Are you a RootsTech newbie or veteran? Whether you’ve never been or attended multiple times, new and exciting changes are in store for RootsTech 2019. I’ll be filling you in on all you need to know to have a great week.
Mobile App
The RootsTech Mobile App keeps getting better. If you’ve never downloaded the app, it is available on all the app stores. No need to download a new version this year, once you open it up, simply follow the prompts to get to the 2019 update.
What can you do with the app? Here are a few of the features I plan to use.
My Schedule – Add the classes you’d like to attend and see at a glance how the day is shaping up.
Maps – View a map of exhibitors and mark your favorites (come see FamilyLocket on Saturday at the Genealogy Business Alliance Booth – 1225)
Social Media – Check twitter to see what everyone is tweeting about – this is a great way to connect with others, especially during the keynotes.
What’s On Now – see what events are currently happening. Don’t miss out on a keynote address or other great activity.
Locate Me – Feeling lost in the Salt Palace? This feature will help you find your way to where you want to go.
Attendees – Add a profile picture and a little about you, then add friends. This year you’ll request a “Friend Code” on the app, then tell your friends to enter the code. You’ll need a new code for each friend. The app will give you the option to email the code to your friend. Nicole and I would love to connect with you, so email us your codes: Nicole@familylocket.com and Diana@familylocket.com.
For more ideas on using the app see “10 Ways the Mobile App Will Improve Your RootsTech Experience.”
Check-in
Standing in lines to check in and get your badge and bag is a thing of the past! Hopefully you registered before 15 January 2019 and will receive your badge in the mail. You’ll simply enter the convention center, pick up a lanyard and conference bag at any of the locations, then head to your first session.
If you registered after January 15th, or forgot your badge, you’ll be able to check-in at the new location in Hall 4. This is a much larger area that will greatly facilitate registration!
Food
The RootsTech team listened to our complaints last year about limited options for lunch on Wednesday and are providing all attendees with a box lunch on that day. Because the Expo Hall is being set up during the day on Wednesday, the food vendors are not available. Instead, you’ll all be able to pick up a boxed lunch at several locations throughout the convention center.
During the lunch hour, several large classes will be going on and you can take your lunch into a class and eat while learning.
Seating for Popular Classes
Remember those long lines last year where you often didn’t get into the class of choice? This year the most popular classes – like those about DNA – will be held in the all new Silver Room, located next to the main stage. With enough seats for over 3,000 people, you won’t be turned away.
No scanning for badges this year, so it should be much easier to get into your chosen class. Seats are first come first served and there is no saving seats, so if you have a “must attend” class, get there early! RootsTech 2019 will have over 300 classes taught by 150 speakers.
Power Hours
For the first time ever, Power Hours will be starting each day of RootsTech from Thursday-Saturday at 8:00 am. Each Power Hour features three experts on a topic. Nicole and I are excited to be part of this new presentation experience. We hope to see you in one of our sessions.
Thursday 8:00 am “Sharing Family History in Fun & Modern Ways” with Nicole Dyer, Jana Greenhalgh, and Olivia Jewell
Friday 8:00 am “Perspectives on Accreditation” with Diana Elder, Julie Stoddard, and Lisa Stokes
Saturday 8:00 am “Families Discovering Family History Together” with Nicole Dyer, Jana Greenhalgh, and Olivia Jewell
Roots Crew
This year the RootsTech team is introducing the “Roots Crew” for customer service throughout the conference. Press the “Roots Crew” button on the mobile app and send a message for any help needed! They will find you and help with whatever you’re needing. The crew will be wearing bright turquoise shirts with “Ask Me Anything” buttons and will be wandering throughout the convention center.
Wondering where your class is located? Ask the crew. Need food? Ask the crew. Have an emergency? Ask the crew. They are there to help.
Virtual Pass
Recognizing that not everyone can attend RootsTech in person, new this year is a Virtual Pass that will let you purchase the recordings of 18 sessions – different from the free live-streamed sessions. Purchase the Virtual Pass for $129 or add on to your regular registration for $79.
To learn more about what’s new at RootsTech 2019, check out this YouTube video by the RootsTech team.
Connect with us!
Are you excited yet? Nicole and I can’t wait for RootsTech 2019. This is our fourth RootsTech and our third as Ambassadors. We’ll be blogging about our favorite classes and giving you an insider’s look at the conference.
We love being together and we love meeting all of you. Come see us at one of our sessions or at the Family Locket booth on Saturday.
Best of luck in all of your genealogical endeavors!
Nicole and Diana – third RootsTech adventure
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