Tag Archives: Conference

RootsTech Connect 2022

Following the hugely succesful, first-ever, virtual RootsTech Connect conference held earlier this year, FamilySearch has announced that RootsTech Connect 2022 will take place 3-5 March 2022. And once again, it will be a fully virtual family history event.

No one could have forseen the massive success that this year’s event ocassioned. With an attendance of over one million visitors from over 240 countries, 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. Registration will open in September 2021.

There is always a silver lining

In February 2021, I will once again be attending the annual RootsTech genealogical conference held in Salt Lake City. However, unlike past years, I will not be booking international flights or accommodation. Instead, from February 25 to 27, I’ll simply be walking from my bedroom to my study and attending RootsTech Connect 2021 virtually!

The advent of COVID-19 this year and resultant travel restrictions in place, has completely changed the way we currently go about our lives and our family history research. And while we might not be able to physically meet up with our research buddies in Salt Lake City, we are able to catch up with them online thanks to modern technology.

RootsTech Connect 2021 will be a massive event allowing attendees to participate from anywhere in the world. And the best news – it’s free!

FamilySearch are guaranteeing that RootsTech Connect 2021 will:

  • offer a combination of both livestream and on-demand content to accommodate different time zones;
  • classes will be taught in many languages, and presenters will teach from a number of international locations;
  • there will be a virtual marketplace; and
  • attendees will be able to interact with presenters, exhibitors, and other attendees through live chat and question and answer sessions

Covid-19 might have turned our lives upside down but with RootsTech Connect 2021 – there is always a silver lining.

Family History Down Under

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic has put paid to any plans I may have entertained of overseas travel within the next 12 months. Instead, I am looking forward to staying in Australia and participating in local conferences.

And thanks to Unlock the Past, a highlight will be the Family History Down Under conference taking place 22-26 March 2021 at the fabulous Sunshine Coast Convention Centre and Novotal Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel, Twin Waters, Queensland.    

The initial line up of international speakers is amazing:

Blaine Bettinger 

Judy G Russell 

David Rencher  

Cyndi Ingle 

Paul Milner 

Mia Bennett 

Maurice Gleeson 

Angie Bush 

Chris Paton 

Between them they share a rich and rewarding genealogical expertise covering Irish, Scottish, English, DNA, General and Methodology research and the problem for me is going to be how I can be in several places at the same time to attend every presentation without missing anything.

Unlock the Past have a terrific worth ethic and their experience in putting together great genealogy conferencing is second to none. With hundreds of talks, optional workshops, an exhibition hall, pre-conference tours and more, Family History Down Under 2021 will also see the introduction of casual breakfast and dinner talks.

Fun, food and friends all wrapped up with genealogy – you can’t wish for anything better.

#FHDU2021

DNA Down Under Roadshow

When I had to pull out of the Unlock The Past Alaskan Inside Passage genealogy cruise last year, my biggest disappointment was missing out on Maurice Gleeson and Michelle Patient’s DNA presentations as well as the “The Genetic Genealogist” Blaine Bettinger’s preconference day in Seattle.

So, immediately I found out that UTP was doing a DNA Down Under roadshow it didn’t take long to book myself in. And the best part – the Sydney conference will be held over 3 days!

Supporting international speaker Blaine Bettinger, is a lineup of Australian DNA “Royalty” – Louise Coakley, Helen Smith, Michelle Patient, Kerry Farmer and Fiona Brooker.

The Sydney conference is being held Thursday-Saturday, 29 to 31 August at the Castle Hill RSL Club and I was able to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing of $275 (ends 30 April after which the fee will increase to $335) and includes a light lunch and morning and afternoon tea for each day.

A preliminary programme is now available and, with three streams running concurrently, it is going to be very hard deciding which presentations to attend.

This event is for everyone including those who:

  • have not done a test yet and want to know how DNA can help
  • have tested but are not sure what to do next
  • have gone further, but know there is more to learn
  • consider themselves expert, or on the way there, but who want to learn more from the very best 

Prior to Sydney, the Roadshow will also be visiting Brisbane (14 August), Perth (17 August), Adelaide (20 August), Melbourne (23 August) and Canberra (26 August) with an Early Bird price of $125.

If you have any interest in DNA then this is an absolute must attend event.