What happens when the techonology and genealogy industries collaborate on a conference … ROOTSTECH, that’s what!!! The world’s biggest genealogy technology conference is on again. And now into it’s 3rd year seems to be getting better-and-better each year. With RootsTech 2013 being run over 3 days, it’ll be non-stop learning for the 4000+ attendees. And with over 250 different sessions, and a huge exhibition there’s going to be plenty to see and hear.
It’s being held in Salt Lake City, Utah (which by the way is THE absolute Mecca for genealogists) on 21-23 March 2013, and you’ll be seeing, hearing and mingling with the key people in the genealogy world (otherwise known as genealogy royalty). RootsTech itself is really cheap at an earlybird price of US$149 for the 3 days, or US$89 for a 1 day pass, and the organisers have done deals with local hotels in the area, so you can stay nearby for a very reasonable price for around US$100/night.
Of course there is airfares which does substantially add to the cost, but raid the piggy bank, or put your tax return dollars to good use, and take a trip to RootsTech – I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. And after flying all that way to the other side of the world, why not stay a few extra days and check out the city itself.
There are a few Aussies that we know of who are going, and Alan Phillips from Unlock the Past, and myself from Gould Genealogy & History have almost committed to going, we just haven’t booked yet.
But we’d love to know who else from Australia is going?
Need more info about RootsTech?
The RootsTech website is the place to go – it has everything: a video, the costs, the venue, the hotels, the presenations and so on.
Can’t make it to RootsTech?
If it is like last year’s RootsTech, they live streamed lots of talks, so even sitting at home on the other side of the world, you could still be a part of it. Last year’s live stream sessions had over 50,000 views.
Their website really sums it by by saying: “The 3rd annual RootsTech conference has something for everyone, whether you are an avid genealogist, just beginning, or simply want to discover the latest technologies and solutions to better connect with your family. You will learn things like how and where to start with your family history and how to use the latest technology to solve real research problems. With world-class content from speakers all over the country, an exciting exhibitor hall, and great keynote speakers, RootsTech is being re-tooled for young and old alike, regardless of expertise. Come join the fun!”
I hope to see you there!!
I am attending as is Jill Ball and I think Shauna Hicks was also going. Watch out the Aussies are coming!
Are you going as individuals or as vendors? It would be awesome to have Australia represented in the trade expo with Gould Genealogy and Unlock the Past
The current issue of “Inside History” is promoting New Zealand’s Jan Gow who is hosting tours to Rootstech and more. Visit http://www.hookedongenealogytours.com
ooh Helen, great to hear you’re going, we hope to see you there 😉
Liz, no we won’t be exhibiting at this one (I’d hate to think of what the cost to exhibit, as well as the cost of getting stuff there would be), so we’ll be going as individuals representing our companies. Yes, I know Jan does regular tours to the US, no doubt we’ll see her there. Maybe she can show us around SLC, since it’ll be foreign country to us.
I’ll be attending
I’ll be going for the third year in a row and am proud to be representing Australia as one of the Official Bloggers for the Conference.
I’ll also be flying the flag in a panel presentation that I am facilitating.
If you have any questions at all about the conference at all please let me know (bibliaugrapher@gmail.com) and I will address on my blog geniaus.blogspot.com . The conference can be quite daunting for those who are used to smaller events.
Gould may be surprised at how economical it is to have a stand at the Conference. By having a presence in the exhibit hall you will get lots of passers by saying g’day. With samples of of your booklets and details of future cruises to hand you would probably reap rewards for you.