Monday, September 18, 2017

RootsTech 2018 is coming

RootsTech 2018 is coming! RootsTech is the largest family history conference in the world, and attending it is a fantastic and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend attending it if possible. If you can't attend in person, some of the sessions will be live streamed, so you will be able to view it from home.

One of last year's keynotes was LeVar Burton, from Roots, Star Trek Next Generation and Reading Rainbow. His talk moved us all to tears. My report of it at the time is available here. Initially, his wonderful and incredibly powerful talk was not available online, but recently it has been published.  I strongly recommend everyone list to it, available here, but make sure you have your tissues ready.

LeVar Burton being presented with his family history
by Thom King of FamilySearch at RootsTech 2017

This year there will be some changes to RootsTech. Firstly, it will now last four full days, Wednesday to Saturday, starting on 28 February 2018. Another change is that the Innovator Summit and Innovator Showdown will be replaced by the Innovator Showcase, which will be part of the general opening ceremonies. It will highlight technology and products for the genealogy industry from around the world.

Up until 15 October 2017 you can nominate your favourite family history related app, product or service by using #RootsTechInnovation on Facebook or Twitter, or visit the Innovation Showcase Page or go directly here.

Following Wednesday’s General Session and Innovation Showcase, the Expo Hall will be open from 6-8 p.m. This will be a chance to look around the hall without missing out on any of the talks going on.

Registrations for RootsTech 2018 will open on September 20. Register soon if you can so you can take advantage of early bird pricing.





Disclaimer: As a Rootstech Ambassador I receive complimentary admission to the event, invitations to some exra events and dinners and a free registration to give to one of my readers. I bear the cost of my return airfares from Australia and pay for my accommodation and meals.