Monday, January 22, 2018

My Top 10 Reasons for Attending RootsTech 2018






You've most likely seen all the hype about RootsTech, the world's largest genealogy conference being held in Salt Lake City Feb.28-March 3, 2018.
If you are on social media, you have seen posts on Facebook, Instagram messages, and links to information via Twitter and other platforms.
Your favorite blogger may have written several posts discussing the event.
So, if you've seen all these, have you decided to go?
If not, I thought I would share with you why I am going for my third time,

Here's my Top 10 in no particular order. 


Friends Gathering 
Annual Geneabloggers Photo



1-Genfriends
The number of people attending throughout the week can be overwhelming at times but I have found no matter if I am in a lecture, computer class, a luncheon or roaming around the Expo Hall there is always a friendly smiling face WILLING to discuss genealogy!
No eye rolling, no heavy sighs.
Friendships are formed each year with those from all over the world whom I can reach out to for help long after the conference is over.




Lavar Burton
Friday Keynote RootsTech 2017

2-Keynote Speakers
Each day RootsTech begins with a Keynote Speaker. These are individuals from the genealogy community and beyond who have a story to share about their connection to family history.
To see who is speaking this year click on this link Keynote Speakers


David  Allen Lambert
Military Records
2-Speakers
With so many classes available to attend each day, there will be something for you. What do you need to learn more about to move your way up your tree? There's a class for that! Another fun approach is to choose a subject matter you know nothing about or don't think you need, such as German research when you don't have German ancestors. The methodology used may spark ideas on how to break one of your brick walls. The same is true of taking a beginning class even if you are more advanced. There is always something new to learn. Sharpen your skills by taking a variety of classes. Take a look at all that is being offered this year with this link to the schedule




A Computer Lab at RootsTech

3-Computer Labs
Many of us learn better by DOING. Labs provide an opportunity to get hands-on instruction. Instead of talking about a program, you will learn step by step using the technology you are studying.
Check out what's being offered this year with this link to the labs.




Expo Hall


4-Expo Hall
An adventure in itself, the Expo Hall is filled with vendors from every walk of genealogy life.
There are booths selling products, both new and old standards. Opportunities for small group instruction is given by many like Ancestry, Findmypast, FamilySearch, and My Heritage, and a chance to learn about programs like Legacy Family Tree, Family Tree Maker and Roots Magic. Many groups such as The Association of Professional Genealogists, the Board for Certification for Genealogists, the Federation of Genealogical Societies and others will have people available to speak to you about what they have to offer in their respective organizations. 
There will also be many hands-on learning experiences as you walk around the huge hall. 






5-Luncheons
RootsTech offers luncheons each day sponsored by businesses and organizations in the genealogy community. There is an additional cost for these but they are well worth attending not only for the food but the guest speaker. This is another chance to mingle with other genealogists, eat great food, and learn!



Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert
Rootstech 2017
6-Events
When the classes are over for the day there is still more to do. Each year special events are held throughout the week to come together, celebrate and have a good time. These are different every year and have always been a highlight of my trips.



Family History Libary



7-Family History Library
There is no way you can make a trip to Salt Lake City without taking time to go to the Family History Library. Plan some time in your trip to take it all in and do some research. 










Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah
Photo credit: Wikipedia Public Domain


8-Sights Around Salt Lake City
There are many beautiful places to visit while in town. Historical sites, shopping, and the nearby mountains all provide places to get away and enjoy the area. Very close by is Temple Square and City Creek Mall. Both well worth your time to walk though and get a breath of fresh air.


Lunch with Genefriends

9-Eating Out
Salt Lake is home to many great restaurants. If you are from a small town like me, it's nice to discover new places to eat. From small dinners to large full-service restaurants, there are plenty to choose from very near the Convention Center.



Party Time! 

10-It's Just Plain Fun!
How could you not have fun spending the week with other genealogists? From the keynote address at the start of each day to the nightly events, there's always something to do, see and experience.
Get this many genealogists together and your bound to have a good time!



President Dallin H. Oaks and wife Kristen M. Oakes
Keynote Speakers for Family Day
11-But Wait There's One More!
If you are a member of the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saturday's Family Day is for you! Now that is not to say no one else can attend! There will be a jam-packed day of church speakers and information on the spiritual side of genealogy and is held in addition to the regular Saturday RootsTech sessions. A special invitation for the youth to attend and enjoy the many activities in the Expo Hall is a part of the day. Expect to see hundreds of youth roaming the conference center! We need those nextgenners to come, learn and be inspired!

With all these great reasons to meet in Salt Lake for RootsTech 2018 next month, you need to register today! Click here to get started!


If you have been to RootsTech or any other genealogy conference, share what your reasons for going is. If you will be attending Rootstech 2018, let me know and we can plan on seeing each other there!

Thanks for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,







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