Free access to RootsTech presentations until August 2026

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (7 April 2026) —RootsTech 2026, the world’s largest family history celebration, successfully held its 16th annual event and offered new content in 23 languages. Hosted by FamilySearch, the event drew millions of people in person and online from 235 countries and territories and all 50 states. It offered more than 500 classes, keynotes, an expo hall with more than 200 exhibitors, and the popular Relatives at RootsTech interactive discovery activity. This global experience had millions of participants who made new family connections and viewed millions of ancestral relationships online. Find and share this announcement in the FamilySearch Newsroom.

FamilySearch hosts RootsTech as part of its purpose to help individuals discover more about their heritage and make more family connections—past, present, and future. Although RootsTech 2026 has concluded, many of the sessions are now available on demand for free at RootsTech.org. Users can explore thousands of free online classes and create personalized watchlists of their interests to continue learning and discovering year-round. The RootsTech Online Expo Hall will be available until August 2026.

For further details, read the full press release at https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/rootstech-2026-highlights.

The presentations themselves can be found at https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/library.

Chris

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

RootsTech keynotes announced, and talks programme to be published this week - UPDATED

FamilySearch has announced its keynote speakers for its 2026 RootsTech conference. I personally have no idea who any of them are, but you may well do - full details are available at https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/. 

The virtual keynotes will be available on demand from 13 February 2026, with the rest given at the event itself from 5-7 March 2026. 

FamilySearch has also confirmed that the full talks schedule will be available on its site from Thursday 8 January.

Update: The schedule is now published and available at https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/schedule?day=2026-03-05 

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

RootsTech 2026 registration now open

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

RootsTech by FamilySearch announced today that registration for RootsTech 2026, the world’s largest family discovery event, is now open. The event will be held 5–7 March 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online at RootsTech.org. Select content will be available in multiple languages. Register now for the in-person or online experience and plan to enjoy this one-of-a-kind global family connection and discovery event. 

For the full announcement, visit https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/rootstech-2026-registration-now-open. 

To register for the event, visit https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

FamilySearch's RootsTech 2025 event registration is open

From FamilySearch's RootsTech (https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/):

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (25 September 2024)—RootsTech by FamilySearch is excited to announce that registration for RootsTech 2025 is now open! RootsTech, the premier global family discovery event, will take place from March 6–8, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online at RootsTech.org. Select content will be available in multiple languages. Register or learn more now at RootsTech.org.

This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering an exciting mix of in-person and online events designed to inspire and educate family history enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or just beginning your family discovery journey, RootsTech 2025 has something for everyone. It’s a great place to connect with old friends, make new ones, and expand your social network. RootsTech 2024 attendees made more than 350 million new family connections.

Highlights of RootsTech 2025

• Hundreds of Classes: Choose from a wide variety of online and in-person classes and workshops led by industry experts, covering topics for beginners to advanced research techniques.
• Expo Hall: Explore the latest innovations and products.
• Inspiring Main Stage Sessions: Enjoy presentations from celebrities, influencers, and experts who will share their personal family stories and insights.
• Family Discovery Day: This free event on Saturday, March 8, is filled with fun activities, games, and discovery ideas for the entire family.

Registration Details

• In-Person Conference: Early bird registration is available for just $99 and will increase to $129 on November 1, 2024. Be among the first 1,000 registrants to receive a limited-edition RootsTech pin.
• Online Conference: Receive free access to all virtual sessions and events on RootsTech.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with family history enthusiasts from around the world, and discover new ways to explore your family’s story. Register today at RootsTech.org.

What Is RootsTech?

RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library, or plan to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event. RootsTech 2025 offers a wide range of 200+ sessions, exhibitors, and experiences to help attendees discover, remember, and share their stories. 

Register via https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/.

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

RootsTech 2023 opens for business

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, (2 March 2023)—RootsTech 2023 by FamilySearch, the world’s largest family celebration and genealogy event opens today! The event kicks off this morning at 9:00 MDT at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online at RootsTech.org and runs through Saturday, March 4.  See what’s happening each day of this fun, inspiring, free 3-day event, and create your personalized on-demand playlist of content you would like to watch throughout the year. Hundreds of thousands of connections have already been made.

Now in its 13^th year, the in-person RootsTech event took a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, the online portion of the event grew to more than 3 million participants. This year RootsTech 2023 has returned, bigger and better than ever with both an in-person and online presence that will reach attendees in more than 235 countries and territories with localized content in nearly a dozen languages. 

 

Free Online Viewing

 

The virtual RootsTech conference is available for free on the RootsTech site and has both live-streamed sessions (starting today!) and on-demand content. Virtual attendees can chat with vendors, relatives, professional genealogists, and other RootsTech attendees—and even enjoy a virtual Expo Hall.

 

In-person Event

 

The in-person RootsTech event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah includes some unique classes and experiences that will not be livestreamed or recorded. Attendees can receive in-person help, walk through the Expo Hall to enjoy live demos, and experience the keynote sessions in person. Join us, if you can, to see what surprises are in store! Passes for the live event are at RootsTech.org.

 

Virtual Conference Guide | In-Person Conference Guide

 

Here’s what’s happening in person and online between today and Saturday, March 4, at RootsTech 2023.

 

RootsTech 2023 Keynote Addresses 

 

Always a big draw, the RootsTech keynote speakers bring not only star power but deeply meaningful family stories to waiting audiences. This year the RootsTech 2023 Main Stage will welcome:

 

• Jordin Sparks—Grammy nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter and actress, and the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. 
• Sean Astin—Award-winning actor, producer, and director best known for his role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. 
• Me Ra Koh—Famed photographer featured on Oprah, Live with Kelly & Ryan, and other popular television shows, best-selling author, Disney Channel host, and one of the first 2 women photographers to be Sony-sponsored.
• Steve Rockwood—President and CEO of FamilySearch International will also address the worldwide RootsTech audience focusing on the RootsTech 2023 theme of “Uniting.”
• Actor, comedian, and television host Kirby Heyborne will serve as the RootsTech Main Stage emcee.

 

RootsTech 2023 Class Sessions

 

RootsTech prides itself as a learning platform geared toward helping people everywhere and at every skill level to connect with their family, past and present. RootsTech organizers have gathered experts from across the world who will present more than 200 classes at the in-person conference, and an additional 300+ that will be streamed online or available on-demand for free. The range of topics is truly staggering, varying broadly from basic research and reading records in unfamiliar languages, to DNA and the latest advances in machine learning to help you discover your ancestors in the world’s historical documents. Everyone looking to connect with their family from beginners to experts will find loads of content suited to their tastes. 

 

Classes presented this year will add to the hundreds of classes already available for free from previous RootsTech conferences. To search this vast, free library of family history learning, visit FamilySearch.org/RootsTech/library.

 

RootsTech 2023 Expo Hall

 

The heartbeat of RootsTech 2023 is the massive Expo Hall where more than 125 vendors, including sponsors Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Storied, will offer exhibits for face-to-face and hands-on learning. Anyone is welcome to visit the Expo Hall for free during all 3 days of the in-person event. There is also a virtual expo hall experience featuring more than 30 vendors for online attendees at RootsTech.org. 

 

New this year in the Expo Hall is the RootsTech 2023 Central Park, an oasis of green space in the middle of the exhibit hall where attendees can connect, rest, and engage in stimulating conversation with thousands of like-minded individuals. Fun activities that unite communities with food, music, and the arts will also be available in and around the Central Park space. 

 

Innovation and Tech Forum 2023

 

RootsTech began as a showcase for genealogical technology and a catalyst for innovation. RootsTech 2023 continues that tradition with the Innovation and Tech Forum 2023, a RootsTech Main Stage event hosted by historian, author, broadcaster and professional genealogist, Nick Barett, and featuring Vlada Bortnik, CEO of MarcoPolo, makers of the popular MarcoPolo video chat app. The Innovation and Tech Forum includes a panel discussion with industry leaders highlighting the latest in family history technology. It takes place Thursday, March 2, at 1:30 PM and will be live streamed on RootsTech.org.

 

Relatives at RootsTech

 

Back by popular demand is Relatives at RootsTech 2023, a unique virtual experience that connects attendees worldwide with dozens, if not hundreds, or even thousands, of their living cousins. RootsTech compares the family trees of millions of RootsTech 2023 attendees in person and online to find connections. Then it makes those connections available to registered attendees along with information about how attendees are related and how to contact one another through the FamilySearch.org messaging platform. Relatives at RootsTech for 2023 has been live for more than 2 weeks and will remain active through the end of March. For more information, visit RootsTech.org. 

 

Family Discovery Day 2023 

 

Family Discovery Day is, itself, an event worth experiencing at RootsTech 2023. Family Discovery Day 2023 is a free, fun, in-person event for the entire family offering activities and experiences that can help you and your family unite as you learn more about your family. No registration is required for the in-person or online Family Discovery Day.

What Is RootsTech?

RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.

Find and share this announcement in the FamilySearch Newsroom.

 

(Original press release at https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/rootstech-2023-opens-today-with-worldwide-interest)

Chris

Pre-order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech 2023 registration now open

Registration for RootsTech 2023, which takes place March 2nd-4th 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah, is now open. 

For full details visit https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/rootstech-2023-registration-open.

Chris

My new book Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records is now available to buy at https://bit.ly/IrishLandRecords. Also available - Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech 2023 will be both online and attendance based

FamilySearch's flagship US conference, RootsTech (www.familysearch.org/rootstech/home), is returning to an attendance based event next year:

It’s Back! RootsTech 2023 Will Include Online and In-Person Event

RootsTech 2023 will include an in-person event in Salt Lake City, Utah that complements its online event.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—RootsTech, the world’s largest family history gathering is back in 2023 with an in-person event in Salt Lake City to complement its massive online conference. Mark your calendars for March 2–4, 2023, to join millions of virtual and in-person attendees for inspiring keynote addresses, instructive classes, innovative technologies, and most of all, the ability to connect people to their family—past, present, and future.

FamilySearch is thrilled to continue the legacy of hosting RootsTech in the effort of uniting families. The 2023 event marks the 13th year of this global gathering. In 2022, over 3 million people participated online. Since the beginning, innovation has been a guiding principle for RootsTech. Each year, the event organizers adapt the content to appeal to people worldwide and to stay current. The 2023 event will be no different.

 “We feel compelled to keep learning and evolving,” said Jen Allen, RootsTech event director. “We are constantly seeking new ideas to help expand reach outside the industry and create engaging and educational experiences for RootsTech attendees.”

The 2023 event will welcome speakers from all over the world covering a host of genealogy-related subjects. There are many announcements yet to come about RootsTech 2023, but Allen said the virtual experience will remain free and open to everyone all over the world. The in-person event will have a cost (to be determined) associated with registration and will feature exclusive classes with enhanced features like live Q&As or in-depth workshops and case studies. In addition, the in-person event will have unique connection experiences and of course, the energetic expo hall, which is a favorite of past RootsTech attendees.

Allen said that participants will enjoy invaluable experiences discovering family connections, regardless if they attend virtually or in-person. “We are excited to continue to serve the millions of people who attend virtually each year and look forward to welcoming those who will attend in-person in Salt Lake City.” 

For more information or to sign up for updates, visit RootsTech.org. 

(Source: https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/rootstech-2023-will-be-online-and-in-person)

Chris

My new book Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records is now available to buy at https://bit.ly/IrishLandRecords. Also available - Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech 2022 now underway

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (3 March 2022)—More than one million people from over 225 countries and territories are looking for new family connections and discoveries at RootsTech 2022 online (March 3-5, 2022). The popular, free virtual event celebrates family heritage and offers over 1,500 ways to participate, including learning sessions, celebrity keynotes, cultural activities, an interactive expo hall, live discussion forums, innovative product demonstrations, and free family history consultations. Join the fun now at RootsTech.org.

RootsTech 2022 is in its 11th year and is the largest event of its kind with over one million participants and many more expected. The fun line-up of celebrity keynotes includes Stranger Things’ Matthew Modine, Girl Meets Farm star Molly Yeh, and Argentine Grammy winner, Diego Torres. Visit the RootsTech main stage to view the full schedule of daily keynote speakers.

Jonathan Wing, manager for the RootsTech main stage, said a goal for 2022 was to create content that resonates with participants personally. “In 2021, our first all-virtual event, we learned a lot about how people consume online content. They want shorter, more engaging content,” said Wing.   

At RootsTech 2022, Wing said this learning was applied to some of the keynote speakers who will be featured on the RootsTech virtual mainstage. “We decided to take a more personal approach with some of our keynote speakers. In these instances, we are there, with them, in their homes, in their space, in their hometowns, hearing their personal stories about family and connection. It was very special. It was a very different feeling. I’m excited for viewers to see it. When they (keynotes) are surrounded by reminders of all their stories and the personal memories that have influenced them, it’s a very different viewing experience,” mused Wing.

RootsTech 2022 offers more than 1,500 learning sessions on 185 topics in more than 30 languages.  Viewers can create custom playlists of sessions they would like to watch now or later during the year. Popular topics include DNA, family history search, research help, technology, travel, storytelling, and connection.

Relatives at RootsTech is another fun experience where online participants can discover their connections with relatives around the world. The feature shows how participants are related and gives them a way to connect if desired. The experience will be available until March 26, 2022.

RootsTech is hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA. The interactive RootsTech Expo Hall features 100 sponsors and exhibitors. Although virtual, the Expo Hall experiences allow participants to watch exciting, innovative, and informative product demonstrations and to interact with exhibitors live online.

Join the fun, and make new family connections now at RootsTech 2022, March 3-5, 2022, at RootsTech.org.

The RootsTech presentations are available at https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech

Chris

My new book Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records is now available to buy at https://bit.ly/IrishLandRecords. Also available - Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

What to Expect from FamilySearch in 2022

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

What to Expect from FamilySearch in 2022
Making personal family discoveries while volunteering online

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—Consumers love a sneak peek at the fun products and features planned for the upcoming year. Consumers in the expanding family history market are no different, and FamilySearch loves giving them something to enable more personal family connections. In 2022, FamilySearch will introduce a marriage of artificial intelligence and crowdsourcing that is sure to deliver millions of inspiring family discoveries for years to come; plus some fun, new international tree features.

FamilySearch Crowdsourcing

Hundreds of thousands of online volunteers have produced nearly 2 billion searchable online records since 2007 using FamilySearch crowdsourcing technology.  The result of these efforts are free, highly searchable name indexes that enable anyone to instantly find information about an ancestor at FamilySearch.org.

The challenge of late has been how to create these searchable name indexes as fast as FamilySearch is digitizing the world’s historical family history records. Part of the answer is engaging more online volunteers. To do this, FamilySearch is offering new mobile technology and personalizing the experience so more volunteers can contribute in ways that are personally relevant to them.

“What if online volunteers could conveniently participate using their mobile phones? What if the records they help make more discoverable online were relevant to their personal family tree? What if meaningful contributions only took a few minutes to complete? What if the experience was in the volunteer’s native language? Those are some of the unique benefits of upcoming upgrades to the online volunteer experience. We are merging the lines between volunteering and making personal family history discoveries,” said Ian James, a FamilySearch product manager.

This is the vision for the new online volunteer experience and integrated mobile app FamilySearch will unveil at RootsTech Connect 2022. FamilySearch believes these new experiences, expanding volunteer involvement globally, along with more technological capabilities under development, will exponentially increase access to the world’s historical records and enable millions more personal family discoveries.  

Online volunteers have already made invaluable collections like the 1790 to 1940 US Censuses freely searchable online. Imagine what they will do with projects like the 1950 US Census and many more historical records collections from patrons’ homelands using FamilySearch’s new online volunteer experiences!

FamilySearch Handwriting Recognition Artificial Intelligence

FamilySearch works with archives all over the world to help digitally preserve and expand online access to their genealogical records. In 2022, FamilySearch will be unveiling some exciting developments utilizing handwriting recognition artificial intelligence and records access technology to make impressive additions to the number of searchable ancestor names found in genealogical records at FamilySearch.org.

These emerging technologies will enable FamilySearch to make ancestral information hidden in its billions of digital images of historical records more discoverable—in a fraction of the time currently required.

“We’ve been implementing our new records access technologies in Spanish-speaking countries for the past year. We are very pleased with the results. We’ve been able to produce in one year what would have otherwise taken us a hundred years to do with previous technology.  We are excited to unveil it at RootsTech 2022 along with our expansion plans,” said John Alexander, a FamilySearch product manager for the emerging technology.

Alexander said the new handwriting recognition technology, coupled with the new online volunteer experiences and integration with a patron’s FamilySearch Family Tree, will dramatically increase personal discoveries and access to the world’s records.

FamilySearch Asian Pedigree Feature

A continual focus of FamilySearch is to help meet the needs of its growing base of international customers. In 2022 FamilySearch will deliver a new family tree visualization and documentation tool for its patrons with Asian ancestry. The Asian pedigree or “First Ancestor View” in the FamilySearch Family Tree will better reflect the record-keeping traditions and processes of Asian cultures that view their ancestors in a “top-down tree” perspective.

“Asia is an exciting segment for us,” said Mitch Wasden, a FamilySearch outreach manager.  “We want to give people around the world the tools they need to help them to collaboratively create the ‘Family Tree of Humankind.’ This feature will give people with Asian ancestry a FamilySearch.org tree-building experience equal to those in other areas of the world.”

FamilySearch Middle East North Africa Family Tree

FamilySearch teams have been spending time in Africa and the Middle East getting to understand these cultures and their needs. For example, individual families in these regions may not be accustomed to documenting, visualizing, and sharing their family relations in the context of a “tree.” FamilySearch is delivering a new experience in 2022 tailored to patrons from Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East to artistically preserve and illustrate their family history in a variety of beautiful printable keepsakes. It will be offered through a mobile and web app that requires very little bandwidth or phone storage memory. Learn more, follow, and share these Family Tree initiatives at FamilySearch.org/Africa and FamilySearch.org/MENA (Middle East and North Africa).

Discover your ancestors for free today at FamilySearch.org.

Register for RootsTech Connect 2022 (March 3–5) for free and be the first to learn more about these new FamilySearch features.

(Source: https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/what-to-expect-familysearch-2022)

Chris

My new book Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records is now available to buy at https://bit.ly/IrishLandRecords. Also available - Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Registration open for RootsTech 2022

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org) 

FamilySearch opened registration today for RootsTech 2022, the largest family history event in the world held online March 3–5, 2022. It offers a forum where people of all ages across the globe are inspired to discover and share their memories and make meaningful connections. Register for free at www.rootstech.org today. RootsTech 2022 will be a virtual-only experience, with some enhancements and improvements.

A new set of educational classes will be featured during 2022, along with new technologies to explore in the virtual expo hall, and inspiring stories shared by a fascinating line-up of keynote speakers.

“RootsTech 2022 is sure to be an incredible experience once again” said Jen Allen, event director for RootsTech. “Earlier this year, we organized our first-ever virtual event amid a pandemic—something we never thought would happen. But as we watched the participants come together to provide joyful learning experiences in many different languages, we knew something special was taking shape.”

Classes for the event will have a mix of on-demand, livestream, and interactive sessions that will allow attendees to learn, grow and connect to people all over the globe. Participants will also be able to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, experts, and enthusiasts. In 2022, the planners of RootsTech are looking to take that experience to the next level.

RootsTech is a place of connection. “We witnessed incredible connections [in 2021] between participants all over the world,” said Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch. “As they connected to their homelands and ultimately to their families, they then connected to each other. At FamilySearch, we choose connection, and we witness every day the ways family history transcends all walls of separation and unites us as the true story of humanity unfolds.”

While there will always be some differences between the in-person and online experiences, RootsTech will continue to expand its online experience while working towards a time when the hybrid model of both can once again be offered.

“We are busy creating innovative ways to capture and share messages of culture, unity and connection that push the boundaries of what a virtual conference can be. We can’t wait to share what we’ve got in store,” added Allen.

The event will take place March 3–5, 2022, and you can register for RootsTech right now by visiting www.rootstech.org. The conference is free and open to anyone. For updates, be sure to follow RootsTech on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

(Original press release at https://media.familysearch.org/ready-to-connect-rootstech-2022-registration-is-now-open)

Chris

My new book Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records is now available to buy at https://bit.ly/IrishLandRecords. Also available - Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech in 2022 to be a virtual event again

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

RootsTech Connect 2022 Aims to Repeat Success

RootsTech 2022 Announces Dates FamilySearch today announced that RootsTech Connect 2022 will take place on March 3–5, 2022, as a fully virtual family history event. After welcoming over one million visitors from over 240 countries to its 2021 online event, RootsTech Connect 2021 was the largest in the history of RootsTech, and spectacular proof of humanity’s interest globally in discovering our roots and connecting to each other. Building on its success, RootsTech Connect 2022 will remain completely virtual and free. Registration will open in September 2021.

“We were humbled with the response to an all-virtual RootsTech, and so grateful to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and attendees who participated,” said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch International CEO. “We heard from thousands of people from all over the globe that the 2021 online experience allowed them to participate for the first time and enjoy the power of learning and connecting virtually. And it created an expansive online archive for learning that is now available for free all year long. It’s an incredible resource, and we are excited about what we’re planning for 2022.”

RootsTech Events Online and In-person

The in-person events anticipated for London this fall and Salt Lake City in 2022 will not take place. For future events (2023 and beyond), RootsTech plans on offering a hybrid online and in-person model with content that is expanded and accessed throughout the year. Rockwood said the in-person events are part of the RootsTech experience and will be reevaluated each year as RootsTech continues to seek the best opportunities to expand connections with audiences worldwide. 

For the full press release visit https://media.familysearch.org/rootstech-connect-2022-aims-to-repeat-success/. Registration will open in September.

Chris

Just out, Sharing Your Family History Online is on sale at https://bit.ly/SharingFamHist. Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 is also out, as are Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Rootstech Connect 2021 kicks off from 25-27 February

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org.uk):

Free Virtual RootsTech Event Connects Families Worldwide

RootsTech Connect 2021 will over 2,000+ on-demand videos for free.Constraints breed innovation—and that is the mindset of the creative geniuses behind RootsTech Connect—the world’s largest family history discovery event that kicks off today at RootsTech.org (25-27 February 2021, 4:00 a.m. GMT, 9:00 p.m. MST). For the first time ever, it’s completely virtual and free. Find out more at RootsTech.org.

The global pandemic served as an accelerant for the popular annual conference (usually hosted in Salt Lake City and London) to go virtual. The challenge was how to create an online platform that would deliver RootsTech’s signature in-person, highly sociable and interactive experience in a free, all-virtual online model, in 11 languages, simultaneously across all time zones, 24 hours a day for 3 days. The RootsTech Connect team believes they’ve done it. More than 500,000 people from 237 countries and territories have already registered for the free buffet of celebrity keynote speakers, the thousands of sessions, and dynamic chat opportunities that celebrate family connections and help make family history discoveries fun.

RootsTech is an annual international event that has drawn people worldwide who are seeking to make family connections. For the past 10 years, research experts, companies, and attendees gather to provide tech solutions, share genealogical expertise, and offer discovery tips and hacks to tens of thousands of ardent and curious ancestral roots seekers.

The innovative new RootsTech website introduces an exciting platform that enables attendees to interact in dynamic chat forums in 11 languages and create playlists from more than 1,000 video sessions and hundreds of additional video digital assets that they can watch on-demand following the event. Attendees can watch content “live” on the main stage, interact with vendors virtually in the Expo Hall, see if they are related to any of the hundreds of thousands of attendees globally, get one-on-one family history help, or experiment with fun, new tech ideas in the Innovators Portal. And it’s amazingly all free—no ads, no strings attached.

“The pandemic, with its restraints against gathering physically, gave us an incredible opportunity to find a way to do what we aspire to do—but totally online. And that is to inspire so many more people worldwide through personal family discovery experiences,” said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch CEO, the hosting organization of RootsTech.

Rockwood said RootsTech Connect 2021 creates opportunities for people to learn from specialists, get answers to their family history questions, and make meaningful family connections.

Highlights of the New RootsTech Connect 2021 All-Virtual Platform

Main Stage. RootsTech Connect will feature uplifting messages from celebrity keynote speakers and industry experts from around the world. It will be broadcast 24 hours a day for 3 days in 11 languages.

My Playlist. The RootsTech session schedule is now live. With nearly 2,000 sessions and other video assets, you won’t be able to watch everything you want in the 3 days of RootsTech—even if you are an insomniac. The Playlist feature (somewhat like Netflix) allows you to easily add content of interest to you into your personalized playlist on the site. You will have until the next RootsTech event to enjoy your selections.

Explore Sessions. Content is compiled with a variety of tags or categories, so you can quickly find content that pertains to your needs or interests. You can search by language; geographic region; speaker; Finding Living Family; Ancestors; DNA; Researching Places and Records; Memories—Stories, Photos, and Video; Traditions and Heritage; Websites, Tech Tools and Apps; and Entertainment and Events.

Relatives at RootsTech (Connect). The essence of RootsTech is making fun, inspiring family connections. Who better to connect with than your own relatives worldwide? RootsTech attendees, if they choose, will be able to discover and start connecting with relatives attending RootsTech. With hundreds of thousands of registrants, the possibilities of making a connection are high.

Expo Hall. Companies with family history-related products and services from around the world will help you discover your unique story. Explore new product demonstrations, receive personal assistance, and take advantage of exclusive opportunities.

Innovators Portal. If you like to know the latest innovative technology in the family history and genealogy product segment, this feature is for you. Watch emerging product demos and be among the first to “test drive” some of them.

Guide Me. Not sure where to start? The Guide Me feature conveniently compiles popular sessions on various topics for you, for example, Getting Started, Discovery, or Archivist.

RootsTech Connect 2021 is a free 3-day virtual event, but registration is required to participate in many of the experiences and view on-demand content.

RootsTech Connect 2021 will be hosting Family Discovery Day virtually and  Our Quest for Connection, a RootsTech experience designed for youth and young adults to connect with each other, relatives, friends, and ancestors. 

(Source: https://media.familysearch.org/free-virtual-rootstech-event-connects-families-worldwide/)

Chris

Just out, Sharing Your Family History Online is on sale at https://bit.ly/SharingFamHist. Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 is also out, as are Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Further keynote speakers at RootsTech 2021

From RootsTech (www.rootstech.org):

More Inspiring RootsTech 2021 Keynote Speakers Announced

RootsTech Connect 2021—the world’s largest event celebrating family—announces a diverse group of keynote speakers, who hail from England, India, and Uruguay. Speakers include Erick Avari, an award-winning performer in music, opera, theater, and film; Uruguayan former professional footballer Diego Lugano; and a top BBC serial drama actress who first came to prominence as a teenager, Sunetra Sarker.

RootsTech Connect, to be held on 25–27 February 2021, is a free online conference to discover, share, and celebrate family and heritage connections.

Erick Avari, born in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, is an Indian American television, film, and theater actor, writer, director and producer. He has performed in grand opera, on and off Broadway, in regional theaters, and in Hollywood blockbuster films, hit TV series, and award-winning independent films such as The Chosen. He is best known for his roles in Stargate, Independence Day, The Mummy, Daredevil, Planet of the Apes, and Mr. Deeds. Avari has been a trailblazer for a generation of South Asian actors in Hollywood. As part of his fight against stereotypical casting, he has convincingly played more than two dozen ethnicities.

Diego Lugano is a Uruguayan former professional footballer (soccer player) for many clubs in South America and Europe. He played in 95 matches as a member of the Uruguayan soccer team from 2003 to –2014. In 2010 and 2014, he captained the Uruguayan squad in the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup. His career began at the Club Nacional de Fútbol of Canelones in 1999. During his career, he played for Plaza Colonia, Fenerbahçe S.K., Paris Saint Germain, Málaga, West Bromwich Albion, BK Häcken, Cerro Porteño of Paraguay, and São Paulo. He has supported many causes defending the rights of children. He is now the superintendent of Institutional Relations of São Paulo FC.

Sunetra Sarker is an award-winning actress born in Liverpool, England, to Hindu parents. Her first acting success came at age 15, when she was cast as Nisha Batra on the Channel 4 serial drama Brookside. Her career took off, and during the next three decades she acted in an array of television series, earning awards for her performances, including an award for Best TV character at the Asian Media Awards. During her career, she made time for school, graduating in IT and French from Brunel University. She is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), to support, develop, and promote excellence in film, games, and television and creative talent in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Learn more and register for RootsTech Connect 2021 for free at RootsTech.org. 

Chris

Pre-order my next book, Sharing Your Family History Online, at https://bit.ly/SharingFamHist. My book Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 is also out, as are Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech 2021 to be a free virtual event

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

FamilySearch Announces RootsTech Connect 2021: A Free Global Virtual Event

FamilySearch is thrilled to announce that the RootsTech 2021conference previously planned for February 3–6, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, will now be held on February 25–27, 2021, as a free, virtual event online. RootsTech Connect 2021 will enable attendees to participate from around the world and will feature inspiring keynote speakers, dozens of classes in multiple languages, and a virtual marketplace. Reserve your place today for free at RootsTech.org.

“The pandemic is giving us the opportunity to bring RootsTech to a broader audience worldwide,” said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch International CEO. “A virtual event also allows us to expand our planning to truly make this a global celebration of family and connection.”

RootsTech Connect 2021 will be global in scope while offering many experiences that attendees have come to know and love from RootsTech events—including inspirational keynote speakers, dozens of classes to choose from, and an expo hall.

Throughout the three-day online event, attendees will have the ability to interact with presenters, exhibitors, and other attendees through live chat and question and answer sessions.

“Classes will be taught in many languages, and presenters will teach from a number of international locations,” said Rockwood. “We will celebrate cultures and traditions from around the world, with activities that the audience can participate in from home—such as homeland cooking demonstrations, storytelling, and music performances. This is one virtual event you won’t want to miss.”

RootsTech Connect 2021 will offer a combination of both livestream and on-demand content to accommodate differences in time zone for participants. In addition, sessions will be available to view on-demand after the event concludes.

Rockwood says that FamilySearch is looking forward to the opportunity to deliver the signature RootsTech experience and helping tens of thousands of participants worldwide to discover, gather, and connect their family story.

RootsTech hopes to gather in-person again in the future but anticipates the RootsTech Connect virtual opportunity will become a regular addition to the event.

Register for free at www.rootstech.org.

(Source: https://media.familysearch.org/familysearch-announces-rootstech-connect-2021-a-free-global-virtual-event/)

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course starts August 31st - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. My book Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 is now out, also available are Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech London 2020 postponed

From FamilySearch (www.familyseacrh.org):

RootsTech London Postponed to 2021

In consideration of COVID-19, FamilySearch International announced today that the RootsTech conference planned for London 5–7 November 2020, will be postponed until the fall of 2021.

The health and safety of all RootsTech London attendees, exhibitors, and speakers is the highest priority of FamilySearch International.

Those who have already registered for the event will be issued refunds.

To receive announcements and other updates regarding RootsTech London, please visit rootstech.org/london.

RootsTech in Salt Lake City is still scheduled for 3–6 February 2021.

Chris

You can pre-order my new book, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 (out April). Also available, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Rootstech to return to London in November 2020

From Rootstech (www.rootstech.org):

RootsTech Returns to London in 2020, Opens Early Registration.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (26 February 2020)—FamilySearch is excited to announce that RootsTech will return to London in 2020. The three-day event will be held on 5–7 November 2020 at the ExCeL London Convention Centre. Learn more about RootsTech London 2020, or register at RootsTech.org/London.

“RootsTech London 2019 was a pilot test for us, and it was a tremendous experience,” said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch International CEO. “The event proved to be a great way to bring people from all around the world together to celebrate the joy of family discovery.”

Attendees made connections and personal discoveries, and businesses formed new relationships and partnerships—all critical to the growth of the family history industry internationally.

“We’re excited to build upon what we learned and expand the event further at RootsTech London 2020,” said Rockwood.

In 2019, nearly 10,000 attendees from 42 countries participated, with another 1,300 people tuning in remotely online. More than 60 exhibitors demonstrated their products and services in the exhibition hall.

RootsTech London 2020 will offer inspirational keynote speakers and more than 150 informative classes taught by industry experts across the three-day event. The exhibition hall will host companies from around the world showcasing a wide variety of family and family history-related solutions and services. The full conference programme and keynote speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“RootsTech London is for everyone,” said Jen Allen, event director. “We’re focused on providing opportunities for all to discover their family and deepen their sense of belonging and connection. Whether you’re an experienced family historian or just a little curious and want to learn things about yourself or your family that you’ve never known before, there’s something for you at RootsTech.”

(With thanks to FamilySearch - original news release at https://media.familysearch.org/rootstech-returns-to-london-in-2020-opens-early-registration/)

Chris

You can pre-order my new book, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 (out April). Also available, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.