Whether you’re participating online or traveling to Salt Lake City, here are 8 things to know about RootsTech2023, which will help optimize your experience.
#RootsTech2023 or #NotAtRootsTech
There are two official hashtags for the conference because it’s a hybrid conference.
Talking to the RootsTech organizers, it’s clear that there is an equal emphasis on both. Whether you go in person or watch from your bedroom, ahem, home office, you’re sure to learn new things and soak in inspiration.
Early Bird Pricing for the in-person conference is still in effect (as of 2/21/2023)
Your $98 in-person pass includes all the benefits of the virtual pass, plus the Salt Lake City speakers, the expo hall, and face-to-face connections with friends and fellow family historians.
Just use the handy banner at the top of the familysearch.org/rootstech/ page.
Relatives at RootsTech
Relatives at RootsTech can help you break down brick walls by finding common ancestors, if you are connected to the collaborative family tree at Family Search.org. They’ve built a clever app that calculates your relationship to other participants.
For instance, a little more than a week out, by FamilySearch’s calculations, I have more than a few cousins taking part in the conference.
The app is only available from February 17th to March 31st. I’m hoping that the developers can make it available longer.
You can download the app or enjoy the browser experience at https://www.familysearch.org/en/connect/.
Newly Announced RootsTech2023 Keynotes: Sean Astin and Me Ra Koh
Just this morning, FamilySearch released that Sean Astin of The Lord of the Rings, The Goonies, and Rudy fame will keynote on Saturday, March 4. He will be live in-person and livestreamed.
And, in case you missed it, on Feb 16, FamilySearch announced that celebrated photographer Me Ra Koh will share her inspiring story on Friday, March 3.
The FamilySearch Library is Part of the RootsTech2023 Experience
The famous Salt Lake City family history library (previously known as the Family History Library, but recently renamed as “The Family Search Library”) has extended hours during RootsTech2023. Starting on February 27, you can get there as early as 8:00 a.m. (yes, I plan to!) and stay as late as 8:00 pm.
To read how to prepare for your visit, read Jan Mayer’s 2019 article, How to Prepare for Your First Visit to the Family History Library.
RootsTech2023 is just a small part of an On-Demand Education Library
Although they will remove out-of-date content from the RootsTech website, Family Search compiles virtual content from each year’s conference into a useful on-demand library of genealogical content. That means you can review things you missed last year in the days leading up to the conference.
The Innovation and Tech Forum Takes Place Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
Don’t overlook the Tech and Innovation Forum on the Main Stage. Hosted by Nick Barratt, this session will feature industry leaders briefing listeners about what’s on the horizon.
#UnitingFamilies
#UnitingFamilies is another official hashtag of RootsTech2023 and we expect to see a lot of inspiration along the uniting theme.
Smaller In-person Conference May Not feel Small
In last week’s influencer webinar, Annie Lincoln said that although there are not as many classes as 2019 and 2020, organizers still “expect a full house.” She also said the smaller number of offerings gives RootsTech2023 staff a little flexibility in reconfiguring classrooms as the need arises.
Past articles to help you navigate the experience:
- How to get the most out of RootsTech Connect 2022
- Last-Minute Tips for RootsTech 2020
- How to Get the Most out of RootsTech
Disclosures and Things
RootsTech’s sponsor, FamilySearch, gives Influencers like me perks at RootsTech, like a free pass and VIP seating. We do NOT, however, receive a commission on passes sold.
Also, I won’t recommend things I don’t think my readers will enjoy.
Your Opinion: What should people know about RootsTech2023
I’m sure I’ve missed a lot. Please share your wisdom in the comments below.
If you’re attending in person, I hope to see you there. I will be presenting in two sessions, but neither will be livestreamed.
- Beyond Dry Facts: How to Examine Records for Information that Leads to Great Stories
- Thursday, March 2 • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Becoming a Professional Genealogist: From Passion to Profit
- Saturday, March 4 • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
I love the description of your 3 PM session. I’m sorry it won’t be livestreamed.
Aw thank you Elizabeth. We may try to do something similar in 2024.