It’s autumn. It’s football. It’s a time when the RootsTech team begins to unveil their plans for this amazing one-of-a-kind conference! I spoke with Jen Allen, the “quarterback” of the RootsTech team, last February as the 2017 conference was underway. She was already planning for 2018! Something old, something new … Oh, wait, … but this still applies to RootsTech 2018. :-)

As I’ve said before, there are 3 reasons I enjoy RootsTech:

1. Keynote addresses from individuals whose life experiences and successes are varied. RootsTech has brought in speakers from the tech industry, the science community, the writer’s circle, the political realm, the entertainment industry, the sports arena, the bloggers’ sphere and of course, the field of family history and genealogy. I have never been disappointed. In 2018, RootsTech is looking forward to hearing once again from Steve Rockwood.  Brandon Stanton, and Scott Hamilton will keynote Thursday and Friday opening sessions, respectively. The Saturday keynote has yet to be announced but Dallin H. and Kristen M. Oaks will be the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day. Replacing the Innovator Summit this year is the Innovation Showcase that will highlight the best technology to assist you in achieving your family history goals.
2. RootsTech offers a customized learning opportunity with over 300 sessions from which choose. I’ve heard in the past individuals lamenting because there were too many choices and the participants were placed with the difficult task of choosing one favored session over another. The good news is that if a session fills quickly, there is always another quality session to attend.
3. The Expo Hall provides the greatest gathering of organizations, societies, and vendors to explore the latest in the field of family history and genealogy. There’s the 23&Me Demo Theater with presentations about some of the products on the floor and the Discovery Zone where interactive displays provide opportunities to come to know your heritage in fun and unique ways. Innovation Alley was introduced 2 years ago, highlighting new tech tools and products. The Heirloom Show and Tell is back, where you can bring a small item or a photo of a larger item and have an expert tell you more about its historical significance. In addition, there will be a Coaches’ Corner to provide one-on-one mentoring to help you overcome your brick walls.

In addition to my initial 3 reasons, one cannot forget that the RootsTech venue, the Salt Palace Convention Center, is within walking distance of the Family History Library. Prepare now to access some of the greatest collections on earth that will help you find your ancestors!

This 4-day pass allows entrance to the daily keynote addresses, your choice of over 300 RootsTech sessions, entry into the Expo Hall, and all of the evening events. It does not include sponsored lunches, computer labs, transportation to or from the conference, lodging accommodations, meals, or any other expenses that you may incur. If you’d like to register for Family Discovery Day, it is free, but you must register separately.

Now, how do you enter this giveaway? It’s simple.

This year the RootsTech theme is “Connect. Belong.” and there is no better way to connect with others about family history than to share a brief replay of a genealogy touchdown—that glorious moment when research came together, you entered your genealogy end zone, and you felt like spiking the ball in celebration (a.k.a., doing the genealogy happy dance as it has been described for generations). Although this contest is open to all interested in family history and genealogy, including those who do not like football, it is void where prohibited. Football terminology is not required and entries may be of any length. Submit entries via my Let’s Talk Family History page or share on Twitter by tagging me @thesingleleaf. Each entry is one chance to win. Participants may submit more than one entry if the entries are submitted separately.

I ask your permission to include quotes from your entry in future posts. If your submission is used, proper attribution will be given. If you’d rather not be quoted in a future post or you would rather remain anonymous, please indicate this with your submission. The more you enter, the greater your chances to win!

So, why wait? Send me a message via my Let’s Talk Family History page. Fill out your name, email, and in the comment section describe one of your genealogy touchdowns, a.k.a., genealogy happy dance moments, OR describe your challenging brick wall, OR provide a statement about what you hope to learn at RootsTech.

As mentioned, this contest is void where prohibited. Please remember that I will not use your email for any purpose other than entering you into this contest and to notify you if you are the winner. The winning prize is non-transferable so only enter if you plan to attend. The contest runs from November 27, 2017 from 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT to November 30, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. MT. The winner will be notified that night by email.

Don’t delay your registration, though; it’s Cyber-Monday and this Pass is currently discounted at $169, a savings of over $100. Use the code CYBER18. Other registration packages are available. If you are the winner of this contest, RootsTech will reimbursed you for the full amount that you prepaid.

Enter today! Good Luck! Hope to see you at RootsTech’18!

About RootsTech

RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador to the RootsTech Conference and, as such, I am provided complimentary admission and other services to accomplish my duties. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

© 2017 Lynn Broderick, a.k.a., the Single Leaf. All Rights Reserved.