RootsTech Is Coming March 2-4, 2023

Good news! RootsTech is back in person as well as virtual, Thursday, March 2nd through Saturday, March 4th, 2023! More good news! The ticket price for all three days onsite at the Salt Palace Convention Center decreased to $98 with the Expo Hall now free and virtual attendance also free!

What’s the advantage to being onsite? There will be a few more presentations available onsite and the Expo Hall will host hands-on demonstrations. One of the major benefits for avid family historians is access to the Family History Library and in-person research assistance.

For those who register for virtual attendance, there will be over 200 new on-demand sessions, main stage presentations and keynote speakers, online research consultations and a virtual expo hall. You can read more about it here.

I have loved watching the conference AND the Salt Palace Convention Center grow as genealogy and technology intertwine. The conference is a little less “techie” as developers are usually found in the Expo Hall now and not hosting sessions themselves. Unconferencing, where groups gathered in classrooms at specific times to discuss wishlists, is somewhat a thing of the past, although many informal gatherings do take place.

RootsTech has become a little more vibrant as these transitions have created a more user-friendly experience. Now in its 13th year, RootsTech, with the past theme “Connect. Belong.” has become its own family with the conference as its annual reunion. It’s been a joy to watch this family grow!

This year’s theme is “Uniting.” Whether or not your family roots leave you feeling warm and cozy, it’s helpful to know where you come from so you can set sights on who you want to be and where you want to go.

Similar to last year, I am facilitating a panel discussion titled, “Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in the Family History Community.” Last year the panel discussed bullying, Find-a-Grave policies (and its abbreviation), copyright, contract law (terms of service), investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), societies, and the many roles that genealogists fulfill in our community. Judy Russell’s closing remarks wrapped it up: “Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.” The recording is available via this link or at RootsTech.org.

“Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.”
Judy G. Russell, “Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in an Online World,” RootsTech 2022

Ethics may be considered an “eat your vegetables” kind of topic, BUT it is foundational to facilitate sharing, collaborating and enjoying new discoveries. It is “uniting” when individuals follow the ethical code.

If last year is any indication and polls accurate, Find-a-Grave may qualify for a session of its own. The pain close family members suffer as their loved one’s memorial is hijacked and held hostage by a “gamer” is the greatest ethical complaint in the family history and genealogy community. Many influencers continue to encourage Find-a-Grave and its parent company, Ancestry, to modify this particular policy to abate these relational violations. The more stories we share, the more we increase awareness and understanding as we become proactive in protecting the legacy of our loved ones.

Last year attendees shared in chat many ethical experiences and it was reported that the session was very helpful. So, in preparation for RootsTech 2023, would you share your ethical concerns that can be addressed by the panel in March? I can be contacted via the Let’s Talk Family History link. (Examples of what has been helpful and/or what not been helpful are welcome.) Let us learn from one another and, as Judy says, “Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.”

Whether you decide to attend in person or virtually, don’t forget to register today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official influencer and compensated speaker for RootsTech 2023. 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 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”