By: Courtney Eberhard
Get a quick start on RootsTech 2025 with this guide to expert-led genealogy sessions, interactive tools, and an in-depth look at FamilyTreeDNA’s virtual offerings.
Attending in person? Check out our RootsTech 2025 in-person guide.
RootsTech 2025 is just a week away, and while many of us at FamilyTreeDNA are packing our bags for Salt Lake City, our dedicated virtual team is gearing up to connect with thousands of genealogy enthusiasts attending online. Whether this is your first time joining virtually or you’re a returning attendee, we’ve put together a guide to help you get the most out of your experience. From navigating the virtual platform to discovering expert-led sessions and exclusive discounts, here’s everything you need to know.
With an incredible lineup of expert-led classes, product demos, and new educational content, the virtual experience is just as valuable as being there in person. RootsTech offers an opportunity to learn, connect with the genealogy community, and explore cutting-edge DNA tools—all for free.
Why Attend RootsTech Virtually?
- Access world-class genealogy and DNA education from anywhere.
- Connect with family and the genealogy community through interactive features like Relatives at RootsTech and live discussions.
- Explore the Virtual Expo Hall, where you’ll find exclusive resources, product demos, and special attendee discounts.
What’s New for 2025?
- Expanded chat support—our virtual booth will be staffed 24/7 by FamilyTreeDNA experts and volunteer Group Project Administrators.
- New classes, demos, and workshops covering Y-DNA, mtDNA, Family Finder, and more.
- Relatives at RootsTech—a powerful way to discover cousins attending virtually and potential DNA connections.
How to Navigate RootsTech 2025 Virtually
Attending RootsTech virtually offers unparalleled access to world-class genealogy and DNA education from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re joining for the first time or are a returning attendee, navigating the platform is simple. With a mix of live-streamed keynotes, on-demand sessions, and interactive features, you can personalize your experience to fit your schedule and research interests.
Quick Start Guide for First-Time Virtual Attendees
If you’ve never attended RootsTech virtually, getting started is easy. The event is hosted on the RootsTech website, where you can access live and on-demand sessions, explore the Virtual Expo Hall, and engage with experts and other attendees.
1. How to Register and Access Sessions
- Visit the official RootsTech website and register for a free virtual pass.
- After registering, log in to your account to access the full event schedule and personalized dashboard.
- Sessions, keynotes, and the Virtual Expo Hall are all accessible through the online platform.
2. Time Zone Considerations
- RootsTech is a global event, and session times will automatically adjust to your local time zone based on your browser settings.
- There’s no need to manually convert session times—just log in and view the schedule in your preferred time zone.
- Many live sessions will be recorded and available on-demand, allowing you to watch them at your convenience.
3. How to Save Favorite Sessions and Build a Personalized Schedule
RootsTech offers a wide variety of virtual sessions, and planning ahead will help you make the most of your experience.
- Visit the RootsTech 2025 Live Schedule to browse all available sessions.
- The schedule defaults to Thursday, so be sure to explore sessions for all three days.
- Use the filter settings at the top of the page to ensure “Online” is selected—this is the default filter for virtual attendees.
- When you find a session you’re interested in, click the “+ Schedule” button under the session title to add it to your personalized schedule.
- Your saved sessions will be easily accessible when you log in, allowing you to follow along with live events or watch recordings at your convenience.
Where to Find Everything You Need
To help you get the most out of the virtual experience, here’s a breakdown of the key areas you’ll want to explore:
1. Main Stage & Keynotes
The Main Stage hosts daily General Sessions featuring keynote speakers and industry leaders. Before each session, a forum will cover key topics in genealogy and technology.
Main Stage Forums:
Thursday: FamilySearch Global & Tech Forum
Friday: RootsTech Innovation & Tech Forum
Saturday: The Impact Forum
Sessions will be streamed live and available for replay. Be sure to add them to your schedule so you don’t miss key insights.
2. Virtual Classes & Webinars
The RootsTech Video Library is your go-to resource for both live and on-demand learning throughout the event.
- Live Classes: Search for scheduled sessions just like in the Live Schedule and add them to your personalized schedule.
- On-Demand Content: Explore a wide selection of recorded classes, workshops, and product demos from speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors.
- Search by Topic or Speaker: Use the library’s search tool to find sessions tailored to your interests.
Be sure to bookmark sessions and take advantage of on-demand learning at your own pace.
3. Virtual Expo Hall
The RootsTech Virtual Expo Hall is the best place to explore exhibitors, discover new products, and take advantage of exclusive offers. The Expo Hall opens on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at noon MST and will remain available throughout the event.
- Visit exhibitor booths for product demos, downloadable resources, and special promotions.
- Engage in live chat discussions with company representatives and industry experts.
- Stop by the FamilyTreeDNA booth for expert guidance, exclusive discounts, and real-time answers to your DNA-related questions.
Next Steps:
Visit the Expo Hall as soon as it opens on March 5 to explore exhibitor offerings and exclusive deals.
FamilyTreeDNA’s Virtual Booth: Your Genetic Genealogy Hub
RootsTech 2025 is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into DNA testing and genetic genealogy, and the FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth is your go-to destination for expert insights, exclusive resources, and special event pricing. Whether you’re just starting out with DNA testing or looking to refine your research, we have the tools and expertise to help you make new discoveries.
Exclusive Resources
Our virtual booth is packed with educational materials to help you understand your DNA results and improve your genealogy research.
- Downloadable guides covering Y-DNA, mtDNA, and Family Finder testing.
- Tutorials and step-by-step videos explaining key genetic genealogy concepts.
- Must-watch product demos showcasing FamilyTreeDNA’s most powerful tools.
Chat with the Experts
Have questions about your DNA results? Our live chat is available around the clock, staffed by:
- FamilyTreeDNA employees ready to guide you through our tools and features.
- Volunteer Group Project Administrators with expertise in specific surnames, haplogroups, and regional DNA research.
Exclusive RootsTech Promotions
RootsTech attendees get access to special discounted pricing on our DNA tests. Whether you’re looking to explore your ancestry with Family Finder or dive deeper into your paternal or maternal lineage with Y-DNA and mtDNA, our exclusive RootsTech pricing makes it the perfect time to test or upgrade.
Our Classes at RootsTech
FamilyTreeDNA is hosting a variety of on-demand classes, product demos, and workshops throughout the event. Whether you’re interested in learning the basics of genetic genealogy or exploring advanced DNA analysis, you’ll find sessions tailored to every level of experience.
How to Get Started
- Visit the FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth to access resources, chat with experts, and explore exclusive promotions.
- Join our classes to gain deeper insights into DNA testing and genetic genealogy.
- Take advantage of RootsTech discounts before the event ends.
The FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth is open throughout RootsTech 2025, so stop by at any time to learn, explore, and connect.
Must-Watch Virtual Sessions & Webinars
RootsTech 2025 offers a wide range of expert-led classes, product demos, and workshops, all designed to help you maximize your DNA research and genealogy discoveries. Whether you want to dive into Y-DNA and mtDNA insights, learn how to analyze Family Finder results, or explore surname research, our sessions cover everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques.
Sessions are available on-demand, with a special live webinar you won’t want to miss. Be sure to add these sessions to your schedule and visit the FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth to access all available content.
Virtual Classes
Using Genetic Genealogy to Break Down a Brick Wall (Three Part Series)
Speaker: Jim Brewster, Education Coordinator at FamilyTreeDNA
On-Demand
Breaking through genealogy brick walls requires a strategic approach using DNA testing. This three-part series follows a real case study of James McAllister, a Virginia pioneer, to demonstrate how Y-DNA and Big Y testing can uncover ancestral connections, even when historical records are missing.
- Part 1: Covers the fundamentals of Y-DNA testing, haplogroups, and SNPs, explaining how they help trace direct paternal lineage.
- Part 2: Explores FamilyTreeDNA’s Block Tree tool to understand how DNA matches reveal deeper family history.
- Part 3: Showcases how expanding a DNA network uncovered unexpected Irish origins for James McAllister, refining ancestral conclusions.
Who Should Attend:
This series is ideal for genealogists facing challenges in tracing their paternal lineage and those interested in leveraging Big Y testing.
Add to your playlist and learn how to apply these DNA techniques to your own research.
Three Tests, One Tree: Integrating Autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA Results Together
Speaker: Dave Vance, Senior Vice President and General Manager at FamilyTreeDNA
March 8, 2025 at 1:30 PM MST
A single DNA test can provide valuable insights, but combining multiple types of DNA testing offers a more complete view of family history. This live webinar explores how autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA testing work together to provide deeper ancestral connections.
- Learn how autosomal DNA identifies relatives across all family lines.
- Understand how Y-DNA testing traces direct paternal lineage and helps confirm surname origins.
- Discover how mtDNA testing maps maternal ancestry and migration patterns.
- See real case studies demonstrating how integrating all three DNA tests can resolve genealogy roadblocks and distinguish between different family branches.
Who Should Attend:
This session is designed for both beginners and experienced genetic genealogists looking to maximize their DNA test results and uncover new research opportunities.
Register now to join the live session, ask questions, and refine your research strategy.
Product Demos
DNA Testing Simplified: Tools and Tips for Genealogy Success
Speaker: Dave Vance, Senior Vice President and General Manager at FamilyTreeDNA
Understanding your DNA results is key to making meaningful discoveries in your family history. This session provides a step-by-step guide to interpreting autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA results using FamilyTreeDNA’s tools. Learn how to navigate your matches, analyze segment data, and use advanced tools to uncover deeper ancestral connections.
Who Should Attend:
Ideal for beginners looking to understand their DNA results and experienced users wanting to maximize FamilyTreeDNA’s features.
Watch to start exploring your DNA insights with confidence.
How Are We Related? Using Family Finder Matches to Confirm Your Ancestry
Speaker: Katy Rowe-Schurwanz, Product Manager at FamilyTreeDNA
Autosomal DNA is one of the most powerful tools for discovering relatives and confirming ancestral lines. This session walks through the Family Finder match list, explaining how to interpret match relationships, use chromosome browser comparisons, and apply segment data to verify connections in your family tree.
Who Should Attend:
Anyone using autosomal DNA to identify relatives and confirm family history connections.
Learn how to make the most of your Family Finder matches today.
How Are We Related? Using Y-DNA Matches to Confirm Your Ancestry
Speaker: Katy Rowe-Schurwanz, Product Manager at FamilyTreeDNA
Y-DNA testing offers a unique way to trace paternal ancestry, identify surname connections, and explore deeper genetic origins. This session explains how to analyze Y-DNA matches, use the Big Y Block Tree, and determine how Y-DNA can verify or disprove family lines.
Who Should Attend:
Researchers interested in tracing direct paternal lineage, surname studies, and advanced Y-DNA matching techniques.
Watch and learn how to explore how Y-DNA can unlock your paternal ancestry.
How Are We Related? Using mtDNA Matches to Confirm Your Ancestry
Speaker: Katy Rowe-Schurwanz, Product Manager at FamilyTreeDNA
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing provides insights into your direct maternal line, tracing ancestry through thousands of years. This session covers how to interpret mtDNA matches, use the mtDNA Haplogroup Tree, and explore deep maternal lineage migrations.
Who Should Attend:
Genealogists interested in maternal lineage research and those wanting to understand how mtDNA testing can complement their autosomal and Y-DNA results.
Watch and learn how to uncover the story of your maternal ancestry.
Five Reasons to Choose FamilyTreeDNA to Break Through Your Brick Walls
Speaker: Janine Cloud, Group Projects Manager at FamilyTreeDNA
Not all DNA tests offer the same level of detail and analysis. This session highlights five key reasons why FamilyTreeDNA’s testing options provide deeper, more precise genealogical insights. Learn how our advanced Y-DNA and mtDNA tests, unique tools, and extensive database can help you overcome research roadblocks.
Who Should Attend:
Anyone comparing DNA testing providers or looking for the best options for detailed ancestry research.
Discover why FamilyTreeDNA is the right choice for your genealogy journey.
Why Test Y-DNA and mtDNA? Unlock Deeper Insights Beyond Other DNA Tests
Speaker: Dave Vance, Senior Vice President and General Manager at FamilyTreeDNA
Autosomal DNA is a great starting point, but Y-DNA and mtDNA testing go even further. This session explains how these specialized tests can confirm direct paternal and maternal lines, trace deep ancestry, and uncover connections autosomal DNA cannot detect. Learn how these tests provide unique insights for surname studies, ancient ancestry, and regional migration patterns.
Who Should Attend:
Genealogists looking to expand their research beyond autosomal DNA and gain a deeper understanding of their direct maternal and paternal ancestry.
Watch and learn how to take your DNA research to the next level.
Workshops
Hidden Legacies: Exploring African American Genealogy Through DNA and Records
Speaker: Sherman McRae, Research and Development at FamilyTreeDNA
Researching African American ancestry presents unique challenges, especially beyond the 1870 brick wall, where historical records are often limited. This workshop explores DNA strategies, historical records, and research techniques that can help reconstruct family histories. Learn how to use cohabitation records, probate documents, Freedmen’s Bureau archives, and DNA matching tools to uncover family connections and trace African American lineages.
Who Should Attend:
- Researchers focusing on African American genealogy.
- Those working to overcome documentation gaps in pre-1870 records.
Watch and learn how to take your DNA research to the next level.
What’s in a Name? Discover the Six Types of Surnames and the Power of Group Projects
Speaker: Jim Brewster, Education Coordinator at FamilyTreeDNA
Surnames tell a fascinating story about your ancestry, reflecting occupations, locations, historical events, and family traditions. This workshop explores the six main types of surnames—occupational, patronymic, geographic, descriptive, clan-based, and historically influenced—and reveals how they evolved over time. Learn how FamilyTreeDNA Group Projects can help you connect with others researching the same surname, discover surname origins, and refine your genealogical research.
Who Should Attend:
- Genealogists researching surname origins and meanings.
- Those looking to join FamilyTreeDNA Group Projects for deeper research.
Watch and learn how to uncover the story behind your surname.
Researching Irish Ancestry with DNA: Tips to Trace Your Roots
Speaker: Martin McDowell, Education Officer for NIFHS and Group Project Administrator at FamilyTreeDNA
Irish genealogy is often challenging due to record loss and surname repetition, but DNA testing offers new ways to uncover ancestral connections. This workshop provides three essential strategies for using FamilyTreeDNA’s tools to trace Irish ancestry. Learn how to join surname and geographic projects, use Y-DNA and autosomal DNA to connect with relatives, and analyze haplogroups to pinpoint your family’s Irish origins.
Who Should Attend:
- Researchers with Irish ancestry looking for DNA-based research strategies.
- Those interested in Y-DNA and surname projects for Irish genealogy.
Watch and learn how to uncover your Irish roots with DNA.
Getting the Most Out of Your RootsTech Learning Experience
RootsTech offers an incredible lineup of expert-led sessions, but getting the most out of them requires a strategic approach. Whether you’re watching a live webinar, an on-demand class, or an in-depth workshop, here’s how to ensure you walk away with valuable insights.
How to Watch, Take Notes, and Engage
- Plan Ahead: Add key sessions to your RootsTech schedule so you don’t miss important content.
- Take Notes Strategically: Jot down key takeaways, tools mentioned, and questions that arise while watching.
- Rewatch On-Demand: All sessions remain available in the RootsTech Video Library, allowing you to revisit important details.
Engage in Q&A and Follow-Up Discussions
Each session includes a chat feature, where attendees can ask questions and share insights. However, for the quickest responses and in-depth support, visit the FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth, where our employees and Group Project Administrators are available around the clock.
- Session-Specific Chat: Engage with fellow attendees and speakers in each session’s chat thread.
- Virtual Booth Chat: Get real-time answers from FamilyTreeDNA experts and volunteer Group Project Administrators.
- Follow-Up Q&A: If your question isn’t answered during a session, bring it to the main booth chat for deeper discussion.
Connecting with the Genealogy Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of RootsTech is the opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for family history. Whether you’re looking to find DNA matches, exchange research tips, or discuss genealogy discoveries, there are multiple ways to engage with the community throughout the event.
Meet Your DNA Matches Through “Relatives at RootsTech”
RootsTech isn’t just about learning—it’s about making family connections. With the Relatives at RootsTech tool, you can discover potential cousins who are also attending the event.
- Find shared ancestors by opting into Relatives at RootsTech and exploring your DNA and genealogical connections.
- Connect with cousins in real-time to compare family trees, exchange research, and strengthen family ties.
- Use Family Finder and Y-DNA data alongside this tool to identify relatives who could help you expand your family history research.
For a step-by-step guide on how to use Relatives at RootsTech to find DNA candidates, check out Roberta Estes’ detailed walkthrough.
Engage in Real-Time Conversations
RootsTech offers multiple ways to participate in discussions and connect with genealogy experts and fellow researchers.
- Join session chats to ask questions, share insights, and engage with speakers.
- Network with others researching the same surnames, regions, or DNA haplogroups.
- Visit the FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth for live discussions with FamilyTreeDNA employees and volunteer Group Project Administrators.
For quick responses, our FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth Chat is the best place to get real-time answers from FamilyTreeDNA employees and Group Project Administrators. While session-specific chats are available, our booth chat provides around-the-clock expert support.
Get Started – Register Now & Join the Fun!
Ready to unlock the full potential of your genealogy journey? RootsTech 2025 offers unparalleled access to expert-led sessions, DNA insights, and a global genealogy community—all for free.
Here’s How to Get Started:
- Register for RootsTech 2025: Gain access to world-class genealogy content, live chats, and expert insights at no cost.
Register Now - Visit the FamilyTreeDNA Virtual Booth: Connect with experts, ask DNA-related questions, and explore new tools to enhance your family history research.
Explore the Virtual Booth - Mark Your Calendar: Plan ahead and add must-watch sessions, product demos, and chat discussions to your RootsTech schedule.
View the Schedule
RootsTech 2025 is your opportunity to discover, connect, and grow—don’t miss out!
About the Author
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.