RootsTech for Newbies: Packing & Attending the Conference

RootsTech for Newbies: Packing & Attending the Conference

Part 3 of 3

See Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

RootsTech is quickly approaching, so let's dig in to the last minute prep as well as the advice I have for newbies while at the conference.

PACKING

A list of things to consider, followed by a few recommendations as you pack your bags for RootsTech.

Weather: Salt Lake weather during RootsTech can range from mild winter days in the 50s to sub-freezing daytime high temps, so pack warm clothes and layers. They do keep the conference center at comfortable temperatures so it's just getting to and from the building as well as to and from any other plans you have made that you'll need the extra layers.

Activities: RootsTech will keep you completely busy, but we discussed some other options in the last post. That said, be sure to keep all of these extra-curriculars in mind when packing.

Meals: The Salt Palace has several food options, but lines can get long and honestly, if you're like me, you often just don't have time for a sit-down meal because there's so much to do in so little time. A lot of attendees like to pack a snack in their bag, so throw in a few of your favorite protein bars and a water bottle to sustain you through the day.  There are also various snack vendors in the various hallways of the Salt Palace if you need a quick bite.

Classes: You'll definitely want to have some handy way to take notes and anything else you need in a classroom setting like glasses, electronic device, or a paper and pen.

Expo Hall: The expo hall is almost a whole conference in and of itself, which we'll address later in this post. So you'll want to keep in mind that not only will you want to be able to take notes, you'll also need somewhere to store all of the handouts, freebies, and purchases that you'll acquire while perusing isles and meeting the exhibitors.

Recommendations for packing. You'll want to consider apparel, accessories, and anything extra you may need. 

• Apparel: Most attendees wear casual or business casual attire, but the most important thing is make sure you are comfortable and you have at least 2 pairs of REALLY comfortable shoes, like shoe's you'd walk miles in.  Your feet will thank you by the end of the conference. 
• Accessories: The main thing you'll need a good, light weight bag, with plenty of space. The conference provides you with one, and it's sufficient for me. But if you're bringing your own, you'll want to be sure it can hold your note-taking device (phone, tablet, laptop), it's lightweight (I've found that after 4 days things start to get heavy), and has plenty of space for everything you'll acquire over the four days, plus your snack and water bottle. Thankfully you can offload your loot in your hotel room or car each night. 
• Extra-curricular items: For example, the books you're bringing to have scanned at the free FamilySearch Photo Scanning booth or the photos your going to have the photo detective help you decipher.  Make sure you include any of those items on your packing list. 

AT ROOTSTECH

Check-in: If you didn't already get your badge, you'll want that first thing.  But even if you did, you'll want to go get your loot. Each year you get a RootsTech bag filled with promos from vendors and other information, so you'll want to get that as soon as you arrive. This will help you map out the rest of your plans.

Familiarize Yourself with the Salt Palace Maps: In the app you can see the map, or you can see maps here. You'll want to be familiar enough that you have an idea of the locations of the Main Stage, the ballrooms, the big rooms (Ruby, Onyx, and Emerald), the expo hall, the numbered classrooms, and of course the labs (note they are in a new location, 2nd floor above the Lower Mezzanine). Note 155, the 255s, and the 355s are kind of off in their own wing, so it's important that you know that before you start venturing to a class and get completely confused. Also, don't forget to check out the Expo Hall map, where it will also be helpful to know the general layout and numbering system.

Expo Hall: Be sure you have a plan of attack for the expo hall, or at least which exhibitors you'll for sure want to visit.  We discussed this in part 2 of this series, but it will become overwhelming if you don't do that. In the bag you received for the conference you'll find that many of the large exhibitors hold mini-classes at their booths throughout the conference. (What, more classes??!?, I know!!) So now you'll need to review those classes and choose which ones to squeeze into your already-tight schedule, but it's totally worth it. Tons of great, quick information and Q&As take place at those mini classes.

Classes: Always plan ahead from class hour to class hour by looking ahead a couple of classes at a time. You always want to know what your first, second, and third options are as well as their proximity to each other before it's time to head there. This helps with quick alternative decision making when things don't go as planned. Definitely make sure to arrive early for your "can't-miss" classes. And if you bought a Virtual Pass, then don't worry about attending any of the classes that are being recorded because you can watch those later. That said, take note of my next point.

Don't Miss the Keynotes: One of my biggest regrets in years past has been when I've skipped the keynotes. At times I've chosen to skip them for one reason or another because they are recorded and I figured I could just watch them online later. BUT watching online just isn't the same!  Seeing them live is really the only way to go. Throughout the day speakers reference the keynote and everyone at the conference talks about whatever the main points were and the big reveals that happened that day, and you feel a bit lost when you miss them, so don't do it.

Socialize: RootsTech can be an incredible opportunity to network and make new friends. I've met people over the years who I now meet and catch up with every year. This is a great opportunity to become an influencer within the industry, too. Visit the exhibitors and give them your ideas--many of them are looking for feedback and users to help them determine their products goals.  And use the Relatives at RootsTech feature in the app--when you're sitting in a class it's a fun way to see how you're related to those around you, and you'll be surprised just how many close cousins you'll find at RootsTech. Such an incredible time!!


Last but not least, be sure to check out the RootsTech 2020 Survival Guide that the RootsTech team put together, where you'll find additional tips.

Now that you're all ready for RootsTech, I'd love to hear from you or meet you at RootsTech. I'll be in the Speaker Meet-up area at the following times and would love to see you there:

• 12-1 PM Wed, Thurs, Fri, & Saturday

As always, leave comments below if you have questions or if you have any additional advice to add.

And once again, if you simply can't make it this year, be sure to read and follow my #NotAtRootsTech series to get tips, tricks, and videos for recreating the RootsTech experience from home.

See you at RootsTech!