By: Courtney Eberhard
Discover the richness of your ancestry at RootsTech 2024 where FamilyTreeDNA awaits with an in-person booth, classes, and exclusive booth talks.
For information about the virtual conference, check out our RootsTech 2024 virtual guide.
Excitement fills the atmosphere at FamilyTreeDNA as we gear up for one of the most anticipated moments of the year—RootsTech time! Join us in person at RootsTech 2024, taking place from February 29 to March 2 in the vibrant city of Salt Lake City, Utah.
What is RootsTech?
RootsTech extends a warm invitation to millions around the globe, urging them to join in the festivities at the largest family history conference and year-long learning hub. Boasting an extensive array of classes, compelling speakers, engaging activities, and heartwarming connections, RootsTech unites the global family in a way that is truly unparalleled.
The RootsTech 2024 schedule
RootsTech 2024 will take place from Thursday, February 29 – Saturday, March 2, 2024. (All times are in MST)
Day 1 – Thursday
- Classes 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
- Expo Hall 9:00 AM–7:30 PM
- General Session 11:00 AM
- Night at the Expo Hall 5:30–7:30 PM
Day 2 – Friday
- Classes 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
- Expo Hall 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- General Session 11:00 AM
- Industry Highlight Forum 1:30 PM
Day 3 – Saturday
- Classes 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Expo Hall 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- General Session 11:00 AM
- Family Discovery Session 1:30 PM
- Family Discovery Day 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
RootsTech 2024 Ticket Prices
The upcoming event will be a hybrid version of the conference again with both in-person and virtual classes running simultaneously.
Full 3-Day Pass: $109*
1-Day Pass: $69
RootsTech Online: FREE
Review of RootsTech 2023
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 was American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. Past keynote speakers have included:
- Photographer, author, speaker, Me Ra Koh
- Actor, director, Sean Astin
- Emmy-winning actor, LeVar Burton
- Former First Lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna
- Actor, Matthew Modine
- Entertainer, Donny Osmond
- NFL Hall of Famer, Emmitt Smith
In-person Classes from FamilyTreeDNA at RootsTech 2024
RootsTech 2024 will be tightly packed with sessions on all genealogy topics. Make sure you prepare for RootsTech, and make a playlist of all the sessions you’d like to attend. Don’t forget to add the FamilyTreeDNA sessions to your playlist so you don’t miss any of the exciting information we have to offer.
Genealogy’s Secret Weapon: How mtDNA Can Solve Family Mysteries
Thursday, February 29 at 3:00 PM MST
Ballroom H (will be livestreamed)
Featuring Katy Rowe-Shurwanz, FamilyTreeDNA Product Owner
Explore the untapped potential of mitochondrial DNA in genealogy, break through barriers, and unveil family mysteries in our class, discovering new features and tools, including the 2024 Mitotree update.
Jumping the Pond Using Y-DNA and Group Projects
Friday, March 1 at 3:00 PM MST
Room 255EF
Featuring Mags Gaulden, Group Project Administrator and Founder of mitoYDNA Ltd.
Embark on a journey of ancestral discovery as we unravel familial connections across oceans, breaking down conventions and tracing an early South Carolina family back to their roots in Ireland using a simple Y-DNA test and participation in DNA group projects.
Booth Talks at the FamilyTreeDNA Booth
The FamilyTreeDNA booth will be easy to find since we’re in the same spot as last year! We are Booth 611, right up front to the left of the FamilySearch hub as you enter the front doors. Make sure to stop by and say hello!
FamilyTreeDNA also hosts talks throughout the event at our booth for you to learn from and a chance to engage with the speakers. Booth Talks from last year included:
- “DNA for Native American Genealogy – 10 Ways to Find Your Native American Ancestor” with Roberta Estes
- “What Can You Learn from DNA?” with Katy Rowe-Schurwanz
- “Unexpected Y-DNA Result” with Sherman McRae
- “DNA Journey – Follow Your Ancestor’s Path” with Roberta Estes
- “Which Test is Best for Me?” with Janine Cloud
- “Native American Roots” with Janine Cloud
- “Ask Me Anything! (Y-DNA)” with Paul Maier, Goran Runfeldt, and Michael Sager
- “Ask Me Anything! (mtDNA)” with Paul Maier and Goran Runfeldt
- “Ask Me Anything! – Native DNA and Book Signing” with Roberta Estes
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 X (formerly known as Twitter), so be sure to follow us to stay informed.
Networking Opportunities at RootsTech 2024
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.
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 samples 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.
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, February 29, 2023
9:00 AM – 7:30 PM MST
Friday, March 1, 2023
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
Saturday, March 2, 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!
About the Author
Courtney Eberhard
Marketing Coordinator at FamilyTreeDNA
Courtney Eberhard, the Marketing Coordinator at FamilyTreeDNA, is driven by a profound passion for genealogy, fueled by her personal journey as an adoptee with roots in the LDS church. Through research with FamilyTreeDNA, she has also been able to uncover her husband’s indigenous roots in Mexico and provide context for his origins.
In her spare time, she finds joy in connecting with her family and friends during cookouts, cheering for the Houston Astros, and cherishing her role as a dedicated full-time parent.