RootsTech is the world’s largest family history event. On the March 2nd – 4th, they will offer an in-person event in addition to its virtual event in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Attendees will gain access to instructive classes, innovative technologies, keynote addresses and the opportunity to connect to their family. Registrations are now open for the 2023 event. While the online event is free, the 3-day in-person experience costs $98. Individuals can register here at RootsTech.org.
What is RootsTech?
Jen Allen, director of events at FamilySearch, explains it as the following:
RootsTech really is about uniting and connecting. We help you connect with your family first and foremost, but also to connect with stories and discovery experiences through your family history. On a grander scale, we connect like-minded people who want to gather and learn similar things. We also connect you with new knowledge, learning, innovation, and services that will help you make new connections to your family history.
Jen Allen, director of events at FamilySearch
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, RootsTech was forced to become a totally virtual experience in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The online experience was available in 11 languages, with classes available in up to 42 languages. Despite the shift, RootsTech continued to grow in popularity with the 2023 return of the in-person option fuelling excitement even more.
Jonathan Wing, creative manager for RootsTech, comments:
Imagine creating content for the world! The incredible blessing and miracle of the RootsTech virtual experiences is that we were able to confirm that there are so many more people worldwide who are interested in learning more about their family history, stories, and connecting. It has enabled us to widen our reach, and our RootsTech family has gotten so much bigger.
Jonathan Wing, creative manager for RootsTech
The RootsTech 2023 Theme
The aim of RootsTech is to bring memories, stories, technology, innovation, communities and families together. Therefore, the 2023 theme is “Uniting”.
Families are the foundation of society. Connecting and uniting families across generations strengthens individuals and nations alike. We are amazed and gratified to see the role RootsTech has been able to play in helping literally millions of individuals connect with their family, past, present, and future.
Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch CEO
What to Expect at RootsTech 2023
RootsTech is made up of four pillars; the expo hall, classes, main stage and connecting with others. Each year, organisers carefully adapt content in order to pander to individuals worldwide. In 2022, over 3 million people participated online.
The 2023 event is expected to be just as successful. The occasion will mark the 13th year of this global gathering and plans to combine the best of the virtual and in-person experiences.
Jonathan Wing continues:
I think it would be really easy for people to assume we are having 2 separate events happening at the same time, but we will be connecting what’s happening virtually with what’s occurring in-person. We’re creating ways for virtual attendees to participate with some of the in-person activities.
The entertainment, and more than 200 new classes. The vibrant Expo Hall will also return with over 200 exhibitors, helpful product demonstrations, and interactions with research specialists.
Image Source:
- Photo by Adolfo Félix: instant images
