Why Do YOU Go to RootsTech?

Posted On Mar 23, 2020 By admin With Comments Off

Introduction: In this article, to help everyone get ready for next week’s RootsTech 2020, Gena Philibert-Ortega writes about the feeling she and her friends share for this annual genealogy conference. Gena is a genealogist and writer of the book “From the Family Kitchen.”

Are you going to RootsTech 2020 next week( February 27 -2 9, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah )? If “youre gonna”, you’re probably getting ready for a jam-packed genealogical feast of education, networking, and “a-ha! ” times. If you are not attending in person, remember that you can still partake in the commotion, education, and networking through the online possibilities( paid and free) and the social media posts( make sure to follow the Twitter hashtag #RootsTech and the RootsTech social media accountings @RootsTechConf on Twitter and @RootsTech on Facebook ).

Photo: the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: Brandon Baird; Wikimedia Commons.

Not sure what all the hype is about this annual genealogy conference? I know that many of my friends see RootsTech as a must-attend conference year after year. I asked them why they think you should attend.

Location, Location, Location

There’s no doubt that locale is a big consideration when you’re deciding on attending a conference or other genealogical contest. Some places are more popular than others. There are all kinds of reasons why a consultation point is important to consider, including expenditure, brave, and circumventing lures. It’s no surprise that genealogists want to attend a conference in Salt Lake City, Utah- peculiarly when the conference is across the street from the Family History Library.

Let’s face it, the Family History Library is something of those pail register destinations, a lieu that genealogists look forward to visiting. Do yourself a favor and schedule some time to be at the Library so that you can follow up on what you learn at the conference and research aids not easily available to you otherwise.

“That RootsTech makes plaza in Salt Lake City is huge for me. I ever stay a week so that I can go to the Family History Library. The Exhibit Hall is fabulous and I deplete method too much time there. Eventually convening, face to face, other bloggers and genealogists I’ve exclusively spoken to online. Overall, time a wonderful experience.” -Diane Gould Hall

Energy and Heart

One thing I hear my Facebook friends say over and over is how meaningful it is to be in a place where everyone “gets it.” Everyone there adores exactly the same thing you are passionate about: family history.

“The best part about attending RootsTech is having an entire building filled with like-minded people. There is ALWAYS someone who is just as roused to hear about the uncovering of a 3rd great grandparent because you are! ” -Tierra Cotton-Kellow, Professional Genealogist

“There is something for everyone, at any stage of pedigree acquaintance, from hobbyist to professionals. It too creates in many aspects of family history other than time research- household narrations, leisure, racial incidents- like someone else mentioned, actually emphasizing the Connect-Belong. This year’s theme is’ The Story of You, ’ which is pretty cool because we often forget that WE are a part of our own genealogy.” -Tami Osmer Mize, ConferenceKeeper

“It’s the intensity! I adore being surrounded by that sound of people chatting about all things lineage. It’s so much more than excellent orators and years( which are exceptional !), and the Expo Hall( I could and do devote a lot of time in there !). It’s the networking and the sharing and the inspiration.” -Sue Thomas McNelly, Professional Genealogist

Meeting and Networking

Part of the benefit of attending a conference is the educational lectures- but don’t forget the importance of networking and meeting your favorite pedigree orators, writers, and social media friends. This is your chance to ask questions, structure, and get energized.

One pedigree friend recently was just telling me how she desired the FamilySearch app because of its “Relatives around Me” feature which allows you to find nearby cousins. RootsTech is the perfect place to use the app, so consider downloading it before your advent at RootsTech.

“First, there’s the’ roots’: connecting with others, networking, seeing cousins, shaping new friends. So much positive intensity in every apartment … you can feel it as soon as you walk into the conference center. And then there’s the’ tech, ’ of course. Seeing what’s new in the Expo Hall, trying out new makes, going new ideas. Not attending RootsTech can cause a serious case of FOMO( Fear of Missing Out ), for me, at least! ” -Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal, Professional Genealogist

“It’s like coming home: a wonderful place where you meet your’ family’ to talk about what is happening in our( business) lives, to share experiences, learn from each other and on top of that everything … have fun with all those who understand why genealogy is our passion and why it is so important for us all.” -John Boeren, Professional Genealogist

“Connecting with my #RootsTechFamily after 10 years, many strong rapports ought to have constituted. It is the most popular genealogy conference of the year. The orators, the vendors and the chance to connect with so many wonderful parties in our realm is a priceless opportunity.” -David Allen Lambert, New England Historic Genealogical Society

“RootsTech is a great place to meet tribes on outings of self-discovery. You get a first-hand view at how people leverage genealogy and DNA testing implements better understand their family history.” -David Mittelman, DNASolves.com

Sure, There Are Great Talks, but Don’t Miss the Expo Hall

The Expo Hall is your chance to ask questions, learn about brand-new genealogy tools, and get impressions. Make a point to take the time to slowly stroll the Hall, talking about here marketers, and try new-to-you products and services. In addition to merchants there are professional genealogists to help you in the Trace.com Coaches’ Corner. Other things to do in the Expo Hall include the Demo Theatre, Heirloom Show-and-Tell, and the Discovery Zone.

Don’t forget to stop by the GenealogyBank booth (# 827) and ask questions about how to better search for and find your ancestors.

“The vendor hall! All of our friends are in there, plus it’s enormous to check out all the various companies.” -Terri O’Connell, Finding Our Ancestors

“Personally, for me it is the vendor floor, which is huge! In addition, the opportunity to network more than normal, plus I affection the’ here is what’s new’ proclamations from all the companies! ” -Kristi Sexton, Professional Genealogist

“To have all of the marketers in one place is the best for me. I make a point to seek out the smaller ones, for they are usually have just what I was just looking for. Plus, it’s nice to talk to beings about genealogy without their gazes going back into their head.” -Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, Professional Genealogist

“I love all the vendors. It’s nice to see so many talented people determining brand-new apps and software for the genealogical industry.” -J. Paul Hawthorne, GeneaSpy

“The merchants on the demonstrate floor. It’s really about inspiration.” -Roberta Estes, Genetic Genealogist-DNAeXplained

“I attended for the first time in 2019 and I loved it. The app created for RootsTech is fantastic, the Exhibit Hall filled with so many produces and impressions, the simplicity of going around the Salt Palace, the laid-back atmosphere to learn and be exposed to brand-new and different topics, prepares RootsTech a favorite of mine! ” -Sydney Shaffner Gabel, Genealogist

See You at RootsTech!

Have to bounce this year’s RootsTech? That’s ok, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the conference from home. But if you think you may want to go next year , now’s the time to start scheming. Inns within ambling length of the Salt Palace( where RootsTech is held) or precisely beyond fill up early. Participants often scheme a year in advance to attend. If 2021 is like previous years, look around the end of 2020 in the early stages of 2021 for RootsTech Diplomat to give away passes to the event. A compiling of those giveaways is available on the ConferenceKeeper website. Winning a pass can be used to save some money.

In the meantime, download the RootsTech app and watch previous years’ videos on the RootsTech website.

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