Picking Classes & Planning Your Schedule for RootsTech--A Guide for Newbies

Picking Classes & Planning Your Schedule for RootsTech--A Guide for Newbies

Coming to RootsTech?

Get ready to have the ultimate learning experience. With over 300 breakout sessions for all levels of experience, the only challenge will be deciding which to attend.

(RootsTech Website) 

I can attest to the ultimate in learning experiences at FamilySearch's annual RootsTech Conference, you will consume an incredible amount of information over the 4 days the conference is held, with classes covering DNA, Stories, Genealogy Tools, Organizing, Photos, and Discovery. But "the only challenge will be deciding which to attend," which is totally true, this guide is meant to help simplify that. A tried, tested, and proven approach developed over several years of attending the conference.

You'll first want to install the RootsTech app (Android | iPhone), it will simplify the whole process with it's tools. Then I recommend taking this methodical approach to selecting your classes, start with:

Can't Miss Classes: These include any add-ons that you've paid for including workshops and lunches, but also include keynotes and events you don't want to miss. You'll want to add these to your schedule first. You'll want to be sure to arrive to these classes early to reserve yourself a seat because the most popular sessions fill up quickly.

Search Speakers: In the app you can search speakers and review bios and descriptions of each of their classes. If you have heard of or know of some you already like, be sure to add any of their classes to your schedule next. A few that I always add to my list and can personally recommend are:

• Dianah Southard: Can't say it enough, I love her classes. She is a total DNA expert but does an incredible job at making it understandable for the rest of us. I love the way she teaches and her classes are always a can't-miss for me.
• Dan Debenham: He only does the one class, and I hope they'll have him in a gigantic room this year so I don't have to regret telling you to come, but I've heard him twice and can honestly say it's one of the most inspiring classes I've ever attended.  He is an incredible storyteller and has a host of experiences to draw from as the producer of the BYUtv hit show Relative Race.
• D. Joshua Taylor: Can't explain why, but he's just an extremely likable guy who gives an extremely enjoyable presentation. I almost always catch one of his, no matter the title of the class.
• Allison Taylor: From her experience with her company Pictures and Stories she has developed some easy to replicate strategies for DIY scanning and storytelling.  She's a great resource for all of us genealogists.
• Devin Ashby: Usually teaches beginners courses so I don't attend as often, but I love how much he loves family history.  He's great at sharing it in an engaging and relate-able way.
• Crista Cowan: Always one of my favorites, she could make any subject fun, but happens to be great at making genealogy awesome.

Browse the Conference Schedule: You'll want to do this to fill the rest of your schedule. I always go through hour by hour and read titles then star anything that interests me. The app notifies you when you double and triple book yourself, which is super helpful because if you have a "can't-miss" class, you don't necessarily want to add another, but other hours it's good to have backups, so add away.

Narrow Down Results: I always end up with way too many class options per hour at this point, which is good because I do want back-ups in the case of arriving to a full class, but I also want to only have 2 or 3 per hour or else it's super overwhelming at the conference.  So if I have more than that per hour, I go read the descriptions, and I view the syllabus for the class to see if it can help me have a better idea of its content. Oftentimes I've found that I read the title and think one thing, but the syllabus shows me the speaker was going a whole different angle, so it's good to verify.

Expo Hall: The RootsTech team has given us some scheduled Expo hall time, but I promise you it won't be enough. You'll really just want to plan to go every chance you get. My approach to the Expo Hall is as follows: take out the map and list of exhibitors and identify which vendors you must see.  Once you've done that, use any remaining time to go to as many of the booths as possible. There are SO many small vendors that offer incredible products and time saving tools that you don't want to miss.  It is amazing how may products are out there that you didn't even know existed. The cool thing is that if you want to actually work it into your schedule, the app will allow you to make yourself appointments at the booths, so consider doing that with some of your breaks. Key booths you won't want to miss:

• Family Discover Zone: You will have an incredible interactive experience with your family tree.
• The Demo Theater: Exhibitors come and showcase their products with short chats and demonstrations
• The free FamilySearch book scanning booth: Bring your family history books and get them scanned by the friendly book-scanning volunteers. Be sure to ask for Mike Hansen when you're there, tell him I sent you, he will probably hook you up with some RootsTech swag. 
• The Speaker Meet-up area: This is where you'll be able to meet with presenters to learn additional information and ask additional questions. Each presenter will have different scheduled times in this area, so you'll need to check the schedule to see when your presenters will be there. I'll have a few times reserved myself, so be sure to come say hi.
• The new Cyber Cafe: This is where you can watch short how-to videos for all things genealogy.

Activities: Wait, there's more? Yes, there's also a ton to do in downtown Salt Lake City, so if the conference itself doesn't completely fill your schedule you'll also want to consider checking out some of the local attractions.

• For the genealogist in you, you'll definitely want to schedule a visit to the FamilySearch Family History Library across the street from Temple Square--it's incredible! 
• Historic Temple square where you can learn about the local history as well as the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which owns and operates FamilySearch, our fabulous RootsTech sponsor. 
• There are also endless restaurant options surrounding the Salt Palace. You'll want to schedule reservations for some of the more trendy spot as they fill up quickly during the conference, but a few of my personal favorites are: Caffe Molise and Red Rock Brewery are always great and popular spots, but the most underrated food you'll find downtown is at the Poplar Street Pub.
• For you shoppers, if you've got any stamina left, there's tons of shopping near the conference center at City Creek.  
• Lastly, for you sports fans out there, my husband is always thrilled to sneak in a Jazz game or other event at Vivint Arena, which this year includes home games on Wednesday and Friday evening, and a concert by Blake Shelton on Thursday during the conference.

As you can see there will be way more to do than time to do it, but prioritize and leave some room for at least a little rest, so you don't end up missing the awesome Power Hours you schedule first thing in the mornings, they're awesome and a great way to get a ton of information in a short time.

If you have any additional advise to offer, or questions, I'd love to hear from you, comment below.