Home from Rootstech 2015

The Rootstech 2015 conference has ended. While we all return home with blurry eyes and weary bodies we look back at last week with smiling hearts. It was a hectic time, so much to do and see, so many people to meet and greet. I am grateful to have connected with so many and sorry to have missed a few people I was looking forward to meeting. Hard to believe but I just ran out of time!

Before the start of the conference I spent two days in the Family History Library. I was well prepared with my list of films, books and websites to search. I am pleased to say that I had terrific success, however many of my films are old records in German so this will take me some time to decipher.

This year Rootstech combined with FGS (the Federation of Genealogical Societies) which made the venue HUGE. I attended several FGS sessions. There is always something new to learn and I came away from each session with notes and new ideas to try. I hope you have the opportunity to catch some of the streamed sessions. It will give you a good idea of the quality of the many classes. The Expo Hall was larger than last year and it was fun to see the familiar displays and also inquire at some companies that were new to me. The opening sessions were inspiring. Each keynote speaker seemed to be able to make the audience of over 20,000 people feel like part of a united and intimate community.

It was so much fun to connect with people I had met before. I was also fortunate to be able to become friends with those I had only known through their blogs and small avatar pictures.  I especially cherish the friendships made with some beautiful women from Australia and the UK. You know, genealogist are such wonderful people!  We all have the same wonderful inquisitiveness, friendliness, and dedication. When meeting new people I found we already had a common bond of friendship.

I hope, if you didn't get a chance to go to Rootstech this year that you get the opportunity go to a future conference. You will come home physically and mentally weary, but so very happy to have had the opportunity to learn new ideas and make some wonderful friends.

Rootstech 2015

The Rootstech/FGS 2015 conference is next week on Feb 11 in Salt Lake City. I was fortunate to go to my first Rootstech conference last year and I am looking forward to my first FGS conference this time. I am also anxious to see past acquaintances and meet new friends.

Rootstech can be overwhelming with so many people, classes and vendors. I missed a lot of classes last year because I wasn't prepared for alternatives or I just lost track of time. I was amazed by the busy Expo Hall. Besides the opportunities to visit with so many vendors, I really enjoyed the shorter talks presented on the small stage inside the Hall. These half hour “introductions” gave me so much information about a product or technique. This year I am looking forward to attending more class sessions and following new speakers. Of course, as always, there are so many classes available and conflicting decisions to be made. Now that I know what to expect, I hope I can balance my time better and be more prepared.

Like everyone else, I can't travel to Salt Lake City without spending a few days at the Family History Library. I have already prepared my lists of microfilms, books, and websites I want to research. I usually tend to “over do” my lists, so if I can accomplish even half, I will be happy. One thing to expect is the large number of people who are also going to be doing research in the library next week. Even though this is the busiest time of year in the library, I always rely on the competent and friendly staff to answer questions and help.

Are you going to the Rootstech/FGS conference? Have you studied the class lists and chosen your favorites? Are you going to the Family History Library? Have you prepared for your research?

Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers for the varying degrees of temperatures, and bring your energy.

I will see you there!