RootsTech 2023 is open and up and running at this very moment.  If you are lucky enough to be in-person in Salt Lake City, make the most of a fun conference and beautiful city to visit. That’s not even including the fabulous FamilySearch Library that visitors need to make time to visit.

On the other hand, if like me, you are a virtual visitor, you need to log in and visit RootsTech right now. Why? There is a huge catalog of on-demand sessions to be viewed at your leisure. However, the LIVE sessions are happening right now. It’s important to understand that NOT all live sessions can be viewed online and NOT all live sessions are being recorded.

First, log in to your FamilySearch RootsTech account. The home page screen will change through the conference, but should look something like this:

Notice the Main Stage option on the right side. This is the calendar of events on the main stage.

Now scroll down this same screen. You’ll see a scrolling set of live sessions with the time they are being presented in MST.

Next, scroll back to the very top of the screen. The navigation bar is in the top right corner. Move from place to place by (1) using the menu (2) clicking on RootsTech 2023 tab for the drop down menu in the image below or (3) choose live sessions to attend. Note Again – not all live sessions are being recorded, so if you see one that interests you, be sure to attend when it is live. The worst that can happen is that you watch it live and then learn that it was recorded. If you skip it thinking you’ll watch the recorded session and then learn it wasn’t recorded, you will have missed out.

One more suggestion – check out the Expo Hall to find some great bargains on offer. Once RootsTech 2023 in-person closes, most of the vendor specials will be gone, too.

Have fun today!

Press Release:

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, 27 February 2023—FamilySearch announced its keynote speakers for RootsTech 2023, the world’s largest family celebration and genealogy event. Singing sensation Jordin Sparks, American actor Sean Astin, and popular photographer Me Ra Koh are some of the featured speakers for the popular annual online event held in person and online March 2–4, 2023. Learn more, and join millions online worldwide this week at Rootstech.org.

A key part of the RootsTech experience is the Main Stage, where attendees are provided unforgettable experiences in the form of entertainment, inspiration, and knowledge.

Kaija Argyle, the Main Stage coordinator, explains some of the strategy behind the mainstage programming. “At RootsTech 2023, we are celebrating our shared global connections through cultural entertainment from around the world, inspiring keynote discoveries, and localized emcees speaking natively in 11 different languages. This is an event like none other. You won’t want to miss it!”

RootsTech 2023 Keynote Speakers

Jordin Sparks

The multi-platinum recording artist, actress, and American Idol Season 6 winner will share her personal story and speak about how music has shaped her life from a young age. Sparks has multiple Billboard hit singles, and her music videos have received over 90 million views on YouTube. She has also starred in several Broadway and film productions. Jordin Sparks will be featured opening day of RootsTech 2023, Thursday, March 2.

Sean Astin

The globally recognized actor and Academy Award-nominated director is perhaps best known for his character Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and starring roles in The Goonies, Rudy, Forever Strong, and more.  Astin has been building his fan base throughout his 40-year career and includes 160 credits. His character roles have emphasized heart, hope, determination, and loyalty. He will be sharing his heart at RootsTech 2023 on Saturday, March 4, as he shares his unique life experiences and the choices, challenges, and fulfillment that come with uniting families and people.

Me Ra Koh

Today a famed photographer, Me Ra Koh grew from humble beginnings. Her inspiring story emerged from physical and emotional challenges, personal tragedy, homelessness, and even a period in a psychiatric hospital to a successful life as a wife, mother, and acclaimed photographer. She has mastered the talent of using the camera to capture the story of resilience within people. Watch Me Ra Koh in person or online at RootsTech 2023 on Friday, March 3.

Steve Rockwood

The CEO of FamilySearch, Steve Rockwood will kick off RootsTech 2023 on March 2, and introduce its theme of “Uniting.”  There is power in unified relationships of all types, and Rockwood will address how uniting families past, present, and future can do just that.

RootsTech 2023 Virtual Exclusive Keynotes

As a global event, RootsTech 2023 will feature keynotes from around the world.  They will not be on the main stage in Salt Lake City, Utah, but will be broadcasted online at RootsTech.org beginning March 3, 2023.

His Highness Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al-Qasimi

His Highness the Sheikh is from the United Arab Emirates. He is a leader in promoting understanding, openness, and harmony among people of all cultures. He has also been a major contributor to achieving sustainability and food security in the UAE and was awarded the Medal of Excellence for being an important figure in sustainable investment.

Tuti Furlan

An amazing psychologist from Guatemala, Furlan specializes in positive psychology and the science of happiness.

Mona Magno-Veluz 

Magno-Veluz is a native of the Philippines where she serves as the National President of the Autism Society of the Philippines. She has designed and engineered initiatives that empower individuals on the autism spectrum and those who care for them.

Global Emcees

For the first time ever, RootsTech 2023 will offer localized main stage sessions. Fifteen emcees from all over the world, speaking in their native language, will direct online attendees through the 3 days of events on the main stage.

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.

Are you prepared for RootsTech 2023? If not, you still have time to virtually be ready the moment the 2023 hybrid conference goes live in just #3 DAYS!

Why You should Attend Virtually

If you happen to live locally, of course, it is possible to do a walk-in registration. However, most of us don’t have that luxury, so here are some tips about virtual attendance.

• It’s a great educational experience. There are 304 online classes this year plus 205 in-person sessions. [NOTE: Many of the in-person sessions will not be recorded for future viewing. ]
• The Expo Hall (yes, it will be virtually accessible) has 155 exhibitors plus 23 sponsors! Browsing the booths is not only fun, but there are often excellent ‘conference special’ prices on offer.

What Do You Need to Do?

Registering is simple. If you’ve attended RootsTech in the past OR you have a FamilySearch account, either can be used to sign up to attend the virtual side of the conference. Did I mention that it’s FREE? It can’t get any better than that!

First, go to the RootsTech website.

Look at the top right corner for the registration button.

Click on the RootsTech 2023 tab and a drop down menu will open. The first choice is Registration. Fill out the form and you are good to go.

Next, be sure you are signed in and then choose the ON Demand button. Filter your choices to 2023 if you only want to view the list of this year’s sessions.

Notice the + sign in the right corner of each class description? That is the button to “Add to My Playlist.” Click on it and the session will be added to your list for future viewing.

If you change your mind, or want to delete it from the list after you’ve viewed the class, just hit the button a second time and it will delete the session from your playlist. Very simple to use.

You can actually set up your playlist this very minute. You just can’t view the talks until the conference goes live.

That’s all there is to it!

Watch for my posts during the conference as I, too, experience the virtual conference this year. I will also have my review of the Expo Hall when the live conference closes.