The following article is sponsored by RootsTech.
It’s only appropriate that the state that prides itself on being family friendly, hosts the world’s largest celebration of families across generations. RootsTech, taking place February 12 – 14th, 2015 at the Salt Palace, is expecting record crowds when close to 15,000 people from all over the country converge on downtown Salt Lake City.
The RootsTech family history conference and expo, hosted by FamilySearch, began as a small gathering four years ago. It took up one small portion of the Salt Palace Convention Center. Since then, its growth has surpassed all expectations. It now takes over the majority of the facility with standing room only at some of its events.
Although this is the fifth year for the event, a significant number of people will be coming for the first time ever. They will be discovering the top six reasons why RootsTech is the premier event to discover and share family memories and connections.
- Be Inspired: World Class Speakers
World-famous entertainer and singer Donny Osmond will be sharing his thoughts about one of his favorite topics: families. He will share stories of his family as he celebrates how his family shaped him. Esquire Magazine Editor and New York Times bestselling author A.J. Jacobs is the creator of the World’s Largest Family Reunion. He’ll share how he is discovering we are all part of one big family. Each day at RootsTech will feature a fascinating lineup of other speakers.
- Have Fun: Enjoy Exciting Entertainment
American Idol finalist David Archuleta will entertain crowds on the closing day of the conference. He will be joined by the cast of Studio C, who will make an encore performance this year. The cast of the popular sketch comedy TV show is back after being one of the top draws at last year’s event. Additionally, the opening night social features YouTube sensation Alex Boye’ and the stars of his popular “Let it Go” cover, One Voice Children’s Choir.
- Learn Something: Over 200 Engaging Classes
How can Pinterest and Facebook help with family history? How can you use your smartphone or tablet to preserve and share family memories? How can DNA help you find where your family is from? More than 200 different classes will answer these questions and more. Experts will teach the latest tricks and techniques on how to track down ancestors and preserve your family stories.
- Tech it Up: Latest Technology and Apps
New technology is revolutionizing the way people do family history today. Photo and storytelling apps, cloud storage solutions, social sharing services and new software are making family history easier than ever. Get your first look at the powerful new tools that will save you time and make family history easier than ever. Wednesday’s Innovator Summit will also unveil the newest apps and devices that haven’t even hit the market.
- Try it Out: Hands-on Exploration
The RootsTech Expo Hall is packed with ways to put all that learning into practice. The biggest companies in family history, including Ancestry.com, My Heritage and Findmypast will be on hand to walk guests through exactly how to find, preserve and share their family histories. Attendees can record stories, scan photos and get personal advice and training in using the latest tools.
- Don’t Miss it: Something for Everyone
RootsTech 2015 is designed to help people of all skill levels. There is a special Getting Started set of classes for beginners, as well as advanced classes for more experienced family historians. Most of the attendees during the multi-day event are adults, but they get outnumbered on Saturday, as close to 5,000 kids and teenagers are expected for a special schedule of events, activities and classes for Family Discovery Day.
Watch video highlights of RootsTech 2014
Reserve your place for the event by registering at rootstech.org.
