FamilySearch Press Release:

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, February 21, 2023—Sean Astin, perhaps best known for his character “Samwise Gamgee” in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, will be the featured RootsTech 2023 keynote speaker on Saturday, March 4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The globally recognized actor and Academy Award-nominated director will take to the main stage to inspire attendees, the worldwide audience and fans, through his personal message of the power of family and unity, whatever that may look like for each of us. Watch RootsTech 2023 in person or online, March 2–4. Learn more at RootsTech.org.

Sean Astin’s acting career, beginning at age 10, has spanned four decades and includes over 160 credits. Throughout this time, Astin has come to touch all generations through his roles on the big screen. Astin’s mentionable roles include The Lord of the Rings, The Goonies, Rudy, Forever Strong, and more.

Jen Allen, director of events at FamilySearch, says, “Sean Astin unites generations. My mother is just as excited as my teenagers to see him at RootsTech 2023.” Astin was born into a world of talent, coming from two parents who are both well-known actors themselves, Patty Duke and John Astin.

Astin succeeded at building his fan base early on through roles that emphasize his good heart, hope, determination, and loyalty. In fact, his personal motto is “people will root for anyone who shows them their heart.” Astin will be doing just that at RootsTech 2023 as he shares his heart with millions of viewers around the world and shares his unique life experiences and the choices, challenges, and fulfillment that come with uniting families and people.

“Sean has a rich history in the film industry, and as we’ve seen his characters come to life on screen, we look forward to getting to know the man behind all the characters we have come to love,” said RootsTech creative manager, Jonathan Wing.

Astin’s keynote address will take place at the RootsTech General Session on Saturday, March 4, 2023, 11:00 AM MST. Register now at RootsTech.org to get your in-person pass. Can’t attend in-person? Register to watch Sean Astin live at RootsTech.org.

What Is RootsTech?

RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library, or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.

RootsTech 2023 Press Release:

Famed Portrait Photographer Me Ra Koh 
to Keynote RootsTech 2023

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, 16 February 2023—Celebrated photographer Me Ra (pronounced Mee-Rah ) Koh, is a living portrait of resilience. She will share her inspiring story as a keynote speaker at RootsTech 2023, Friday, March 3 at the Salt Palace Convention Center and online at RootsTech.org.

Koh rose from humble beginnings, including physical and emotional challenges, to become a famed photographer featured on Oprah, Live with Kelly & Ryan, and other popular television shows, sought after photography expert, best-selling author, Disney Channel host, and one of the first two women photographers to be Sony-sponsored. Her family portraiture work has been featured in galleries in London, New York, and Los Angeles, and published in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Parenting, and Women’s World.

She is also a sought-after motivational speaker whose inspiring story weaves in and out of personal tragedy, homelessness, and a period in a psychiatric hospital to a successful life as a wife of 25 years, a mother of two young adults, and the co-owner with her husband Brian Tausend of the renowned FIORIA portrait studio in Frisco, Texas, whose sole purpose, she says, is to celebrate people’s resilience.

“Through her work on television, online, and in person, Me Ra has inspired millions of viewers around the world,” said Jonathan Wing, RootsTech creative manager. “We cannot wait for her to inspire our RootsTech audience!”

Me Ra’s message is sure to bring laughter, empowerment, and courage to those who hear her speak. To learn more about this amazing woman, visit Fioria.us.

Find and share this news release in the FamilySearch Newsroom.

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Refuse to Say “Cheese” and Capture the Story! Me Ra Koh, RootsTech 2023 Keynote

WHAT IS ROOTSTECH?

RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.

FamilySearch – RootsTech 2023 Press Release:

Kirby Heyborne to Emcee RootsTech 2023

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—Actor, songwriter, singer, comedian, and narrator Kirby Heyborne will emcee the in-person RootsTech 2023 event in Salt Lake City, Utah, a premier global family celebration event held March 2–4, 2023. Viewers worldwide can watch RootsTech virtually at RootsTech.org.

RootsTech is known for providing its audience with the most entertaining talent to guide attendees through an unforgettable experience. This year, Kirby Heyborne, who is well-known and loved by audiences nationwide, promises to deliver on the RootsTech 2023 main stage in Salt Lake City and throughout the in-person event with his wit and kind-hearted nature. In fact, Heyborne is most recently best known for his leadership as host of the BYU TV show Making Good, where he highlights charities all over the world that make the world a better place.

Heyborne started his career in movies popular with the Latter-day Saint population, including The RM, The Singles Ward, and The Best Two Years. He later went on to star in commercials for Best Buy and Verizon and to narrate books such as Gone Girl, Battle of the Ampere, and The Last Shadow.

Married to his high school sweetheart, Heyborne and his wife have three children. He is a dedicated husband and father with a strong desire to connect to his family roots, which will shine through in his role as an emcee at RootsTech 2023.

How to Watch RootsTech 2023:

You can watch Heyborne in action in person or online. Simply register for RootsTech 2023 at rootstech.org. The virtual event is free. The in-person event early bird price is just US$98 for a full three-day pass. The price will increase on February 20.