RootsTech 2013 will be taking place in March. It is a great big conference for genealogists and developers of the technology that genealogists will use. This year, they are doing something new called “Getting Started”, which is designed to help beginning genealogists.
It may seem as though March of 2013 is far away. It is going to arrive faster than might be expected for genealogists who are interested in attending RootsTech 2013. “Early Birds” that buy their tickets right away will enjoy a discount on admission prices. It isn’t a bad idea to try and reserve a hotel room in the area now, before they fill up as we get closer to RootsTech.
This year, there will be a “Getting Started” track at RootsTech for beginning genealogists. There are more than 30 classes and workshops that new genealogists can attend to learn how and where to begin. These are grouped into three categories: “General”, “Preserve & Share”, and “Find & Organize”.
FamilySearch is the host of RootsTech. Some classes are only open to people who are LDS members, and this includes some of the “Getting Started” courses. It is easy to see which ones those are. Just look for the classes that have titles that start with “LDS Church Members”.
Genealogists have two choices if they want to participate in the “Getting Started” courses. Right now, “Early Bird” pricing will get you a 3-Day Pass of “Getting Started” for $39. This gives you access to the beginner track of stuff, and over 30 classes. Or, you an get a “Getting Started” 1-Day Pass, for $19, (while the “Early Bird” pricing is going on). This gives you access to “a selection of fundamental classes to get going”.
While you are at RootsTech, you will have the opportunity to explore the Expo Hall. There will be more than 100 exciting technology and family history related exhibitors. Bring an old family book or photo with you to the Expo Hall. Someone there can scan it for free, and can also give you a disk to take home. It might be necessary for you to make an appointment for this.
Somewhere in the Expo Hall, you can get a large print-out version of your newly created family tree. There also will be a Family History Library mini lab that you can go to in order to receive personal, expert, help, with your genealogy. For full details about everything, I recommend you check out the RootsTech website.
Image by jakeandlindsay on Flickr