Rootstech 2020 is coming quickly and if you want to get the most out of the experience, you’ll want to prepare. With exciting keynote speakers, multiple class offerings, and an expo hall buzzing with activity, how do you choose to spend your time? Can’t travel to Salt Lake City, you’re also covered! Live streaming and virtual pass classes give you the opportunity to participate from anywhere in the world.
Key Note Addresses
The keynote addresses at Rootstech never fail to energize the crowd. Each speaker will have some connection to family history and you’ll leave feeling excited to make your own discoveries. Being in an enormous room with thousands of like-minded genealogists is amazing. This year, the line up includes the following:
– Emmitt Smith, NFL star and winner of Dancing with the Stars.
-Leigh Anne Tuohy, known for her family’s story made into the movie The Blind Side.
-David Kennerly, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, photographer of every United States president since Richard Nixon.
– Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International
-Ryan Hamilton, popular stand-up comedian
Class Schedule
Of course the reason we all come from far and wide is the opportunity to learn from each other. The Rootstech team works hard to select a wide variety of topics so that there is a class to help you wherever you are in your genealogy journey. The class rooms have been increased in size, so there will always be a place for you to settle. That said, make a schedule of can’t miss classes and be sure to arrive a little early.
I like to attend a variety of classes. I hold to the belief that everyone has something to share. Although as speakers we attach a level to our class, don’t be afraid to try something outside of your comfort zone. That advanced level class might be exactly what you need. On the other hand, a beginner level class might surprise you with a new way to approach your research. Spend plenty of time with the class schedule before Rootstech making your plan! Nicole and I will both be presenting on some of our favorite topics.
Expo Hall
Some people like to spend the majority of their time in the Expo Hall where hundreds of exhibitors will be showing off their wares. You can spend time learning from the developers of a product how best to use it. Live classes and demonstrations also make the Expo Hall a place to increase your genealogy knowledge. Many of the vendors provide small class settings to help you learn to use their website or software.
As with the classes, prepare ahead of time and make sure you visit each of the exhibitors where you have an interest. Nicole and I are excited to have a booth for the entire week and hope to meet many of you in person! We’ll be at booth #1743, near the Cyber Cafe and Demo Theater. Click here to see what we’re offering at our booth – including a coupon for our Research Like a Pro online course.

Family Locket Genealogists booth #1743
Viewing from Home
What are your options if you can’t make the trip to Salt Lake City? Rootstech will live stream several classes each day. We’re excited to see that our colleague, Robin Wirthlin will have her Saturday lecture streamed: “Healing & Family History: The Emotional Side of DNA.” From photos and stories to DNA to research methodology, there will be an offering for everyone.
For even more options for viewing at home, you can purchase a Virtual Pass which will include 30 more class recordings. Nicole and I are both participating in Power Hours that will be part of the Virtual Pass:
Accreditation: What, Why, and How – Diana Elder, Jenny Hansen, Lisa Stokes
Engaging the Family in Telling Your Family Story – Nicole Dyer, Jana Greenhalgh, Olivia Jewell
With so many exciting things happening at Rootstech, we hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to reboot and get your genealogy moving forward.
Best of luck in all your genealogical endeavors!
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