available to add and a "Remove" button if you are already registered for the session. For virtual sessions, attendees who are already registered will see a "Join session" button 5 minutes before the session start time.

If I miss a session, can I watch it later on my computer? 

Yes! Recordings will be available to all attendees—both in-person and virtual—so you’ll be able to watch those great keynotes and breakout sessions you missed. Pre-conference workshops and tours will be presented only in-person with no recordings available.

Virtual Access and Technical Requirements

How will I get online and join the conference?

Conference sessions will take place on the Attendee Website using a web browser on a desktop, laptop, or most mobile devices. 

Do I need special equipment or software to participate?

No, you'll participate in the conference through your web browser. If you can connect to the internet and you have registered for the conference, then you can join us online.

The Attendee Website and mobile app which will launch and be shared prior to the event can both be accessed from your computer, phone, or tablet to view sessions and fully participate in the event.

Can virtual attendees ask the presenter questions remotely?

Yes! While we aren’t able to facilitate live Q&A during the sessions this year, we still want to ensure your questions reach our experts.

For the 2027 conference, virtual attendees can submit questions through the conference app or attendee website during a session. These questions will be collected and forwarded to the presenters after the event concludes, allowing them to respond to you via email at their earliest convenience.

Travel, Logistics, and Amenities

Are meals included?

The General conference pass includes all dinners. A Daytime Dining Pass (breakfasts and lunches) can be added.

Light snacks and beverages will be provided for all attendees during morning and afternoon breaks each day.

Is there parking available?

Complimentary day parking for conference attendees is available in the Renaissance Austin Hotel front lot or nearby mall lots. If parked in the front hotel lot, there is no need to scan the QR code or pay by phone. The hotel has a parking garage for overnight guests only. Registered hotel guests attending the conference should check with the hotel registration desk for details on how to receive parking validation prior to leaving the garage.

What about the weather? 

Real Places 2027 will take place rain or shine, sleet or snow. With several hundred participants arriving at different times from across the state and country, about 100 speakers, and thousands of meals being prepared, we don't have the option to cancel, postpone, or change course quickly. 

All in-person registrants may also join the virtual conference online via a web browser. No special permission is required. If weather delays or prevents your in-person participation, join us online for all of the keynotes and breakout sessions. If it works with your situation, you are welcome to start online then join us in-person. 

In the event a speaker has canceled or delayed flights, if possible, we will have them participate in the session via video conference.

Please be certain to check your hotel reservation and contact the hotel directly if you need to cancel. We have no ability to override the hotel's cancellation policy.

Visit TxDOT's DriveTexas.org for current road conditions around the state.

What is the dress code?

The conference has no specific dress code. The attire for most attendees will be business casual, with a bit more formality during Thursday’s Preservation Awards Banquet. May temperatures in Austin are usually very pleasant, with an average high of 84 degrees and low of 65; however, temperatures have reached as high as 99 and as low as 41 degrees. 

Accessibility, On-Site Support, and Facilities

What are the accommodations for accessibility?

All abilities are welcome. We strive to make our conference accessible to all people and are always looking at ways to remove barriers. Live captioning will be provided. Other accessibility requirements will be collected during the registration process.

Is there a mother's room?

Yes, ask the registration desk for the key.

Can I get in touch with THC Staff at the conference if I need help?

Yes, we will have a limited hotline available for urgent issues that you cannot find the answer to in our conference materials or on our website. Please make sure you have thoroughly explored these resources first.