SALT LAKE CITY — Whether you’re a beginning genealogist or an old hand at family research, the RootsTech 2013 conference has something for you.
The third annual RootsTech conference will be held March 21-23 at the Salt Palace. An early bird registration discount of $149 for a three-day pass is available through Feb. 15, by registering at rootstech.org.
This year, there is a greater emphasis on beginners than the conference has had in the past, said Amy E. Smith, marketing communications manager for FamilySearch.org.
To accommodate newcomers, a track of 30 classes will be offered at a discount price of $39 for the entire three days, Smith said.
“(The beginner’s course) is not meant to be everything, but will help them learn the basics so that when they leave they can continue,” Smith said.
The conference has been popular among Davis County residents, who often include it along with the South Davis Family History Fair scheduled for April 19 and 20 at Woods Cross High School this year.
This year’s RootsTech conference will offer more than 250 classes and workshops and is expected to attract more than 4,000 from throughout the world. Last year, attendees came from 46 states, six Canadian provinces and 23 additional countries, according to the RootsTech website. Among those were more than 90 family history bloggers from Australia, Canada, Israel and Great Britain.
In addition to the newcomer’s classes, the conference will offer classes catering to the needs of experienced genealogists, including advanced classes on new technology in the field.
It will also offer technology-related classes geared to developers. Part of this year’s emphasis will be on helping developers connect with those less experienced to get a feel for what their needs are, Smith said
Young people are also being encouraged to attend. A “Getting Started” class will be offered specifically for youth and there will be merit badge activities for Scouts.
In addition to the sessions and workshops, there will be keynote speakers and an exhibition hall.
While RootTech attracts a national audience from a variety of faith backgrounds, there will be sessions offered specifically for LDS church members.
At the October General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church’s First Presidency released a letter asking members to give increased emphasis on family history and temple work.
To register or for more information, go to rootstech.org.
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