logo - Congress 2015If you are only going to attend one genealogy event in Australia during 2015, be sure to make it this one:

The 14th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry
Thursday 26 – Monday 30 March 2015
Canberra, ACT

The “14th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry” otherwise known simply as “Congress” is Australia’s largest genealogy conference. Organised by AFFHO (the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations) this event that is only held every three years. at a city in either Australia or New Zealand.

It’s not BIG in the same sense as RootsTech in the US, or Who Do You Think You Are? Live in the UK, that attract the likes of 10,000-15,000 people, but it is big for Australia. And for anyone that is wanting to learning everything they can about genealogy, take this opportunity to learn from so many experts.

So WHY should you attend Congress? Let me give you some reasons …

1. It’s in Canberra, which is Australia’s mecca for archives! The National Library of Australia, the National Archives of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, the National Film & Sound Archives, the National Museum of Australia, the Noel Butlin Archives Centre … need I say more?

2. And for your non-genealogy family who come along to Canberra with you, there’s oodles of things for them to do while you’re busy at the conference (http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/).

3. It is a four day conference, so you’re not travelling all the way to Canberra for just a day or so of talks. Four days makes it worthwhile.

4. Four days also means that you get to meet, hear and learn from so many wonderful, not to mention world-renowned guest presenters. 34 of them in fact. While many of these are Australian and New Zealand speakers, there’s also a heap of expert presenters from the northern hemisphere who’re making their way to Australia’s capital. For the speaker list, click here.

5. There is a wide variety of topics, so there really is something for everyone. Check the program here to see what the topics are.

6. Talks are rated for experience for beginner through to advanced.

7. You get to meet, mix and mingle with so many other genealogists, throughout the day, or at the various other social functions that Congress has organised.

8. If you’re attending be sure to register your research interests. You may as well maximise your chances of making a connection with someone.

9. The weather. Although Canberra is notorious for its cold weather, in March you would expect great weather.

10. The $550 price is very reasonable for a four day conference. But if it is beyond your means, or can’t attend for the full length of time, you can choose to just go for a  single day for $140.

11. And even better – they EARLY BIRD PRICE is $495. But you need to book by 31 October 2014.

12. And don’t forget the exhibitors, we’ll be there exhibiting, as will a heap of others.

More info …
For more information about Congress head to their website
http://www.congress2015.org.au/

Book now …
If you are interested in going to Congress can I suggest not to delay, firstly because if you book by 31 October you will still get it at the early bird price, and secondly you might want to book your accommodation now as well, as there are other events on in Canberra just before Congress as well as just after which may well limit accommodation options.

Keep up to date …
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And remember to hashtag …
#AFFHO2015