FamilySearch announced a new venture for this year’s annual RootsTech conference—Relatives at RootsTech. For your information, here is the full announcement:

Thousands of people gather from countries around the world to attend RootsTech, the world’s largest genealogy conference. With so many family history enthusiasts under the same roof, it’s only a matter of time before someone looks around and wonders, “Is anyone here related to me?”

Now they—and you—can find out who’s related by using your phones and the FamilySearch Family Tree mobile app.

Simply open the Family Tree app on your phone, and at the top of the screen, tap the Find Relatives at RootsTech banner. To allow the app to show how you’re related to other conference attendees, tap Yes, Opt In.

Once the app has finished searching, you’ll see a list of RootsTech attendees who are related to you, with their name, photo, and relationship to you. Tap on any person from the list to see more details about how you’re related. You’ll be able to see people on your list right away, but note that it may take up to 20 minutes for you to appear on the lists of other conference attendees.

If you want to send a message, go to the top right corner of the screen, and click the Message button. Then you’ll be able to write a subject line and message to get in touch with your relatives. You can chat about your common ancestors, arrange a time to meet up between classes, or just say hi. It’s up to you!

And as an extra bonus, FamilySearch has a special gift for every RootsTech attendee who meets a distant relative using the app, takes a photo together, and adds it to the wall of the FamilySearch booth in the Expo Hall.

RootsTech is all about making connections with family, and this is a great way to do that. You might have more in common with the person next to you than just your class schedule. Download the Family Tree app now, and find out!

In order to participate, you must register for a free FamilySearch account and uploaded your GEDCOM if you do not have a pedigree on FamilySearch Family Tree. These preparatory steps are best accomplished before you arrive at RootsTech but can be completed onsite. Any questions? Let’s Talk. If not, I look forward to seeing you at RootsTech!

Not at RootsTech? The live-stream schedule has been announced and you can follow the hashtags, #RootsTech and #NotAtRootsTech, on Twitter to enter to win great prizes!

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.”

Copyright © 2018. Lynn Broderick, a.k.a., the Single Leaf. All Rights Reserved.