RootsTech Conference Beckons Everyone
Contributed By By R. Scott Lloyd Church News staff writer
This year’s RootsTech family history convention March 21–23 will have an increased focus on and appeal to beginners.
Article Highlights
- The RootsTech family history conference is March 21–23 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.
- Register for more than 250 sessions, including a Getting Started track, at rootstech.org.
- In conjunction with the conference, free-of-charge training for members will be available.
“RootsTech has something for everyone, whether an avid genealogist or someone just getting started and interested in telling and sharing personal and family stories or simply to discover the latest technologies and solutions to better connect the family.” —Paul M. Nauta, marketing manager for FamilySearch
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RootsTech, which since its beginning two years ago has rapidly become the largest paid family history conference in the United States, will again convene in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City March 21–23, this time with an increased focus on and appeal to beginners.
“RootsTech has something for everyone, whether an avid genealogist or someone just getting started and interested in telling and sharing personal and family stories or simply to discover the latest technologies and solutions to better connect the family,” said Paul M. Nauta, marketing manager for FamilySearch, the Church’s organization providing service to family history enthusiasts worldwide regardless of religious persuasion.
He described RootsTech as “a unique, world-class forum to discover the latest family history–related tools and techniques to explore, manage, and share your family history or capture and tell your personal story or the many rich and powerful stories of your family.”
Brother Nauta said attendees “can connect with research experts; learn from award-winning storytellers, performers, and speakers; and be inspired in the pursuit to discover and tell their family story.”
Seven keynote speakers will highlight the three-day event, including Elder Dennis C. Brimhall of the Seventy, current president and CEO of FamilySearch International, and Syd Lieberman, nationally acclaimed storyteller, author, and teacher.
Attendance is expected to exceed last year’s event, which attracted more than 4,000 registrants and was seen by more than 50,000 viewers of live streaming sessions.
This year’s event will feature more classes and speakers, including a choice of more than 250 sessions and workshops. A new Getting Started track beckons novice family history enthusiasts.
A full three-day conference pass costs $219, but the Getting Started track is $39. Church members with family history consultant callings can purchase a three-day pass for $99.
In conjunction with the conference, free-of-charge training for priesthood leaders and members in the Church will also be available there and online. For more details and to register, see http://www.rootstech.org/fhcallings. Training will include a sneak peek at new features on FamilySearch.org. Three General Authorities will join with Family History Department staff to teach sessions. Elder Allan F. Packer of the Seventy will give an address at a 9:45 a.m. devotional on Saturday, followed by addresses from Elder Paul E. Koelliker and Elder Bradley D. Foster of the Seventy on the role of family history in the work of salvation. Sister Elaine S. Dalton will speak at a devotional that evening culminating several free activities available for youth. See http://www.rootstech.org/youth for more details and to register.
Another free event will feature the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which will perform a mini-concert in the Salt Lake Tabernacle at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, March 21. “Land That I Love: The Immigration of Irving Berlin” will be the theme of the performance.
To register for RootsTech 2013, go to the conference website at www.rootstech.org. Church members interested in the free training can register at www.rootstech.org/FHcallings.
