There’s a buzz in the air at FamilyTreeDNA because it’s that time of the year—RootsTech time! We will be in-person at RootsTech 2023 from March 2–4 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
You can find our schedule of live events and expo hall hours at the end of the article.
This year we’re more excited than ever. We’re a Gold Sponsor, and we’ll be in person at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah from Thursday, March 2 through Saturday, March 4! The past two years of RootsTech have been virtual only, with RootsTech 2020 ending less than two weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown.
The upcoming event will be the first hybrid version of the conference with both in-person and virtual shows running simultaneously. The virtual event begins at 4 PM Mountain Time on March 1, since that’s the morning of March 2 in Australia and New Zealand.
Make sure you’re registered to attend!
We’ll post separately about the virtual show, so I will just say that if you cannot make it to Salt Lake City, we’ll miss you, but you’ll have plenty of content available online with free admission! Be sure to check the FamilyTreeDNA virtual booth for content. We intend to staff the popular chat feature as close to 24 hours a day as possible.
The Roots of RootsTech
The first RootsTech conference was in 2011. The event, sponsored by FamilySearch, had a goal to combine family history, genealogy, and technology. The conference has grown exponentially from around 3,000 attendees to over 20,000 registered attendees in just a few short years. You could say they achieved their goal. FamilyTreeDNA didn’t attend that first year, but we made it in 2012. We have participated in every conference since then.
There is Nothing Quite Like RootsTech
The in-person experience is like no other conference in the genealogy industry. RootsTech features speakers from all over the world on just about every topic imaginable. FamilyTreeDNA sticks to genetic genealogy, but other talks on this year’s agenda will include topics like genealogy basics, recipes, and in-depth research for specific countries.
2023’s keynote speaker is American Idol Jordin Sparks. Past keynote speakers have included LeVar Burton, former First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush Hagar, Matthew Modine, Donny Osmond, and Emmitt Smith.
Making Connections
The RootsTech experience is as much about meeting and interacting with other attendees as it is about the classes and talks. Attendees will commune over meals and gather in common areas of their hotels, often with laptops open and comparing notes. You might find yourself wandering through the Expo Hall buying books, swag, and of course, DNA kits.
Stop By and Say Hello
The FamilyTreeDNA booth will be easy to find. We are Booth 423, right up front to the left of the FamilySearch hub as you enter the front doors.
You’ll be able to chat with members of our Research & Development team, discuss which test is best for you with a staff member, and buy kits at special event prices with no shipping and handling fees (because we’ll have the test kits on hand). If you haven’t tested with us before or if you have tested and we need additional sample for your new test, you can swab on the spot, and we’ll take your kit directly back to the lab so you don’t have to mail it.
RootsTech 2023 Booth Content
During the three-day event, we’ll feature some short talks in our booth on a variety of DNA-related topics. In addition, we’ll have panels on Y-DNA and mtDNA with our Research & Development team, Dr. Paul Maier, Goran Runfeldt, and Mr. Y-DNA haplotree himself Michael Sager. This year, our in-booth theater will be behind the wall. We’ll have signage with the schedule, and we’ll post it on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, so be sure to follow us to stay informed.
Your RootsTech 2023 Schedule
RootsTech 2023 will be tightly packed with sessions on all genealogy topics. Make sure you prepare for RootsTech by making a schedule of all the sessions you’d like to attend. Don’t forget to add the FamilyTreeDNA sessions to your schedule so you don’t miss any of the exciting information we have to offer.
FamilyTreeDNA Sponsor Highlight
Thursday, March 2, 1 PM – 1:15 PM MST
Featuring Lior Rauchberger: FamilyTreeDNA CEO
Take a look back at 2022 and a look forward at 2023.
Y-DNA: An Overview of Your Results
Friday, March 3 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM MST
Featuring Katy Rowe: FamilyTreeDNA Product Owner
Learn how to understand the sometimes cryptic Y-DNA test results.
Let’s Play Connect Forefathers!
Saturday, March 4, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM MST
Featuring Sherman McRae: FamilyTreeDNA Group Liaison
Explore the recently released FamilyTreeDNA Discover™ and the enhanced Y-DNA tools.
In addition, since the virtual show is free, you’ll want to tune in on Friday, March 3 at 1:30 PM MST for Jim Brewster’s virtual live demo, “Just in Time for Group Projects! Introducing the FamilyTreeDNA Discover Group Time Tree” when he will discuss our exciting new feature.
We Can’t Wait to See You!
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Salt Palace. Make sure you register online before the event.
The Expo Hall hours are:
Thursday, March 2, 2023
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
Friday, March 3, 2023
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
Saturday, March 4, 2023
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM MST
Note: There will not be an Expo Hall preview on Wednesday night the way there has been in previous years, so we’ll see you Thursday!
Is there a cost if so no I can’t afford
Hey Diane!
To attend RootsTech in person, there is. But the Virtual conference is 100% free!
Will there be any news about the mtDNA tree?