By: Courtney Eberhard

RootsTech 2025 brings the genealogy community together for an unparalleled in-person experience. Experience the excitement with expert-led classes, dynamic exhibits, and stories of connection and discovery.

The In-Person RootsTech Experience

Have you ever wondered what makes RootsTech so special in person? As the ultimate gathering for genealogy enthusiasts, DNA explorers, and history lovers, RootsTech 2025 immerses you in an unforgettable journey of discovery and inspiration.

Attending in person is an experience like no other. From the vibrant exhibit hall to face-to-face connections with industry leaders and fellow attendees, RootsTech immerses you in a journey of discovery and inspiration.

Hosted in Salt Lake City, the “Genealogy Capital of the World,” and home to the renowned FamilySearch Library and Family History Center, this event combines modern innovation with rich historical significance.

The exterior of the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, showcasing the engraved sign for the Family History Library and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Immersing Yourself in RootsTech

Imagine stepping into a world where history, technology, and human connection converge. The moment you enter the Salt Palace Convention Center, the excitement is palpable. Crowds of attendees exchange insights and discoveries about their shared passion for genealogy.

The illuminated Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City at night, featuring its iconic glass tower, where RootsTech attendees gather for the world's largest genealogy conference.

The exhibit hall, open daily during RootsTech (see hours below), is alive with innovation, featuring interactive booths from industry leaders like FamilyTreeDNA and dynamic booth talks that offer practical tools to enhance your genealogical research.

A vibrant scene at the FamilyTreeDNA booth at RootsTech 2025, where attendees engage with DNA testing experts and explore genetic genealogy resources.

RootsTech 2025 Exhibit Hall Hours:

Thursday, March 6, 2025
9:00 AM – 6:30 PM MST

Friday, March 7, 2025
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST

Saturday, March 8, 2025
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM MST

At the heart of RootsTech are its breakout sessions and keynote speakers. These core learning opportunities empower attendees to master techniques, explore DNA tools, and uncover deeper insights into their family history.

With the schedule announced in advance by FamilySearch, attendees can plan their days to make the most of every moment.

This year, the following keynote speakers have been announced:

Ndaba Mandela – Carrying on a Legacy (Virtual Keynote – Available March 6)

A professional portrait of Ndaba Mandela, South African author, speaker, and grandson of Nelson Mandela, who will deliver a virtual keynote at RootsTech 2025.
RootsTech by FamilySearch has announced that speaker, writer and philanthropist Ndaba Mandela (the grandson of Nelson Mandela) will be a keynote speaker during the world’s largest family discovery celebration, which will occur March 6–8, 2025. Photo provided by FamilySearch.All rights reserved.

Ndaba Mandela, author, speaker, and social activist, is the grandson of Nelson Mandela. Growing up in South Africa, he lived with his grandfather after his release from prison, learning valuable lessons about leadership, resilience, and identity. Today, Ndaba continues Nelson Mandela’s legacy, advocating for African youth empowerment and global citizenship. His virtual keynote will be available to watch starting Thursday, March 6.

Dana Tanamachi – Art, Family, and Heritage (Live Keynote – March 7)

Artist Dana Tanamachi, known for her large-scale murals and typography work, sits in a chair with a confident expression, preparing to share her family history and artistic journey at RootsTech.
RootsTech by FamilySearch has announced that artist Dana Tanamachi will be a keynote speaker during the world’s largest family discovery celebration, which will occur March 6–8, 2025. Photo courtesy of FamilySearch.All rights reserved.

Renowned artist Dana Tanamachi has left her creative mark across the world, from a three-story mural inside New York City’s Empire State Building to iconic magazine covers like Time and O Magazine. But behind her success is a rich family history that shaped her journey as an artist. At RootsTech, Dana will share how her heritage has influenced her work and the importance of storytelling through design. Catch her inspiring keynote in person on Friday, March 7.

Tara Davis-Woodhall & Hunter Woodhall – Strength, Love, and Perseverance (Live Keynote – March 8)

Olympic and Paralympic athletes Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall smile together outdoors, wearing patriotic sweaters, ahead of their inspiring keynote at RootsTech 2025.
RootsTech by FamilySearch has announced that Olympic and Paralympic Gold Medalists Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall will be keynote speakers during the world’s largest family discovery celebration, which will take place March 6–8, 2025. Photo provided by FamilySearch.All rights reserved.

Two incredible athletes, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall, have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Tara, an Olympic Gold medalist, and Hunter, a Paralympic Gold medalist, met at a high school track meet in 2017 and have supported each other’s journeys ever since. Their relationship and resilience in the face of challenges have made them an inspiration to many. They will take the RootsTech main stage on Saturday, March 8, to share their powerful story of determination, love, and success.

Why You Won’t Want to Miss These Speakers

Each keynote session at RootsTech 2025 offers something special—whether it’s Ndaba Mandela’s reflections on legacy, Dana Tanamachi’s creative storytelling, or the perseverance and love shared by Tara and Hunter. These talks are designed to inspire and connect attendees with the deeper meaning of family history, resilience, and personal growth.

For First-Time Attendees

If you’re attending RootsTech for the first time, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! With so much to see and do, it’s helpful to plan ahead. Start by checking the schedule and the exhibit hall map to prioritize the classes you want to attend and the vendors you want to visit—like FamilyTreeDNA.

Come prepared! Bring a notebook, something to write with, and notes about your specific brick walls to maximize your learning. A bag for collecting handouts and goodies is a must, along with a water bottle and a snack to keep you energized. If you prefer, the nearby City Creek Center food court offers plenty of lunch options.

RootsTech prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting out, you’ll find a supportive community eager to help. Volunteers and staff are always available to answer questions and guide you through the event.

FamilyTreeDNA at RootsTech

At RootsTech 2025, the FamilyTreeDNA booth is your destination for exploring the power of genetic genealogy. Our knowledgeable team is ready to provide personalized insights and answer your questions about DNA testing and family history tools.

Attendees seated at the FamilyTreeDNA booth, listening to a presentation about DNA matching tools, with an interactive screen displaying genealogical insights.

Take advantage of exclusive event promotions and hands-on guidance to unlock your family stories. Whether you’re new to DNA testing or an experienced genealogist, you’ll leave with valuable resources and a clearer path forward.

For those ready to take the next step, we’ll have DNA kits available for purchase. Not sure which test is right for you? Visit our booth for a consultation with our team to determine the best option for breaking through your brick walls.

Engaging Activities at the FamilyTreeDNA Booth

FamilyTreeDNA’s interactive offerings at RootsTech 2025 are designed to inspire and empower. Some of your favorite genealogists will be on hand, ready to guide you through choosing the right test, interpreting your results, and determining your next steps in genealogical research.

FamilyTreeDNA team members engaging in a 15-minute consultation with a RootsTech attendee, providing insights on DNA testing and family history research.

RootsTech Success Stories

RootsTech 2024 was filled with unforgettable moments, and we’re bringing that same transformative energy to 2025.

Breaking Brick Walls in Real Time

During an in-person presentation at RootsTech 2024, our Product Owner, Katy Rowe-Schurwanz, shared a sneak peek of the then in-progress MitoDiscover Time Tree. She highlighted how the feature might help break through her own brick wall in Northern Ireland, showing screenshots of haplogroups, surnames, and ancestral locations.

Watching her class virtually, live from Ireland, was Group Project Administrator Martin McDowell. As Katy described her research, Martin recognized key details in the data—specific surnames and haplogroups that matched his own project findings.

By the time Katy’s class ended, Martin had provided her with the missing information, effectively breaking down her brick wall on the spot. This story is a powerful reminder of how RootsTech fosters global connections and collaboration.

These stories remind us of the profound impact DNA testing has on understanding family and identity. At RootsTech 2025, we look forward to helping even more attendees discover their stories and make meaningful connections.

In-Person Classes at RootsTech 2025

RootsTech 2025 is packed with opportunities to learn, and FamilyTreeDNA is proud to host several key sessions designed to empower attendees with actionable insights.

Our expert-led presentations cover a range of topics to help attendees unlock their genealogical potential. Katy Rowe-Schurwanz, FamilyTreeDNA Product Owner and experienced genetic genealogist, will also host an in-person class titled “Finding Sarah’s Family: Confirming Connections Through DNA and Documents.” Katy’s unique perspective as both a genealogist and product developer offers attendees invaluable guidance on effectively using FamilyTreeDNA tools and reports to break down brick walls and uncover family connections.

Add Katy's Class to Your RootsTech 2025 Schedule

Bennett Greenspan, Founder of FamilyTreeDNA and a pioneer in genetic genealogy, will deliver an in-person class titled “Bennett’s Y Chromosomal Time Machine.” As a trailblazer whose work revolutionized the genetic genealogy community, Bennett brings unparalleled expertise and insight. His presentations are always captivating and thought-provoking—this is one session you won’t want to miss.

Add Bennett's Class to Your RootsTech 2025 Schedule

Networking Opportunities

RootsTech is more than a conference—it’s a community. Attendees have countless opportunities to connect with peers, experts, and FamilyTreeDNA staff throughout the event.

One of my most memorable RootsTech moments happened last year. I’ve been researching the paternal line of my son, whose father’s family is from Mexico and indigenous. This has made finding records incredibly difficult. While at the FamilyTreeDNA booth, I mentioned my brick wall to some of my colleagues. Our CFO, Alex Zawisza, overheard a customer talking about her work as a genealogist specializing in Mexican church records. Knowing how much I’d struggled with language barriers and navigating the records system, Alex introduced me to her.

Thanks to her expertise, I learned where to find records in Tlapacoyan, Veracruz, and how to approach researching in Mexico. With her advice, I was able to track down my son’s paternal grandmother’s family and add two new branches to his family tree. It’s moments like these that highlight the unique value of RootsTech as a place where collaboration and connection truly thrive.

The Unique Charm of Salt Lake City

A breathtaking aerial view of Salt Lake City at twilight, with the Utah State Capitol building illuminated in the foreground and the cityscape stretching into the distance.

Salt Lake City isn’t just the host of RootsTech; it’s the heart of genealogy research. Known as the “Genealogy Capital of the World,” the city is home to the renowned FamilySearch Library and Family History Center, which collectively house records of over 2 billion names, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. For RootsTech attendees, the proximity to these invaluable resources adds an extra layer of excitement and opportunity to their visit.

Beyond its rich genealogical offerings, Salt Lake City is steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. From its historic Temple Square to its vibrant downtown, the city offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Attendees can explore the area’s cultural landmarks or take a moment to enjoy its picturesque mountain backdrop, which provides a serene contrast to the lively energy of RootsTech.

For genealogy enthusiasts, a trip to the FamilySearch Library is a must, offering unparalleled access to historical records and research assistance.

Salt Lake City’s charm lies in its ability to enrich the RootsTech experience, making it a destination where history, innovation, and discovery come together in a uniquely inspiring way.

Continuing Your Journey After RootsTech

The learning and discovery don’t stop when RootsTech ends. FamilyTreeDNA offers many ways to continue your journey into genealogy and DNA exploration:

  • Stay Informed: Subscribe to our blog to receive updates on the latest tools, features, and customer stories.
  • Dive into Resources: Access recorded sessions from RootsTech to revisit key insights or catch up on presentations you may have missed.
  • Explore DNA Projects: Connect with others through FamilyTreeDNA’s Group Projects, where you can collaborate with people who share similar ancestry or geographic heritage.
  • Maximize Your Results: Use our innovative tools, like Discover, to make new discoveries about your family history.

By staying engaged with FamilyTreeDNA, you’ll continue to uncover meaningful connections and deepen your understanding of your heritage.

Get Ready for RootsTech 2025!

RootsTech is more than an event—it’s an unforgettable opportunity to learn, connect, and explore. From the excitement of the exhibit hall to the inspiring presentations and hands-on workshops, the in-person experience brings genealogy and DNA research to life in a way that’s truly unmatched.

Each interaction, whether with experts, peers, or innovative tools, creates lasting memories and meaningful discoveries. RootsTech is where stories unfold, connections are made, and the past and present come together to shape the future of family history research.

We can’t wait to see you at RootsTech 2025—whether in person or online! Join us as we continue to explore the incredible stories written in our DNA and discover new ways to bring family history to life.

The FamilyTreeDNA team at RootsTech 2025 poses in front of their vibrant booth, smiling and ready to welcome attendees. The backdrop features a large DNA-inspired design with a welcoming face, symbolizing the power of genetic genealogy in connecting family history.
Courtney Eberhard - FamilyTreeDNA Blog

About the Author</h2

Courtney Eberhard

Marketing Coordinator for 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 son’s father’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 to a toddler.