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Are you trying to decide if you have time to attend RootsTech 2024? Today I’m going to share my experiences attending RootsTech the last few years to help you decide “Is RootsTech for Moms?”
As moms, we wear countless hats. From nurturing and guiding our little ones, managing households, and juggling careers, our plates are undeniably full. For me, attending RootsTech in Salt Lake City offers a unique pause—a chance to connect with my past, understand my present, and shape my family’s future.
If you’re attending RootsTech for the first time my friend Camille shared 10 tips and tricks for first timers that I know you’ll find helpful.
Why Should Moms Attend RootsTech?
RootsTech isn’t just about tracing lineage and isn’t just for old people or family historians. RootsTech is a global family history event for anyone and everyone. You can attend in person at the Salt Palace Convention Center or attend virtual sessions with a free online pass.
I have been a RootsTech ambassador for years and family history aside I have always left the conference refreshed with my cup filled. RootsTech is a great way to learn more about family members from the past.
For many of us, exploring our genealogy at such a grand event is not just about tracing lineage; it’s about uncovering stories, learning from our ancestors’ resilience, and passing on a legacy of strength and unity to our children.
RootsTech 2024 stands as the pinnacle gathering for anyone interested in family history, promising an enriching experience with its array of workshops, keynote speakers, and interactive exhibits. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or a curious newcomer eager to explore your family’s roots, here’s a guide tailored for moms like us, aiming to make the most out of this incredible event.
Before the Event: Preparation is Key
Set Your Intentions:
Start by asking yourself what you hope to achieve at RootsTech.
Is it to break through a specific genealogical brick wall, learn how to preserve family stories, or connect with distant relatives?
Setting clear goals can help you prioritize your time and activities during the event.
Plan Your Schedule:
With hundreds of sessions available, planning is crucial.
Review the schedule ahead of time and highlight workshops and talks that align with your goals.
Don’t forget to allocate some time for exploring the expo hall and engaging in networking opportunities.
Engage Your Family:
Involve your children in the preparation process.
Discuss what you hope to discover and how it relates to your family’s story. Preparing a list of questions or mysteries you want to solve can be a fun activity to do with older children.
Don’t forget about Family Discovery Day. We’ll talk more about that below.
Pack Smartly:
Comfort and efficiency are key. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot.
Bring a lightweight bag for carrying essentials like water, snacks, a notebook, and a portable charger for your devices.
If you are easily cold I recommend bringing something like a light jacket or a cardigan sweater as the temperature can vary from area to area.
Navigating RootsTech with Kids
Attending with little ones? RootsTech is a family-friendly event, with activities and workshops designed for all ages.
However, managing a day or more at a large conference with children in tow requires some extra planning:
Childcare Options:
Check in advance if there are childcare services available at the event or nearby facilities.
Some moms choose to bring along a family member or a sitter to keep the kids engaged while they attend sessions.
Family-Friendly Sessions:
Look for workshops or activities specifically designed for children or families. These can be wonderful opportunities for your kids to learn about their heritage in an interactive way.
Take Breaks:
Keep the day balanced with plenty of breaks.
Designate times to rest, snack, and explore non-genealogy-related interests your children might have.
Capture Memories:
Encourage your kids to document their experiences through photos or a journal. This not only keeps them engaged but also helps preserve the memories of your family’s RootsTech journey.
Know Your Child:
RootsTech can be an overwhelming experience for anyone who doesn’t like crowds and noise.
If you have a child that may not handle the event reach out to family or friends to see if your child could hang out with them doing something away from the event.
Maximizing Your Experience
Networking with Purpose:
RootsTech is an excellent place to meet like-minded individuals.
Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with speakers, vendors, and fellow attendees.
Exchange contact information and consider joining genealogy organizations or groups that align with your interests.
Leverage Technology:
Utilize the RootsTech app to keep track of your schedule, download handouts, and connect with other attendees.
Also, social media groups specific to RootsTech can be invaluable for tips, meetups, and shared experiences.
Take Notes and Ask Questions:
With the wealth of information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Take notes during sessions and don’t shy away from asking speakers or fellow attendees questions. This can deepen your understanding and provide new insights into your research.
Visit the Expo Hall:
The expo hall is a treasure trove of resources, from the latest genealogy software to DNA testing services.
Take time to visit the booths, ask for demonstrations, and collect information on tools that can aid your research.
Sit at a Table with Others:
I’ll never forget the day I chose to sit down during my lunch break at a table someone else was already sitting at.
We started talking about the event and I was able to help this person learn how to use their Instagram account.
While this was easy for me it was something they didn’t really understand but their grandchildren used the app and they thought it would be a great way to connect with them.
I loved being able to help them and see their excitement over learning something new.
RootsTech Family History Conference and Children
Earlier we talked about navigating RootsTech with children, now I want to talk about RootsTech and children. My kids have loved hearing my stories about my time at previous RootsTech conferences. I’ve learned there are a few easy ways to get them excited so I wanted to share those with you.
Influential Family Member:
One of the things my children love is learning who they’re related to. Especially anyone famous.
There are a variety of different ways you can do this in the Expo Hall but you can also do this through the Family Tree and Family Search apps.
Being able to trace the relatives that connect you to someone famous is a great first step into family history.
Keynote Speakers:
The Keynote speakers are another easy way to get children excited about family history and attending RootsTech.
From Sean Astin to Jordin Sparks and Levar Burton to the Cake Boss, my kids love hearing their stories.
Learning from people they consider influential that family history is cool and important can often touch young people in a way that we as their parents can’t.
This year I cannot wait to hear from Henry Cho and Kristin Chenoweth and how family connections are important to them.
Family Discovery Day:
Family Discovery Day is on the last day of RootsTech (Saturday) and is a free event for anyone who wants to attend.
My children have been attending with me for years and there is always something they love.
This year there is a Family Game Zone, and a ton of family discovery activities in the Expo Hall, and Jimmer Fredette will be there with his wife Whitney sharing about how to preserve your own story.
Sit and Talk:
If your children are old enough to go off on their own let them do that for a while and then meet up and sit and talk about what they did, what they experienced, and what they learned.
You may be surprised at what they feel drawn to while walking the Expo Hall or even tuning in to the virtual event if you can’t attend in person.
Sometimes children take a step back and listen to us instead of asking the questions they have or they go where we go instead of doing something they’re interested in.
Having a little time on their own can be eye-opening to them and us.
After RootsTech: Implementing What You’ve Learned
Organize Your Findings:
Once home, take time to organize your notes, contacts, and any materials you collected.
This will make it easier to integrate new techniques into your research and follow up with any contacts you make.
Share Your Experience:
Share the stories, knowledge, and experiences you gained at RootsTech with your family.
This can be a wonderful way to engage them in your genealogical journey and perhaps spark an interest in their own heritage.
Plan Your Next Steps:
With fresh inspiration and resources at your disposal, outline your next steps.
Whether it’s diving into a new database, reaching out to a newly discovered relative, or starting a family history project, keep the momentum going.
Reflect on Your Journey:
Finally, take a moment to reflect on your RootsTech experience. Consider how the journey of discovering your roots is not just about the past but also about crafting a legacy for the future.
How will the stories of resilience, love, and endurance you’ve uncovered inspire the values you instill in your children?
RootsTech 2024 offers a unique opportunity for moms to connect with their past, discover new family stories, and be inspired by the collective journey of humanity.
Whether you attend the in-person event or watch on demand sessions it’s a chance to step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of your ancestors’ lives, gaining insights and inspirations to guide our families forward.
Is RootsTech for Moms? We think it is, it’s been an event we look forward to every year and every year we learn new ways to help our families connect.
Let’s embrace this journey together, creating a legacy of knowledge, strength, and unity for generations to come.
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