RootsTech 2020 registration now open

From RootsTech (www.rootstech.org):

SALT LAKE CITY (18 September 2019) - FamilySearch International has announced that registration for RootsTech 2020 Salt Lake City is now open. RootsTech is a popular 4-day annual family history and technology conference where individuals and families are inspired to discover, share, and preserve their family roots, heritage, and stories. The 2020 conference will be held February 26–29, 2020, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, visit rootstech.org/salt-lake. Discounts are available for early registrations.

In 2019, RootsTech attracted over 20,000 attendees from 38 different countries and all 50 states.

RootsTech 2020 will celebrate its 10thanniversary and the distinguished honor that it is the largest genealogy conference of its kind in the world. The conference will feature a full lineup of inspiring and well-known keynote speakers, over 300 informative sessions, including hands-on computer workshops taught by industry professionals; interactive activities and helpful exhibitors in the expo hall; and entertaining events—all designed to inspire and empower personal family discoveries.

Conference Details

The theme for RootsTech 2020 will be “The Story of YOU.” Many of the classes, keynote address, and venue décor will reflect this theme.

“At RootsTech, we believe that the stories we’re creating and preserving today are just as important as the stories of our ancestors,” said Jen Allen, event director. “Reflecting on and celebrating each of our personal journeys is an important part of family history that we are excited to explore at the 2020 conference.”

RootsTech 2020 will also introduce learning forums—new class sessions covering a variety of specialized topics including: records access and preservation, innovation and technology, and DNA. One of these forums will be offered on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

RootsTech 2020 will officially begin on Wednesday, February 26 with class sessions beginning at 8 AM MT. Wednesday’s general keynote session will begin on the main stage at 4:30 p.m. Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, will be the featured keynote speaker.

General keynote sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will begin on the main stage at 11 AM MT and will lead directly into the lunch hour.

Pricing

Early bird discount pricing is available for a limited time on 4-day passes at just $169 (a $130 discount on regularly priced passes). Single day RootsTech passes are also available for $99. Both one-day and full conference passes include access to the popular expo hall and keynote sessions. Early bird pricing ends October 11, 2019.

Family Discovery Day

Registration for Family Discovery Day is also now open. The event takes place on Saturday, February 26, 2020, and is designed for families and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This free 1-day event includes inspiring messages from Church leaders; engaging classes for families, youth, and young single adults; and evening entertainment to inspire and help families make family history connections. Family Discovery Day attendees will also hae access to all the interactive activities and exhibitors found in the RootsTech expo hall. Event details, including speakers and class sessions, will be made available soon at RootsTech.org. The event is free, but registration is required.

Register via at www.rootstech.org/salt-lake

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. My next Scottish Research Online course starts 2 September 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech London adds further keynote speaker

Following criticism recently of the announced keynote panel for Rootstech (https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/2019/08/rootstech-london-announces-keynote.html), there has been a further announcement from the organisers:

LONDON (9 September 2019), RootsTech London 2019, the world’s largest family history convention, is pleased to announce Kadeena Cox, Paralympics double gold medalist, as the featured keynote speaker on Friday, 25 October 2019, at Excel London. Boasting 150+ classes, one-on-one coaching corners, and an exhibition hall filled with the latest in genealogy and technology, RootsTech London is the perfect place to discover and celebrate family stories. RootsTech London 2019 runs 24–26 October 2019. Find out more at RootsTech.org/London.

Kadeena Cox is an accomplished professional Paralympic athlete. She is perhaps best known for being the first British athlete in 32 years to take gold in two sports at the same Paralympic games. Cox has competed in a variety of sports since an early age. In 2014, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but did not let that stop her from achieving excellence in her life. She went on to win two gold medals and a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympics. Cox has broken records, won world titles, and represented her country well in her notable accomplishments as a professional athlete.

“We are thrilled to have Kadeena at RootsTech. Her inspiring story of determination, perseverance, and drive for success will be a fitting message for the RootsTech audience,” said Jen Allen, event director. “RootsTech is all about celebrating stories, and there aren’t many stories more inspiring than Kadeena’s. Winning two gold medals in the Paralympics in different sports and overcoming some of the challenges she’s dealt with is simply incredible. We can’t wait to hear from her on stage.”

Cox will join previously announced keynote speakers and performers Donny Osmond, Dan Snow, Steve Rockwood, and Tre Amici, with Dr. Nick Barratt hosting as emcee.

Classes

RootsTech London 2019 will offer 150+ classes and activities for families and individuals with a variety of interests and skills. Select classes will be broadcast online. Learn more or register for the event at RootsTech.org. Passes start at only £49.

(With thanks to RootsTech News via email - for details of RootsTech London, 24-26 October 2019, visit https://www.rootstech.org/london)

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. My next Scottish Research Online course starts 2 September 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech London announces keynote speakers

From RootsTech:

Salt Lake City, Utah (14 August 2019), RootsTech, the world’s largest genealogy convention and hosted by FamilySearch, is coming to London, October 24–26, at the ExCeL London. The RootsTech London keynote speakers and entertainers include Donny Osmond, Nick Barratt, Dan Snow, Tre Amici, and Steve Rockwood. Boasting 150+ classes, one-on-one coaching corners, an exhibition hall filled with the latest in genealogy and technology, RootsTech London is the perfect place to discover and celebrate family stories.

Keynote Speakers

RootsTech London 2019 begins Thursday, 24 October. Classes will cover a wide variety of topics, including first steps on your genealogy journey, DNA in genealogy, preservation tools, archival research, and more. Dr. Nick Barratt, a former genealogy consultant for Who Do You Think You Are?, will host and emcee the convention.

Dan Snow, popular historian, broadcaster, and television presenter, will be the featured keynote speaker on Thursday, 24 October, at 11:00 A.M. GMT. Snow was born and raised in London. Having graduated Oxford University, he went on to present military history programs with his father, Peter Snow. Their series Battlefield Britain won a BAFTA award. He has appeared regularly on the ONE show on BBC1 and has contributed to several books, including Death or Victory; The World’s Greatest Twentieth Century Battlefieldsand The Battle of Waterloo Experience.

On Friday, 25 October, at 11:00 A.M. GMT, Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, and Nick Barratt will address the audience as featured keynote speakers. Nick Barratt is known for his work on Who Do You Think You Are?, House Detectives, Hidden House Histories, Secrets from the Attic, and Missing Millions. He has authored several books, including Lost Voices from the Titanic, The Forgotten Spy, and The Restless King.In 2016 he was made an Honorary Associate Professor of Public History at the University of Nottingham. He is a committee member for the Community Archive and Heritage Group, and President of the Federation of Family History Societies.

Friday night at 6:00 P.M. GMT, RootsTech will host the talented singing trio, Tre Amici—an international classical pop trio made up of Leroy Vickers, Michael Thomas, and Martin Jackson. Tre Amici combines a moving combination of operatic arias, contemporary ballads, and classical theater.

Donny Osmond will grace the stage on Saturday, 26 October, at 11:00 A.M. GMT. Osmond’s successful career as an entertainer has spanned 5 decades. He is known internationally for his talent as a singer, songwriter, actor, television series host, and best-selling author. Osmond has performed since the age of 5 in such productions as The Andy Williams Show, The Osmonds, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and most recently with his sister in their Vegas show Donnie and Marie. “I’m really looking forward to RootsTech London,” said Osmond. “The United Kingdom is like a second home to me.”

Classes

RootsTech London 2019 will offer 150+ classes and activities for families and individuals with a variety of interests and skills. Select classes will be broadcast online. Learn more or register for the event at RootsTech.org. Passes start at only £49.

Further information on Rootstech London at https://www.rootstech.org/london

UPDATE: I'm sharing this tweet from US genie Megan Smolenyak in response to this post, because, actually, I wholeheartedly agree:

Must do better...

(Cheers Megan!)

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. My next Scottish Research Online course starts 2 September 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Donny Osmond to speak at RootsTech London

From RootsTech (www.rootstech.org):

Salt Lake City, Utah (May 29, 2019)--RootsTech, the world’s largest genealogy conference is coming to London and is pleased to announce Donny Osmond as a featured speaker. The 2019 conference will be held at ExCeL London October 24-26, 2019. Osmond will address RootsTech attendees on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 a.m. (Find and share this announcement online in the RootsTech Newsroom).

Osmond’s successful career as an entertainer has spanned five decades. He is known internationally for his talent as a singer, songwriter, actor, television series host, and as a best-selling author.

“I’m really looking forward to RootsTech London,” said Osmond. “The United Kingdom is like a second home to me. Much of my own ancestry is British, so I feel a particular affinity to this country and the people who call it home. I’ve enjoyed performing in the UK throughout my career. Family and family stories are also very important to me. I’m excited to speak about my heritage at this exciting event.”

Family has always been an integral part of Osmond’s life and career. He joined his older brothers singing on The Andy Williams Show at the age of five. By the time he reached adolescence he had become a teenage heartthrob. With his brothers, he released beloved songs such as “Puppy Love,” “Sweet and Innocent,” and “Go Away Little Girl.”

At 18 he became one of the youngest variety television show hosts in history with his younger sister, Marie, on The Osmonds which aired in the United Kingdom on BBC1 on Sunday afternoons and on ABC in the United States as Donny and Marie from 1976 to 1979.

In the late '80s Osmond added two more popular singles to his list of hits, “Soldier of Love” and “Sacred Emotion,” both ranking high on billboard charts.

Donny Osmond will keynote and perform at RootsTech London 2019Throughout the '90s Osmond spent much of his time participating in musical theater and was wildly successful in his role as Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, performing the role over 2,000 times. Later, in 2006, he played the villain Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. He also provided rich vocals for songs in two well-known animated films. He sang “No One Has to Be Alone” in Universal's The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Waters. and “I’ll Make a Man out of You” in Disney’s Mulan.

Osmond has been performing with his younger sister Marie in Las Vegas since 2008. Their show, originally scheduled for just six weeks, is now in its 10th year, with the final show now scheduled for late 2019. During the last decade, their show has received multiple awards, such as Best Show, Best Singer, Best Band, and Best Dancers.

In 2009, Osmond won the 9th season of the American television series Dancing with the Stars with dancing partner, Kym Johnson. More recently, American audiences were astounded to discover that Donny was the talent behind the masked peacock, a fan favorite, on the first season of the American television show, The Masked Singer.

Throughout his illustrious career, Osmond has been surrounded by his family. These relationships, past, present, and future, continue to be important to him. So much so, that he has a section on his website, Donny.com, dedicated to family and family history. He enjoys finding common ancestors and linking his family tree with people from around the world. Are you related to Donny Osmond? Find out by creating an account on FamilySearch Family Tree mobile app, and don’t pass up the opportunity to see him in person at RootsTech London 2019! Register today at RootsTech.org/london.

Chris

Pre-order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) for just £11.99 at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Rootstech 2019 presentations now online

Rootstech (www.rootstech.org) has now uploaded recorded presentations from its recent 2019 conference in Salt Lake City, available at https://www.rootstech.org/category/2019-rootstech-sessions.

There are 23 presentations available, covering a variety of themes - some of the most notable from a UK/Irish perspective include:

• Uncovering Family Stories with British and Irish Historic Newspapers: Myko Clelland
• Examining Your DNA Matches with DNA Painter: Jonny Perl
• Essential Considerations for DNA Evidence: Blaine Bettinger 

...and with plenty more. Enjoy!

Chris

My next Scottish Research Online course starts March 11th 2019 - see www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech announces keynote speakers

From RootsTech (www.rootstech.org):

RootsTech 2019 Announces Lineup of Keynote Speakers and Entertainers

RootsTech_2019_Keynote_Speaker_Collage.pngSalt Lake City, Utah (13 February 2019), RootsTech 2019, the world’s largest family history conference, announced its full lineup of keynote speakers and entertainers, including Saroo Brierley, Patricia Heaton, Derek Hough, Jake Shimabukuro, and Steve Rockwood. Fueled by the popularity of DNA genealogy, social networking platforms, and related mobile apps, RootsTech 2018 had over 50,000 in-person and online attendees. Hosted by FamilySearch International, the conference will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 27 through March 2, and select content is broadcast live online.

Keynote Speakers

RootsTech 2019 kicks off on Wednesday, February 27, with classes on topics such as DNA research, photo preservation, and using social media to preserve family legacies. Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, will be the featured keynote speaker on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. mountain standard time.

Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton takes the stage on Thursday to share stories of faith and family. Heaton is most recognized for her role as Deborah Barone on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005) and more recently as Frankie Heck in The Middle (2009–2018). Heaton is also the author of two books. Her most recent, a recipe book, is Patricia Heaton’s Food for Family and Friends: 100 Favorite Recipes for a Busy, Happy Life, and her humorous collection of essays about life and family, published in 2003, is Motherhood and Hollywood: How to Get a Job Like Mine.

Saroo Brierley, whose story is recounted in the international bestselling autobiography A Long Way Home, will be the featured keynote speaker on Friday, March 1. Brierley’s remarkable family reunification story was depicted in the 2016 film Lion.

On Saturday, March 2, world-renowned ukulele musician and composer Jake Shimabukuro will take the stage. Shimabukuro’s records have repeatedly topped Billboard world music charts. Shimabukuro will speak about his efforts to honor his heritage through music and will perform live for the RootsTech audience.

Derek Hough, professional ballroom dancer and choreographer, will perform during the Friday evening event, Connecting through Music and Dance. Hough is widely recognized for his work on the ABC dance-competition series Dancing with the Stars, where he has won a record six seasons.

Classes

RootsTech 2019 offers more than 300 classes and activities for families and individuals with varying interests and skills. Select classes will be broadcast live (see https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake/live-stream-schedule). RootsTech also offers a Virtual Pass, which provides access to additional online recorded sessions from the conference. Learn more or register for the event at RootsTech.org.

(With thanks to RootsTech via email)

Chris

My next Scottish Research Online course starts March 11th 2019 - see www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

RootsTech to visit London in 2019

Freom FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org):

RootsTech Announces 2019 Plans for International Event in London

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (28 August 2018), RootsTech is thrilled to announce the conference is expanding to international borders, beginning with the United Kingdom in 2019. RootsTech will host an event in London from 24–26 October 2019 at the ExCeL London Convention Centre. Find out more about RootsTech London 2019 at RootsTech.org/London.

“We are incredibly excited to take the learnings and excitement of RootsTech to London and to our friends in the United Kingdom and beyond,” said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch International CEO. “Interest in one’s family discovery is growing throughout the world, particularly throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and this event will provide many people who are unable to attend the conference in Salt Lake City with the same excitement, resources, learnings, and motivation to discover more about their families and themselves.”

The RootsTech London 2019 convention will follow a similar model that has proved successful over the past 9 years the event has existed in Salt Lake City, Utah. RootsTech London 2019 will offer more than 150 informative lectures taught by industry experts, an exciting exhibit hall where vendors from around the world will display family history technology and services, entertainment, and inspirational keynote sessions.

“This event model has proven to be a great way for people to engage in family history, regardless of age or genealogical skill level. Everyone is welcome at RootsTech,” said Jen Allen, event director. “We are excited to further position RootsTech as a global community for anyone to discover their family and deepen their sense of belonging that we all yearn for.”

The RootsTech London 2019 convention will not replace the annual conference in Salt Lake City but will serve as an additional RootsTech event. All sessions of the RootsTech London conference will be conducted in English. Registration for RootsTech London 2019 will open in February 2019. To learn more, and to watch for continued updates, visit RootsTech.org/London.

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Living DNA previews new "Family Networks" feature

From LivingDNA (https://www.livingdna.com):

LIVING DNA PREVIEWS UNIQUE NEW “FAMILY NETWORKS” OFFERING AT ROOTSTECH 2018

Innovative family tree and matching system will take the guesswork out of DNA relationships

Living DNA, the global consumer genetics company, has today publicly previewed its new ‘Family Networks’ platform for the first time – set to be the most precise DNA-driven matching service on the market.

Officially unveiled in Salt Lake City in Utah at RootsTech 2018, the world’s largest family-history technology conference, Living DNA’s Family Networks requires no prior user-generated family research, allowing users to build a detailed family tree based solely on their DNA, gender, and age. Living DNA will analyse a user's unique motherline and fatherline DNA data (mtDNA and YDNA), on top of the family ancestry line (autosomal) to deliver matches – something no other company can do.

David Nicholson, managing director and co-founder at Living DNA, comments: “With Family Networks, we will not only predict how users are related to direct matches, but we can also find and connect people to DNA matches going back up to 13 generations.

“The technology behind Family Networks automatically works out which genetic trees are possible to uncover relations. This new capability offers distinct benefits to a range of users, from avid genealogists and family history hobbyists through to adoptees and others searching for their family members. It will reduce the risk of human error and take away the tedious task of figuring out how each person in a user’s list are related to one another. We’re truly taking the guesswork out of DNA relationships.”
 
Living DNA’s Family Networks is scheduled to be made available to all existing and new Living DNA users by autumn 2018. The company states that the cutting-edge technology will give all customers – even those who upload from other DNA testing sites – a level of relationship prediction and accuracy that is beyond anything currently on the market.

David Nicholson adds:

“Living DNA’s precise and unique technology processes users’ DNA to identify relatives and define relationships deeper back in time. Through this rich experience, users will even be able to learn how they’re related to people with whom they share no DNA today.

“As we don’t ask for Gedcom files or other user research to build a family tree, Family Networks can be especially useful for adoptees and family searchers who are trying to locate long-lost family members but who don’t have any information on their biological family. Just by using their gender and date of birth in conjunction with their DNA, we will be able to translate their matches into a potential family tree, giving them a clearer place to start from.”

Living DNA breaks down users’ DNA into 80 worldwide regions, including 21 in the UK, more than any other testing company. The company offers a 3-in-1 test as standard: from a simple mouth swab, Living DNA not only covers a user’s family line ancestry, but—unlike most other tests—it also includes the user’s motherline and (if male) fatherline ancestry.

Living DNA’s test itself is run on a custom-built Living DNA Orion Chip. It is one of the first bespoke DNA chips in the world to be built using the latest GSA technology from market leader Illumina, and tests over 656,000 autosomal (family) markers, 4,700 mitrochondrial (maternal) markers and 22,000 Y-chromosomal (paternal) markers.

(With thanks to Rhiannon Winfield)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

RootsTech 2018 Announces Free Online Broadcast Schedule

From FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org):

Popular RootsTech 2018 Announces Free Online Broadcast Schedule

Mark your calendars! RootsTech, the world’s largest family history and technology conference, happening February 28 to March 3, 2018, announced its free live online streaming schedule. It will broadcast 19 of its popular sessions, including former Olympic gold-medalist Scott Hamilton; Brandon Stanton, founder of the Humans of New York photo blog; host of the popular PBS show Finding Your Roots, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; Natalia Lafourcade, internationally recognized singer songwriter; and Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International. The live broadcasts give those unable to attend in-person a sampling of the show's marquee content. Interested viewers can watch the select broadcasts live at RootsTech.org. No registration is required to view the live streams.

"RootsTech 2018 offers over 300 sessions for those able to attend in-person," said Tyler Stahle, RootsTech marketing manager. "However, the 19 sessions we will live stream for free will expand the show's reach and give more people the opportunity to participate remotely in this world class conference." In 2017, streaming sessions garnered more than 50,000 views, and that number continues to grow each year.

The streamed sessions will include the popular general sessions and a sampling of technology and family history presentations appealing to varied interests.

RootsTech Live Streaming Schedule

Watch at www.RootsTech.org. No registration is required to view the live streams. All times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).

For the full schedule of talks, please visit https://media.familysearch.org/popular-rootstech-2018-announces-free-online-broadcast-schedule/

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

US based RootsTech event registration now open

From FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org), news of its annual family history show in Utah:

RootsTech 2018 Now Open for Registration

SALT LAKE CITY (19 September 2017)--FamilySearch International has announced that registration to RootsTech 2018 is now open. RootsTech is a popular 4-day annual family history and technology conference where individuals and families are inspired to discover, preserve, and share their family roots, heritage, and stories. The conference will be held February 28 to March 3, 2018, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, go to RootsTech.org. (Find and share this announcement online in the FamilySearch Newsroom.)

In 2017 the growing event attracted more than 26,000 attendees in-person from all 50 U.S. states and more than 35 countries. Family Discovery Day, a free 1-day event held on Saturday as part of the conference, is also open for registration.

RootsTech 2018 will offer attendees a full lineup of inspiring and well-known keynote speakers; over 300 informative sessions, including hands-on computer labs taught by industry professionals and leaders; interactive activities and helpful exhibitors in the expo hall; and entertaining evening events. All are designed to inspire and empower personal family discoveries.

INNOVATION SHOWCASE

RootsTech 2018 officially begins on Wednesday, February 28, with class sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m. The all-new general session begins at 4:30 p.m. Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, will be the keynote speaker. Following Rockwood's address will be the all-new Innovation Showcase. The Innovation Showcase will feature the best new technology in the industry from around the globe. RootsTech is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Innovation Showcase from the public. The public can nominate its favorite family history related app, product, or service by using #RootsTechInnovation on Facebook or Twitter, or visit the Innovation Showcase page at rootstech.org. The submission deadline is October 15, 2017.

The showcase also offers attendees the opportunity to interact and connect with industry influencers, executives, and investors. Online viewers will also be able to vote for their favorite product or service during the live showcase event on Wednesday. (See RootsTech 2018 Grows to 4 Days, Introduces New Innovation Showcase.)

FAMILY DISCOVERY DAY

Registration for Family Discovery Day is also now open. The event takes place on Saturday, March 3, 2018, and is designed for families and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This free and fun 1-day event includes inspiring messages from Church leaders; engaging classes for families, youth, and young single adults; and evening entertainment to inspire and help families and members discover, preserve, and share their family connections. Family Discovery Day attendees will also have access to all the interactive activities and exhibitors found in the RootsTech Expo Hall. Event details, including speakers and classes, will be made available soon at RootsTech.org. Registration is required.

PRICES

Early bird discount pricing is available for a limited time on 4-day passes at just $169 (a $100 discount). Single-day RootsTech passes are also available for $99. A 4-day Getting Started pass is only $69. All passes include access to the popular Expo Hall and morning keynote sessions.

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.

To register visit https://www.rootstech.org.

(With thanks to FamilySearch)

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Sept 11th 2017 - details at www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

RootsTech 2017 conference registration open

Registration is now open for the next US based RootsTech conference, which takes place from February 8th-11th 2017. From the site:

200+ Breakout Sessions
Get ready to have the ultimate learning experience. With over 200 breakout sessions for all levels of experience, the only challenge will be deciding which to attend.

Expo Hall
Come interact with hundreds of family history and technology exhibitors in the expansive expo hall and discover the latest products and services being offered in the industry.

Innovator Showdown
Watch today’s up-and-coming industry innovators compete before a panel of renowned judges and a live audience for unmatched global exposure and over $100,000 in prizes.

There are also details of the opening event:

Thursday, February 9, 2017, 8:00 p.m.
An Evening of Music: “It Runs in the Family”

Kick off RootsTech’s 2017 at the beautiful Conference Center at Temple Square and listen to featured musical guests: Oscar “Andy” Hammerstein III and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with the Orchestra at Temple Square.

To register, visit http://www.rootstech.org/rootstech-2017  - the early bird price for registration is US$159. 

(With thanks to @RootsTech via Twitter)

UPDATE : Here's the full press release

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA (September 15, 2016)—FamilySearch International has announced that registration to RootsTech 2017 is now open. RootsTech is an annual family history and technology conference where guests of all ages are inspired to discover, preserve, and share their family roots, heritage, and stories across generations—past, present, and future. In 2016 the event attracted more than 28,000 attendees in-person from all 50 US states and 30+ countries. RootsTech 2017 will be held February 8–11 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The popular Innovator Summit and free Family Discovery Day are also open for registration. The website for registration is RootsTech.org.

The 4-day conference will offer attendees a full lineup of inspiring and well-known keynote speakers, over 200 informative sessions, including hands-on computer labs taught by industry professionals and leaders, interactive activities and helpful exhibitors in the expo hall, and entertaining evening events, all designed to inspire and empower personal family discoveries. Early bird discount pricing is available for a limited time on 4-day passes at just $159 and $189 for the RootsTech plus Innovator Summit pass. Passes for the Getting Started track start at $49 for a single day and $69 for a limited 3-day pass. All passes include access to the popular expo hall and morning keynote sessions.

Starting off the 4-day RootsTech conference is the Innovator Summit, a unique 1-day conference designed for serious entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators interested in giving their creative ideas traction in a growing multi-billion-dollar industry. The event also offers attendees the opportunity to interact and connect with industry influencers, executives, and investors. The Summit will include a morning general session (the keynote speaker will be announced soon), over 20 classes, the Innovator Showdown semi-finals, and more. Innovator Summit ONLY passes are available at the discount price of $99.

Along with the Innovator Summit, the Innovator Showdown returns to RootsTech with $100,000 in prizes. Innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world and from any industry are invited to compete with their latest products or services that enable individuals to discover, preserve, and share their personal and family stories, memories, or ancestral connections. The top 5 finalists will be invited to present their product or service on the main RootsTech stage before a panel of judges and a live audience on Friday, February 10, just after the morning keynote session.

Registration for Family Discovery Day is also now open. The event takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017, and is designed for families and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This free and fun 1-day event includes inspiring messages from Church leaders, engaging classes for families, youth, and young single adults, and evening entertainment to inspire and help families and members discover, preserve, and share their family connections. Family Discovery Day attendees will also have access to all the interactive activities and exhibitors found in the RootsTech expo hall. Event details, including speakers and classes, will be made available soon at RootsTech.org. Registration is required.

(With thanks to FamilySearch)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Ulster Historical Foundation at RootsTech

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com)

Visit Ulster Historical Foundation at Rootstech 2016

The Foundation will be represented at Rootstech 2016 from 3–6 February in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Visit us at booth number 1640 where our representative, Dave Miller, who is an experienced genealogist will be on hand to explain the Foundation’s services and offer some advice on how the Foundation can help with your Irish and Scots-Irish roots research. Dave will also have a limited supply of our best-selling title, Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors available for sale. www.rootstech.org/

Download our brochure especially produced for the Rootstech event, where you will find a coupon code for 15% off books published by the Foundation

Conferences Early Bird Offer extended until 29 February 2016

To celebrate the Foundation’s move to new premises in central Belfast, and our first visit to Rootstech 2016, we are pleased to announce that we are extending the early bird offer of only £699 ($999 approx.) per person for our June and September conferences until 29 February. Spaces are filling up fast so book your place now! See www.ancestryireland.com/family-history-conference/summer-2016/ for details

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Twile reaches RootsTech's Innovator Showdown Semi-Finals

From Twile (www.twile.com):

Twile wins a place in the Innovator Showdown Semi-Finals at RootsTech 2016

• UK-based tech startup will compete as one of twelve innovators from around the globe to win part of the $100,000 in total prizes.
• First UK startup in the competition.
• Twile will showcase their family history timeline tool to over 23,000 visitors at the world’s largest genealogy event.

Doncaster, UK, 10 January, 2016 – Following the launch of their family history timeline in April 2015, Twile have made it through to the semi-finals of the Innovator Showdown at RootsTech, which runs from 3rd-6th February 2016.

RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference with over 23,000 visitors expected at the event in Utah, USA. The semi-finals will take place during the Innovator Summit, a one-day event that forms a critical component of the RootsTech conference.

Designed for developers and tech entrepreneurs from around the globe to explore opportunities within the family history industry, the summit will see six finalists selected to go through to the Innovator Showdown. Here they will present their cutting-edge applications in the live event on Friday 5th February, to win a share of $100,000 in prizes.

Preparing to take the stage at the Innovator Summit, Twile co-founder Paul Brooks said, “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen for the semi-finals of the Innovator Showdown. This really is the biggest competition for our industry and we think Twile perfectly matches the criteria - discovering, preserving and sharing family stories across generations. The conference is also a great opportunity for us to meet a lot of the people we’ve been talking to over the last year.”

Twile will also have a booth at the event within ‘Innovation Alley’. If you’re going to be at RootsTech, please come along and see us.

(With thanks to Paul Brooks)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Down and Out in Scotland book now available in Australia and Canada

My new book, Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, published by Unlock the Past, is now available to purchase in Australia and Canada.

To obtain a copy from Australia, visit the Gould Genealogy website at www.gould.com.au/Down-and-Out-in-Scotland-Ancestral-Crisis-p/utp0286.htm. The price is AU$16.50 (which includes GST).

To obtain a copy from Canada, visit the Global Genealogy website at http://globalgenealogy.com/countries/scotland/resources/2590286.htm. The price is Can$18.50.

An ebook version will be available shortly via www.gen-ebooks.com, and you will also be able to place orders next week at the Unlock the Past booth at the RootsTech 2015 conference in Salt Lake City, United States.

Many of my other Unlock the Past titles are also available in the UK from My History at www.my-history.co.uk/acatalog/Unlock-the-Past-Booklets.html - I'll update when I hear if and when the book will also be made available here.

In addition to my latest book, Unlock the Past is also publishing four other titles in its recently redesigned range, including one more of mine. These are:

Irish Family History Resources Online (2nd edition) by Chris Paton
AU$19.50 Inc GST
http://www.gould.com.au/Irish-Family-History-Resources-Online-p/utp0282.htm

Buried Treasure: What's in the English Parish Chest by Paul Milner
AU$15.00 Inc GST
http://www.gould.com.au/Buried-Treasure-English-Parish-Chest-p/utp0562.htm
(also Can$17.00 at http://globalgenealogy.com/countries/england/resources/2590562.htm)

'Til Death Us Do Part: Causes of Death 1300-1948 by J. Few
AU$10.00 Inc GST
http://www.gould.com.au/Til-Death-Us-Do-Part-Causes-of-Death-1300-1948-p/utp0261.htm

500 Best Genealogy and Family History Tips by Thomas Macentee
AU$15 Inc GST
http://www.gould.com.au/500-Best-Genealogy-and-Family-History-Tips-p/utp0425.htm

Nurses and Midwives in Australian History: A Guide to Historical Sources by N. Kyle, R. Russell & J. Blundell
AU$17.00 Inc GST
http://www.gould.com.au/Nurses-and-Midwives-in-Australian-History-A-Guide-p/utp0323.htm

Chris

For details on my range of genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Visit Unlock the Past at Rootstech

I've just announced details of my new book, Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, published by Adelaide based Unlock the Past (www.unlockthepast.com.au), and soon to be available from additional outlets worldwide, including in an ebook format.

If you are intending to visit Rootstech (https://rootstech.org) next week (Feb 12th-14th), you will hopefully be able to see and order a copy from the Unlock the Past team exhibiting there, as well as my other books and other titles from fellow genealogists across the world published by the firm.  Alan Phillips and the Unlock the Past team will be there not only to promote their book range, but also the highly successful genealogy cruises that they run (www.unlockthepastcruises.com), including a forthcoming transatlantic venture, so do pop along to have a chat - also on the booth will be genealogist Paul Milner, who is a specialist on British research, author of Discover English Parish Registers, and only too willing to have a chat!

Have fun!

Chris

For details on my range of genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

My new book - Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis

Heads up on my new book! The last t's are being crossed, i's being dotted, and so on, but my latest Scottish genealogy guide book from Unlock the Past (www.unlockthepast.com.au), due out shortly, is entitled Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis. The book will be available shortly via the Gould Genealogy website at www.gould.com.au - here's the blurb...

Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis

It is perhaps one of greatest truisms of family history research that we will often find that the lives of our ancestors were best documented when the chips were truly down. There were many battles that our forebears fought for and against in Scotland, both on a personal level and as a part of the society within which they lived. There were the laws of the local parish church and the punishments awaiting those who breached kirk discipline; the struggles to avoid poverty and the stigma of being a debtor; the darkest moments of the soul, from mental health issues and illness, to murder and suicide; and the dramatic moments of rebellion, when our forebears drew a line in the sand against a perceived tyranny or democratic deficit. Illness, death, bigamy, abandonment, accidents, eviction, ethnic cleansing – a dramatic range of challenges across a lifetime, and at times, outright tragedy.

But through all of these episodes, there is an even greater story that emerges, of how our ancestors overcame such hardships. In this latest Unlock the Past guide, genealogist Chris Paton goes in search of the records of ancestral hardship in Scotland, to allow us to truly understand the situations that our ancestors had to endure and overcome across the generations, to help us become the people who we are today.

Contents

Acknowledgements. 
1. Family events and relationships. 
 Illegitimacy .
 Foundlings, orphans and adoption .
 Marriage, bigamy and divorce .
 Homosexuality .
 Death . .
2. Law and order. 
 The Kirk .
 The Crown .
 Franchise and burgh courts .
 Criminal prosecution . .
 Murder .
 Additional courts .
 Police and prison records .
 Transportation .
 Execution .
3. Poverty. 
 The Old Poor Law . .
 The New Poor Law .
 The records .
4. Debt. 
 Put to the horn .
 Debts upon inheritance .
 Cessio bonorum and sequestration .
5. Medical problems. 
 Hospital records .
 Asylums .
 Suicide .
 Accidents .
6. Them and us. 
 The Covenanters and the Killing Time .
 The Jacobite rebellions .
 The expulsion of the Gael .
 The vote .
Further reading. 
Index. 

Finally, don't forget also that the second revised and updated edition of my guide book Irish Family History Resources Online is also now available from Gould Genealogy at www.gould.com.au/Irish-Family-History-Resources-Online-p/utp0282.htm. It will soon be available as an ebook also from www.gen-ebooks.com.

UPDATE: Down and Out in Scotland is now available in Canada and Australia - see http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/down-and-out-in-scotland-book-now.html

Chris

For details on my range of genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

RootsTech clips on FamilySearch YouTube channel

The latest annual RootsTech conference in the United States has now ended. A series of video clips from the event have been made available on the FamilySearch YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGng78LVGBHGHLmMETrbjE5cR5MUzwfY1, whilst full length presentations will be made available on the RootsTech website in due course at https://rootstech.org.

(With thanks to the FamilySearch blog)

Chris

My latest genealogy books are Tracing Your Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, and Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet. My next Pharos course is Scottish Research Online, which commences Feb 27th 2014, 5 weeks, price £45.99.

Rootstech 2014 registration opens

FamilySearch has just announced that registration is now open for Rootstech 2014, the big American genealogy technology fair.

Full details are available at https://familysearch.org/blog/en/announcing-rootstech-2014-registration-limited-time-discount/ - there's a discount of $20 for early bookers.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

US RootsTech 2013 conference over

The American RootsTech conference, where the technological concerns of the family history industry meet in Utah, has ended for this year. The site's website at http://rootstech.org has recordings of some of the sessions that occurred.

In terms of news, I've only caught some of the headlines, but FamilySearch has a new logo in the works and is planning to redevelop its site again (*sigh*!), and Ancestry has released raw data from its autosomal DNA tests and is planning a huge project with FamilySearch to digitise American wills. An updated Ancestry app for tablets is also on the cards.

Various bloggers were in attendance providing reports, you can catch a list of some of those there in an 'official' capacity at http://rootstech.org/bloggers.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. For my other genealogy books, please visit  http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html; whilst for my online Scottish based genealogy courses please visit the Pharos Teaching and Tutoring Ltd site.

RootsTech 2013 - discount if booked by Sep 2nd

From FamilySearch:

RootsTech 2013 News: Popular RootsTech 2013 Conference Announces Special Pre-Registration "Insider" Discount
March 21-23, 2013 | Salt Lake City, Utah

RootsTech 2013 announced the following offer today in concert with the Federation of Genealogical Societies' annual conference in Birmingham, Alabama. The discount is available to anyone who registers before Sunday, September 2, 2012. This will be the deepest discount offered for the popular RootsTech 2013 conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

For a limited time, before RootsTech 2013 registration officially opens, you can receive $100 off the full 3-day conference pass price (regular price is $219, exclusive Insider price is only $119). Exclusive Insider Early Registration is available only from August 29 to September 2, 2012.

RootsTech is a fast-growing conference with a unique emphasis on helping individuals learn and use the latest technology to get started or accelerate their efforts to find, organize, preserve, and share their family’s connections and history. The 2013 conference will be held March 21-23 in Salt Lake City, UT.

In it’s third year, RootsTech 2013 will offer many new, exciting resources for genealogists and family historians of all skill levels. Join the thousands of attendees and experience:

• More Classes, More Speakers – great new sessions and more hands-on workshops to attend
• 40% Bigger Expo Hall – exciting new exhibitors with great products and services for you to discover
• New! Getting Started Track – all the basics and lots of help for beginners to jump start their family research
• Developer Day – consolidated track specifically designed for technology developers

To take advantage of this limited time offer:

• Go to www.RootsTech.org/Insider
• Click the registration button

Be sure to enter in promo code: BLOG119

For more information about RootsTech 2013, visit www.rootstech.org. Full conference schedules can be viewed during the registration process.

Chris

Check out my Scotland's Greatest Story research service www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
New book: It's Perthshire 1866 - there's been a murder... www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/The-Mount-Stewart-Murder.aspx (from June 12th 2012)