Last Minute Tips for RootsTech 2025

Whether you’re going in-person or attending virtually, here are my last-minute tips for RootsTech 2025, which is happening March 6-8, 2025

The last time I wrote “last-minute tips for RootsTech” was back in 2020. Wow, things have changed! Yet, in many ways, RootsTech is the same. It’s an inspiring in-person conference in a bustling city nestled in the gorgeous Wasatch mountains.

However, RootsTech 2025 is also a world-wide virtual conference. Here are some recommendations.

Opt in for Relatives at RootsTech

The “Relatives at RootsTech” app helps you discover whether you are related to any other conference goers. This works best if you’ve built out your family tree on FamilySearch.org, because that’s the data the app uses.

For even more entertainment, check out Elizabeth O’Neal’s (my 10th cousin) post, 5 Things to do with the Relatives at RootsTech.

Don’t Forget to Download Syllabuses

By syllabus, RootsTech means handouts. Speakers are required to submit these in advance, so you’ll find one for every class. You can even take notes on your downloads in the app!

Looking at the syllabus of a class can help you decide if you think it’s a good option for your skill sets. The app and the website will also sort classes by beginner and advanced classes.

Plan to Visit the Exhibition Hall

Study a map of the expo hall (it’s on the RootsTech App) and make a plan of attack. With hundreds of exhibitors from around the world, you don’t want to miss anything. You can visit it virtually or in-person and chat with vendors and see product demos.

In-Person: Download the RootsTech Mobile App

The app will be in-person attendees’ best friend. You can download the app here or search for RootsTech 2025 in your IOS or Android app store.  If you had the app last year, it may auto-update.

The mobile app can enhance your experience, providing an Expo Hall map, pushing important announcements, class schedules, speaker, and speaker profiles. It can help you plan your schedule and choose between sessions.

Important note: Class times are listed in local (Salt Lake City or Mountain) time in the app, so if you’re planning to be in Salt Lake City, that’s super helpful. The website, however, shows you the time events happen in your time zone. That’s because the website is designed for the virtual experience.

Remember, Salt Lake City is in Mountain time or GMT -7. You can use https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ to calculate the schedule in your time zone.

In person attendees: Make the FamilySearch Library part of your RootsTech Experience.

Part of the allure of Salt Lake City for family historians is a visit to the world-famous library. Formerly known as the Family History Library, the FamilySearch library will have extended hours Monday, March 3–Saturday March 8. They will open at 9:00 am and close at 8:00 p.m. What’s more, they offer a free shuttle from the Salt Palace and the library.

They’ve continued with their renovations, so check it out even if you’ve been before.  The library also offers “Memory Lane,” where you can digitize photos, videos, and more. If you’re driving, consider bringing some media with you.

Check Out My Classes if you’re in-person

• Practical Tools for Family History Writers – Friday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. MST in 255 BC
• Navigating Sensitive Topics: Writing about Difficult Chapters of the Family’s History – Saturday, March 8, 9:30 a.m. MST in 255D

Health and Safety

As in all other years comfortable shoes are a must as is drinking plenty of water. In the media briefing this week, locals mentioned that COVID is going around again, so be cognizant of that.

#NotatRootsTech: RootsTech  Schedule

The website is geared for virtual attendees and this year RootsTech are adding 200+ new online sessions in 26 languages. You can chat online with other attendees worldwide.

There are some sessions that are both in-person and online.  This includes the main stage (keynotes) sessions at 11:00 a.m. Mountain time.  The events that are live-streamed will be available as on-demand viewing after they are completed.

Build your schedule at https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/schedule.  By choosing the day you’re planning and “online” you can see your options.

Remember: The times are in your local time. That’s the hard part about a worldwide event website.

Of course, there are a lot more classes that aren’t at specific time. You can choose those from the on-demand library.

Your Turn:

Got any last-minute tips for RootsTech yo share?  Please use the comments below!

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