We are already half way through January 2015. Days are flying by and the FGS-RootsTech 2015 schedule of sessions is being finalized. I had made a list of sessions of interest a couple of months ago, but since conference time is drawing near, it is time to review and update my list found in the FGS 2015 Registration Booklet.

One thing to remember about conferences is that while most sessions are presented as published, changes do happen before the conference and even during the conference. A few sessions are even completely cancelled. I have already discovered that two prospective sessions I had noted are not being offered at the time and day first published.

Each conference session in the booklet has a short description about the presentation/speaker and notes whether the session is appropriate for Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced researchers. What I have found when attending previous sessions is that an attendee should not skip a session based on the B, I, or A level assigned. The only exception I would probably make to this philosophy is perhaps a session that might offer highly technical information, such as a detailed DNA analysis in genealogical research.

My session choices will undoubtedly be updated when I am actually in Salt Lake because of conference updates and a few impulsive changes made when there is a conflict between sessions which interest me.

Here are the FGS Conference Sessions currently on my interest list:

Wednesday:

9:30-10:30 – Tech Soup – Technology by the Bowlful for Your Genealogy Society by Thomas MacEntee

10:45-11:45 – How the Genealogist Can Remember Everything with Evernote by Lisa Louise Cooke

1:30-2:30 – The Ethical Genealogist by Judy G. Russell

2:45 – 3:45 – 7 Surefire Ways to Involve Broy Jetson (and Others) in Your Genealogical Society by J. Mark Lowe

4:00-5:00 – Tradition and Technology: Finding Your Society’s Balance by D. Joshua Taylor

Thursday:

11:00-12:00 – Getting the Most Out of Genealogical Evidence by Thomas Jones

1:30-2:30 – Bridging the Gap: Tracing U.S. Ancestors Between 1780-1840 by D. Joshua Taylor

3:00-4:00 – Problem Solving with Probate by Thomas Jones

4:30-5:30 – Go West, Young Man: Online Resources for the Western United States by Cyndi Ingle

Friday:

10:30-11:30 – Cluster Genealogy: Finding Your Lost Ancestors by Deborah Abbott

1:00-2:00 – Doing the History Eliminates the Mystery by Curt Witcher

2:30-3:30 – Fraternal Organizations: Records and Resources by Kris Rzepczynski

4:00-5:00 – Using Tax Records for Genealogical Problem Solving by Michael Lacopo

The biggest challenge for me is part of the fun of two conferences in one – this list only has the FGS sessions of interest. A second list of RootsTech sessions will also be created and, at the conference, I will have to make decisions about which conflicting sessions to attend.

Further conflicts will happen because time is needed for the Exhibit Hall, Family History Library and eating. Hmmm – eating will be relegated to the bottom of the list!

 Two last words of advice to everyone:

First, if you think you may try to attend parts of two sessions during the same time block, be considerate of the presenter and sit in the back of the room. That way, when it is time to leave one session, you can easily slip out the door without creating a distraction for either the speaker or the other attendees.

Second, choose sessions that meet your own research interests and needs and have fun!

I am looking forward to attending the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference February 11-14 in Salt Lake City. It so happens that several of my recent blog posts focused on often overlooked resources and one of them was the treasure trove to be found through genealogical societies. Through the years, these societies have nurtured those newly interested in family history and enabled them to grow into seasoned researchers. Societies have also amassed huge amounts of localized genealogical information through the volunteer efforts of their members. Today, they continue to  promote education and camaraderie among family researchers and to help communities preserve their histories.

The memberships I held in genealogy societies during my first years of research were invaluable. I learned so much and always left meetings chomping at the bit, wanting  to follow up on new ideas. Fast forward 35 years – They have continued to teach and motivate me as my areas of interest grew and expanded.  This conference is an opportunity to connect with new genealogy friends affiliated with societies from around the country and even worldwide. There is literally a society out there for just about any genealogical focus you might have.

There is a brand new aspect to the 2015 FGS conference, which I think is fabulous. FGS is partnering with RootsTech to share space, speakers and activities at the Salt Palace Convention Center. However, each organization will also host independent sessions and activities.  For only $39, I upgraded my registration to full access to sessions with both organizations.  I couldn’t pass up the chance to explore double the number of sessions  without having to attend two separate events in two different locations at twice the price. What a cost savings and great value for keeping my genealogical skills current with the times.

Last, but certainly not least, every genealogist who visits Salt Lake City always wishes for time in the FamilySearch Library. After taking in all the new information gleaned in the conference sessions, I plan to refresh my family research focus with a visit to the library, which is just a short walk from the Salt Palace. (My “please, let me find them” list is already growing.)

 I can’t wait for February to get here! If you can attend just one genealogical event this year, this conference is a great choice.

Connect.Explore.Refresh