February 23, 2018
Introduction: In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega provides tips for getting the most out of the upcoming RootsTech genealogy conference. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book “From the Family Kitchen.”
I recently returned from a genealogy meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the participants were asking the same question of their friends: “Are you going to RootsTech?” So, are you going to RootsTech? If you are, here are a few things to consider.
What’s New?
What’s new at the annual genealogy event happening February 28 – March 3, 2018? The most important new addition to RootsTech is the additional day added to the conference. Wednesday, February 28th kicks off RootsTech. What can you do on Wednesday? One thing to add to your to-do list is to attend the Innovation Showcase where you can hear panelists discuss genealogy technology and the future of family history.
Best of all, you can spend a few hours in the Expo Hall for Preview Night. You only have two hours on Wednesday night, but it will give you enough time to start exploring what you want to see the other three days of the conference.
Keynotes
RootsTech always provides some of the greatest speakers to help kick off their events, and this year is no exception. Keynote speakers include Olympic champion Scott Hamilton, singer Natalia Lafourcade, professor and Finding Your Roots host Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and “Humans of New York” founder Brandon Stanton.
Of course, all of the keynote speakers are wonderful and I’m really excited to see Professor Gates as a speaker at RootsTech – but I’m equally excited to listen to Brandon Stanton. If you’re not familiar with “Humans of New York,” it’s well worth your time to become familiar with it. This project, that started out to photograph 10,000 people on the streets of New York city, grew to include interviews of everyday New York residents. “Humans of New York,” now a website and a book, is the ultimate genealogy project. It documents the lives of everyday people – and isn’t that what family historians do?
Classes, Classes, Classes
Most people attend RootsTech because of the classes, and this year doesn’t disappoint. With over 200 classes offered, there is something for everyone’s interest. On the RootsTech website you can view the schedule by day. Presentations include DNA, beginning genealogy, and how to use websites. Presentations are given by a variety of international experts in their field including Crista Cowan, D. Joshua Taylor, E. Randol Schoenberg, Tony Burroughs, and Lisa Louise Cooke. In addition to presentations, there are sponsored lunches, computer labs, and events.
Don’t Forget the Expo Hall
As mentioned above, one of the important places to check out at every conference is the Expo Hall (or exhibitor hall). RootsTech is known for their massive Hall featuring not only vendors of genealogical products, but also the “Innovators Alley,” a discovery zone with interactive displays and people offering one-on-one help with your genealogical problems. Don’t forget to stop by our booth #627 and say hi! We’d love to help you search for your ancestors in our digital historical newspaper collections.
What Will You Do?
There’s no doubt that you could keep busy your four days at RootsTech with all that is offered. In addition, the Family History Library will have some extended hours, tempting you to enjoy research and learning!
So, in order to get ready for RootsTech, start planning now. Don’t wait. Go to the RootsTech website for more information, and don’t forget to download the app (scroll down to the bottom of the website). You can learn how to use the app by reading the RootsTech blog article, 7 Ways the Mobile App Will Enhance Your RootsTech Experience.
Take a look at the schedule and decide what you would like to do. Remember that even the best-laid plans can hit snags. Classrooms that hit capacity before you arrive may mean that you can’t participate in your preferred class. Lots of walking inside the Salt Palace (where RootsTech is held) and around town can mean feeling tired and run-down. Take some time to plan out your must-attend sessions and events and your second choices. Schedule some time to take a break or relax.
For more tips on surviving RootsTech, see my GenealogyBank Blog article from last year, Preparing for the RootsTech2017 Genealogy Conference.
Going to RootsTech 2018? Have a great time!
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