A Look Ahead to RootsTech 2023

Have you watched all the videos from RootsTech Connect 2022? Probably not since there are more than 1,500 sessions on 85 topics in over 30 langauages. But you still have 5 months until a new set of videos are available for RootsTech 2023.

RootsTech 2023 is scheduled for March 2-4, 2023. It will be both virtual and in-person, so you will still have the opportunity to watch from home or you can travel to the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City to watch the speakers live. The in-person conference is $98 for all three days while the virtual conference is FREE! When you visit the website, you can subscribe to receive email or text announcements about RootsTech. They plan to open registration on October 6. Registration will be important for those hoping to be in-person since there will be a limit on the number of attendees. However, there is no limit on the number of virtual attendees. But even if you intend on attending virtually, you should register since that will activate enhanced features that you won't be able to access if you aren't registered.

Each year there is a RootsTech app. The app for RootsTech 2023 is expected to be released in February a couple weeks before the conference.

The theme for RootsTech 2023 is "Uniting" and they hope to bring inspiring experiences for all during the conference. They currently have over 200 virtual calsses in 42 languages scheduled but this should increase as more topics and speakers are suggested. You can even suggest a speaker for the line up.

There will be some differences between the virtual and in-person experience. For example, some live classes will not be broadcast on the virtual platform. Sessions will be catered for your location so you don't have to wake up at 2:00 am to see your favorite speaker if you are watching virtually. The virtual platform is expected to allow for watch parties and many talks will be on demand. People who are attending in-person will be able to access the virtual platform to watch classes.

Why should you consider attending RootsTech in-person?

1. You get to meet the speakers and vendors and ask them questions or just have a conversation. 
2. The excitement of the event and meeting all of your favorite genealogists and friends.
3. There are many small classes that occur in areas like the Expo Hall which aren't available virtually.

Why should you consider attending RootsTech virtually?

1. It is much cheaper. 
1. Hotel rooms in the area range from about $200 to over $500 per night.
2. Airline flights can be several hundred to several thousand dollars.
3. Registration for the virtual conference is free.
4. You don't have to go out for food. You can just grab a sandwich from your refrigerator.
2. You can watch much of the conference on demand. I know my schedule when I attend in-person is usually waking up at 4:00 or 5:00 am and getting back to my hotel room at 11:00 pm.
3. You can have watch parties with your friends and family.

I am a RootsTech Influencer for the 2023 conference. As part of my responsibilities, I will be providing updates on a regular basis and will have important announcements and prizes, including a free 3-day RootsTech pass. Follow me for the next couple months to learn more about RootsTech 2023.

You can watch the RootsTech Announcement on Youtube or the article at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom to get more information.