RootsTech2024 Countdown - 4 days to go

Hello everyone. Have you been wondering where I've been? It has been a busy year! In my previous post I mentioned that I had started a course of study at the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. The classes there have been great. I am currently working on the Advanced Methodology classes and taking classes in transcription, paleography, and DNA. Once I complete the 14 classes in that track I will start my American Studies and German Studies courses which have 12-14 classes each. My wife is also taking classes and will focus on DNA and English Studies. We also started our genealogy research company called OurAncestories Genealogy. We have been busy working on projects and getting that business started. Of course my speaking engagements have continued with three programs during February and two presentations for RootsTech this week. I have continued working as the Education Director for The Family History Guide and you may have heard we just signed a contract with NGS to be their official education partner. And I was able to write a couple Wiki articles for MyHeritage over the summer. Is that everything? Well, I still continue to work my regular day job and have had frequent trips to South Florida to work with our partners restoring the Everglades. My plan is to retire at the end of 2025 so I can focus more on the genealogy part of my life.

Now to the subject of the post. RootsTech2024 is this week! I am getting prepared to fly to Salt Lake City on Tuesday to get ready for everything that I need to do. I will be speaking at 8:00am MST on Thursday and Friday and my topics will be Using Census, Maps and Newspapers to Enhance Your Research and Adding Social History to Your Family History. Both of my classes will be in-person only.  If you are there in person you may also find me in the Expo Hall where I might be in the Media Hub doing interviews, or at The Family History Guide booth introducing people to their great website, or at the International Institute of Genealogical Studies booth talking to people about genealogy education.

This year, RootsTech will be a hybrid conference with over 150 classes broadcast online and nearly 270 classes in-person. Additionally, there will be presentations from the various exhibitors in the Expo Hall. So what is the cost? Virtual registration and Expo Hall attendance are both FREE! In-person conference attendance is $109 for three days. Classes are available for people of all experience levels and interests. I have some German classes and Artificial Intelligence classes that I am particularly looking forward to seeing while my wife is planning on attending several DNA classes and possibly some Irish classes. You can see the schedule of classes on the RootsTech Schedule page.

RootsTech will have several celebrities present during the event. 

• Henry Cho will be on stage on Thursday. He is a comedian with a variety of appearances on TV and film. 
• Lynne M. Jackson will be on stage on Friday. She is the great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott of the Dred Scott Decision and founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.
• Nancy Borowick will join Lynn M. Jackson on stage on Friday. She is an internationally renowned photographer, author, teacher and speaker.
• Katie James will be joining the virtual portion of RootsTech on Friday afternoon. During her artistic career of more than 15 years she has released 5 albums and has toured stages in Mexico, Italy, Holland, Scotland, the United States, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia.
• Kristin Chenoweth will be on stage for the closing keynote on Saturday. She is an Emmy® and Tony® Award winning actress and singer and she received a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What else can you do at RootsTech?

• Family Discovery Day - All day Saturday. This program is FREE and you can participate in dozens of family discovery activities, watch a shoot out with basketball legend Jimmer Fredette, receive a free copy of the 2024 RootsTech Family Recipes eCookbook, and watch pros play an exhibition pickleball game!
• Archives and Records Custodian Symposium - There will be a variety of live and virtual sessions specifically designed for Archivists during the week.
• Young Adult RootsTech After Party - RootsTech After Party for ages 18–30 Friday evening. See a special address from Elder Kevin S. Hamilton of the Seventy and Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency and stay for live music, dancing, a service project, and family discovery activities
• FamilySearch Tech Forum - This forum is Thursday and will be in-person and broadcast virtually. It is a special forum focused on the offerings of FamilySearch. Hear about the newest innovations FamilySearch has to offer.
• Innovation and Tech Forum 2024 - This forum is Thursday and will be in-person and broadcast virtually. Artificial intelligence is changing family history. Come learn from industry leaders and partners as they share the latest developments created with you in mind.
• The Impact Forum - This forum is Friday and will be in-person and broadcast virtually. Learn about the impact of family history in and beyond the genealogy community. 
• FamilySearch Global Forum - This forum is Saturday and will be in-person and broadcast virtually. Hear from FamilySearch global leadership, including Ann Harrison, Stephen Valentine, Tom Gill, and Michael Colemere as they discuss efforts to make family history accessible world-wide.
• Night at the Expo Hall - On Thursday evening from 6:00-7:30 RootsTech is holding a “Night at the Expo Hall”. The theme is a masquerade ball, and they will have masks for you at the door or you can bring your own masquerade ball mask.
• Pickle Ball Demonstration - There will be a pickle ball demonstration in the Expo Hall on Saturday and some of the players will highlight the importance of remembering our family sports heritage, and how to document it properly is just as important as other family facts.

Check-in begins at noon on Wednesday in the Salt Palace. I recommend that you pick up your registration packet on Wednesday and tour the Salt Palace to see where your favorite classes will be held. That way you are prepared for your first class at 8:00am Thursday (when I am speaking in Ballroom G) and won't have to wait in registration lines.

If you will be joining RootsTech in person remember these basic recommendations:

1. Bring comfortable shoes. You will likely exceed your step goals every day.
2. Bring water and stay hydrated. Salt Lake is a dry environment and staying hydrated is very important (especially for those of us from places like Florida).
3. Dress in layers. The conference rooms are cool and the outside temperature will be in the 30-40F range. Make sure you are prepared for a variety of conditions. There is a coat check area under the main stairway where you can store your heavier items.
4. Have fun! This is the Disney World for genealogists. Attend classes, visit the Expo Hall, see old friends and make new ones. And don't forget to check the Relatives at RootsTech app to see if you have new cousins.