The American Historic Trades Summit
April 7 – 9, 2025 | Chicago, Illinois
Join us for the second American Historic Trades Summit! This national convening provides participants with the opportunity to share knowledge, pool resources, ensure consistent standards, and learn how to advocate for program support. The Chicago Summit will have informational sessions and networking opportunities that explore the past, present, and future of historic trades training in America.
Agenda
This is a preliminary agenda. As sessions are confirmed, it will be updated with more details on session information and schedules.
Monday, April 7, 2025
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Welcome Reception
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Check-in
Primary time to check-in to the event. The information table will be staffed throughout the event to allow for check-ins at other times.
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Coffee and Networking
Open hour for people to mingle and drink coffee
9:00 am - 9:30 am | Welcome
9:30 am - 12:00 pm | Sessions
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch
Hosted at the Hotel Providence
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Sessions
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Happy Hour
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Breakfast and Coffee
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Coffee and Networking
Open hour for people to mingle and drink coffee
9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Sessions
12 pm - 1:30 pm | Keynote Lunch
Kate Dear, CEO of Fêtewell
Hosted at Hotel Providence
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Sessions
3:30 - 5:30 pm | Local Tours
Sessions
What is Workforce Development?
What do we mean when we say “workforce development”? This session will delve into the purpose of workforce development programs, how stakeholders can get involved, and where to take action.
Building Careers: The Role of Capital "A" Apprenticeships in Workforce Development
Join us for an engaging discussion on the power of apprenticeships in shaping the future building trades workforce. Hear about federal initiatives and resources supporting apprenticeship programs, advocacy for policy efforts supporting skilled trade careers, and how preservation trades apprenticeship programs can help us meet modern workforce demands.
Case Studies: Trades Training Programs
Hear from a panel of different trades training programs about their program design, operations, successes, and challenges.
Perspectives: Apprentices and Students
Students, apprentices, and trainees from historic trades training programs will participate in this panel discussion. It will address how they found careers and training, their experiences in programs, and the transition to employment.
Recruiting the Workforce
Marketing and outreach play crucial roles in attracting, engaging, and retaining people to both training programs and careers. In this session, Recruitment and Outreach Manager Jordan Riggs will provide tested strategies on how to increase public awareness and communicate effectively, and the importance of collaboration in these efforts.
Case Studies: Partners in Training
An array of professional associations, organizations, and non-profits operate in the historic trades. This panel session will showcase a few of these organizations–how they are structured, who they serve, what they do, and how you can work with them,
KEYNOTE | Sparking Interest in the Trades: The TradesUp Initiative
Keynote Speaker Andrew Rowand will discuss the TradesUp Initiative, which seeks to inspire young people to explore various careers and skills in the trades. TradesUp offers outreach programs and special events designed to empower a new generation to experience the joy of hands-on creation, making, and problem-solving. Learn how you can get involved with the initiative and use their community resource materials to bring TradesUp to your region.
Speakers and Panelists

Keynote: Andrew Rowand
TradesUp Board of Directors, Curator and Site Administrator of Eric Sloane Museum
Andrew Rowand is the curator and site administrator of the Eric Sloane Museum in Kent, CT, and a founding TradesUp Board of Directors member. A dedicated student and avid supporter of all historic trades and crafts, Andrew has been a practicing shoemaker in his free time for over a decade. He and his wife Lara are thrilled to live in Suffield, CT, in a small timber-framed farmhouse with their beloved two pups and cat.
Sponsors and Partners
The Campaign for Historic Preservation and Preservation Maryland thank its generous sponsors. This event is made possible due to their support. Email Patrick Mooney at pmooney@presmd.org to become a sponsor.
Locations
Summit
The Summit will be held at HIRE360, a Chicago-based workforce development program, at their new training facility.
HIRE360
2540 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
https://hire360chicago.com/
Hotel
Rooms are blocked at the Congress Plaza Hotel for $139/night + taxes. Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodations. All reservations require a one-night deposit. Your credit card will be charged upon making your reservation. Cancellation policy is 30 days prior to arrival.
Congress Plaza Hotel
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
312-427-3800
https://www.congressplazahotel.com/
Guests can also book a room by calling 312-427-3800 x 5025 and identifying themselves as part of “The Campaign for Historic Trades” group.
HIRE360
HIRE360
2540 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
https://hire360chicago.com/
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
312-427-3800
https://www.congressplazahotel.com/
There are many ways for individuals, businesses, organizations, and philanthropic groups to support The Campaign. Find out how.