{"id":56413,"date":"2020-02-21T10:51:12","date_gmt":"2020-02-21T15:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=56413"},"modified":"2023-09-27T11:39:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T15:39:58","slug":"why-do-you-go-to-rootstech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/why-do-you-go-to-rootstech.html","title":{"rendered":"Why Do YOU Go to RootsTech?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction:<\/em><\/strong> In this article, to help everyone get ready for next week\u2019s RootsTech 2020, Gena Philibert-Ortega writes about the enthusiasm she and her friends share for this annual genealogy conference. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book \u201cFrom the Family Kitchen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you going to RootsTech 2020<\/a> next week (February 27-29, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah)? If you are, you\u2019re probably getting ready for a jam-packed genealogical feast of education, networking, and \u201ca-ha!\u201d moments. If you are not attending in person, remember that you can still partake in the excitement, education, and networking through the online opportunities (paid and free) and the social media posts (make sure to follow the Twitter hashtag #RootsTech and the RootsTech social media accounts @RootsTechConf on Twitter and @RootsTech on Facebook).<\/p>\n

\"Photo:<\/a>
Photo: the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: Brandon Baird; Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Location, Location, Location<\/strong><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no doubt that location is a big consideration when you\u2019re deciding on attending a conference or other genealogical event. Some locations are more popular than others. There are all kinds of reasons why a conference location is important to consider, including cost, weather, and surrounding attractions. It\u2019s no surprise that genealogists want to attend a conference in Salt Lake City, Utah \u2013 especially when the conference is across the street from the Family History Library.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s face it, the Family History Library is one of those bucket list destinations, a place 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 resources not easily available to you otherwise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat RootsTech takes place in Salt Lake City is huge for me. I always stay a week so that I can go to the Family History Library. The Exhibit Hall is fabulous and I spend way too much time there. Finally meeting, face to face, other bloggers and genealogists I\u2019ve only spoken to online. Overall, just a wonderful experience.\u201d
\n–Diane Gould Hall<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Energy and Heart<\/strong><\/p>\n

One thing I hear my Facebook friends say over and over is how meaningful it is to be in a place where everyone \u201cgets it.\u201d Everyone there loves exactly the same thing you are passionate about: family history.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best part about attending RootsTech is having an entire building filled with like-minded individuals. There is ALWAYS someone who is just as excited to hear about the discovery of a 3rd great grandparent as you are!\u201d
\n–Tierra Cotton-Kellow, Professional Genealogist<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is something for everyone, at any stage of genealogy knowledge, from hobbyist to professionals. It also brings in many aspects of family history other than just research \u2013 family stories, entertainment, cultural events \u2013 like someone else mentioned, really emphasizing the Connect-Belong. This year\u2019s theme is \u2018The Story of You,\u2019 which is pretty cool because we often forget that WE are a part of our own genealogy.\u201d
\n–Tami Osmer Mize, ConferenceKeeper<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the energy! I love being surrounded by that buzz of people chatting about all things genealogy. It\u2019s so much more than excellent speakers and classes (which are phenomenal!), and the Expo Hall (I could and do spend a lot of time in there!). It\u2019s the networking and the sharing and the inspiration.\u201d
\n–Sue Thomas McNelly, Professional Genealogist<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Meeting and Networking<\/strong><\/p>\n

Part of the benefit of attending a conference is the educational presentations \u2013 but don\u2019t forget the importance of networking and meeting your favorite genealogy speakers, authors, and social media friends. This is your chance to ask questions, network, and get energized.<\/p>\n

One genealogy friend recently told me how she loved the FamilySearch app because of its \u201cRelatives around Me\u201d feature which allows you to find nearby cousins. RootsTech is the perfect place to use the app, so consider downloading it<\/a> before your arrival at RootsTech.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, there\u2019s the \u2018roots\u2019: connecting with others, networking, finding cousins, making new friends. So much positive energy in every room\u2026 you can feel it as soon as you walk into the conference center. And then there\u2019s the \u2018tech,\u2019 of course. Seeing what\u2019s new in the Expo Hall, trying out new products, getting new ideas. Not attending RootsTech can cause a serious case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), for me, at least!\u201d
\n–Elizabeth Swanay O\u2019Neal, Professional Genealogist<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like coming home: a wonderful place where you meet your \u2018family\u2019 to talk about what is happening in our (business) lives, to share experiences, learn from each other and on top of that all\u2026 have fun with all those who understand why genealogy is our passion and why it is so important for us all.\u201d
\n–John Boeren, Professional Genealogist<\/p>\n

\u201cConnecting with my #RootsTechFamily after 10 years, many strong friendships have been made. It is the most popular genealogy conference of the year. The speakers, the vendors and the chance to connect with so many wonderful people in our field is a priceless opportunity.\u201d
\n–David Allen Lambert, New England Historic Genealogical Society<\/p>\n

\u201cRootsTech is a great place to meet folks on journeys of self-discovery. You get a first-hand view at how people leverage genealogy and DNA testing tools to learn about their family history.\u201d
\n–David Mittelman, DNASolves.com<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sure, There Are Great Talks, but Don\u2019t Miss the Expo Hall<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Expo Hall<\/span> is your chance to ask questions, learn about new genealogy tools, and get ideas. Make a point to take the time to slowly stroll the Hall, talk to vendors, and try new-to-you products and services. In addition to vendors there are professional genealogists to help you in the Trace.com Coaches\u2019 Corner. Other things to do in the Expo Hall include the Demo Theatre, Heirloom Show-and-Tell, and the Discovery Zone.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to stop by the GenealogyBank booth (#827) and ask questions about how to better search for and find your ancestors.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe vendor hall! All of our friends are in there, plus it\u2019s great to check out all the different companies.\u201d
\n–Terri O\u2019Connell, Finding Our Ancestors<\/p>\n

\u201cPersonally, for me it is the vendor floor, which is huge! In addition, the opportunity to network more than usual, plus I love the \u2018here is what\u2019s new\u2019 announcements from all the companies!\u201d
\n–Kristi Sexton, Professional Genealogist<\/p>\n

\u201cTo have all of the vendors in one place is the best for me. I make a point to seek out the smaller ones, for they often have just what I am looking for. Plus, it\u2019s nice to talk to people about genealogy without their eyes rolling back into their head.\u201d
\n–Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, Professional Genealogist<\/p>\n

\u201cI love all the vendors. It\u2019s nice to see so many talented people making new apps and software for the genealogical industry.\u201d
\n–J. Paul Hawthorne, GeneaSpy<\/p>\n

\u201cThe vendors on the show floor. It\u2019s really about inspiration.\u201d
\n–Roberta Estes, Genetic Genealogist-DNAeXplained<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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 products and ideas, the ease of getting around the Salt Palace, the laid-back atmosphere to learn and be exposed to new and different topics, makes RootsTech a favorite of mine!\u201d
\n–Sydney Shaffner Gabel, Genealogist<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

See You at RootsTech!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have to skip this year\u2019s RootsTech? That\u2019s ok, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the conference from home. But if you think you may want to go next year, now\u2019s the time to start planning. Hotels within walking distance of the Salt Palace (where RootsTech is held) or just beyond fill up early. Participants often plan a year in advance to attend. If 2021 is like previous years, look around the end of 2020 to the beginning of 2021 for RootsTech Ambassadors to give away passes to the event. A compilation of those giveaways can be found on the ConferenceKeeper<\/a> website. Winning a pass can help you save some money.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, download the RootsTech app<\/a> and watch previous years\u2019 videos<\/span> on the RootsTech website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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