ROOTSTECH 2020 ~ The classes I took and scenes from the conference–See you next year

Most of you know that, like other conferences, Rootstech provides an app for your mobile devices.  It’s a great way to keep track of your schedule, your friends, what’s currently going on at the conference and provides interactive maps to help you navigate.

I can look back at My Schedule now and see which classes I attended and review my notes.

 

For me, the conference isn’t necessarily about going to as many classes as I can.  I will choose the ones of most interest to me and spend the rest of my time either in the Expo Hall or over at the Family History Library.  It’s kind of like when Ron and I cruise.  We don’t like to be wall to wall busy every day.

Here are the classes I attended.  Each one was excellent.

QUICKLY FINDING COMMON ANCESTORS THROUGH DNA – Speaker – Robert Warthan

KICKING DNA UP A NOTCH TO UNMASK UNKNOWN ANCESTORS – Speaker – Roberta Estes

THE LEEDS METHOD: GROUPING DNA MATCHES TO IDENTIFY SHARED ANCESTORS – Speaker – Dana Leeds

ATTACKING 18th and 19th CENTURY MYSTERIES WITH DNA – Speaker – Blaine Bettinger

DNA CLUSTERS: POWER IN NUMBERS – Speaker – Randy Whited

3 COOL CASES SOLVED: HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR PHOTOS – Speaker – Lisa Louise Cooke

You might be saying, “you were at the conference for 4 days and only attended 6 classes?  Yup!  And I have no regrets about that.  Why?  Because many of the classes are available via the Virtual Pass that my friend Pam and I purchased.  We will be able to watch them at home, at our leisure.  When you been doing genealogy for many years and have attended a great many classes and conferences, you find that you can pick and choose the subjects that are most important to you.  In this case, it was clear that I wanted to learn as much as I could about working with my DNA matches.  In that respect, I succeeded.

During my free time I had a lot of fun visiting with friends and exploring the Expo Hall and revisiting the FHL hoping for one more good find.

My thanks to Pat Richley-Erickson & her husband, Gordon, for inviting me to their home.  What a wonderful group of people.  We sure laughed a lot.

Here are some scenes from the conference

The Family History Library with it's new sign

In front of the Salt Palace Conference Center holding the bag we all received

Dana Leeds

They had this wonderful story wall that all of us could write on

Devon Lee of Family History Fanatics

Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings who received a Lifetime Achievement award from his "tribe" the Geneabloggers

Jonny Perl, creator of DNA Painer

Me standing next to the Mayflower replica - I've applied and am hoping to receive my official certificate of approval to the Mayflower Association in the next few months

The Expo Hall not long after it opened on Thursday - such a busy place

Pam Mohrman Paxton, Thomas MacEntee of Abundant Genealogy & me

Geoff Rasmussen from Legacy Family Tree Software and me

Marian Pierre-Louis, me and Pam

Randy Whited

Blaine Bettinger

Blaine doing what he does so well - teaching

At Pat Richley-Erickson's house - Judy Russell makes her entrance

Nathan Dylan Goodwin - author of The Forensic Genealogist and Mrs. McDougall Investigates series

Gathered in Pat & Gordon's basement 

A view from our room the morning I left.  It finally snowed.

Home sweet home - flying into San Diego with a view of the Coronado Bridge and the ocean

If you’d like to see a bunch of photos from the conference (way more than I took), please go to Roberta Estes blog Roots Tech 2020 - It's a Wrap

Until next year Rootstech – see you then.

All photos have been used with permission

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

ROOTSTECH 2020 ~ We arrive in Salt Lake City and explore at the Family History Library

Add caption

This was my second time attending the Rootstech Conference in Salt Lake City.  My friend, Pam and I went in 2018.  You can read about that experience here RootsTech Is Over But We Had Fun

To tell you the truth, after we had attended in 2018, we thought “well, we’ve done that and now we don’t need to go back.”  WRONG!  When 2019 rolled around and we weren’t at the conference we immediately regretted our decision and determined to go in 2020.

 

ARE WE EVER GLAD WE DID!

Sunday – Feb 23rd - I flew in from San Diego and arrived around noon.  Pam didn’t arrive from Colorado until later in the day.  I was able to check into our room at the Plaza Hotel and get unpacked and settled in.  FYI – I made that reservation in July 2019, to make sure we were able to stay at the Plaza.  We enjoy the convenience of the location of that hotel as well as the very friendly staff.

I had the afternoon to wander around so I went over the the FHL to check out the new layout on the first floor.  That’s the only floor open on Sundays.  It is a very interactive area and excellent for families or for someone wanting to learn about the library, Family Search and all the offerings available.

 

Pam arrived about 5 p.m. after her trolley ride from the airport.

My view on the plane and me & Pam outside Squatter's Pub

Monday – Feb 24th – Let the fun begin.  The conference doesn’t begin until Wednesday so Pam and I have two full days to research at the Family History Library.  We planned our trip so we would have the extra days at the library.  We’ve both been there before (me 3 times and Pam twice), but there is always more to find.  STAY TUNED FOR A POST ABOUT WHAT I WANTED TO LOCATE AND WHETHER I SUCCEEDED OR NOT.

In front of the Family History Library and all set up at the tables on the 3rd floor - Pam is pondering.....I wonder what about?

Tuesday – Feb 25th – Another day to spend at the FHL.  This time instead of sitting at the tables that we’ve always sat at, we were able to enjoy the new area on the 3rd floor.  WOW!

Check out this set up.  They have stations with either 2 or 3 monitors and tables that raise up and down.  So much more comfortable than just the usual tables.  We always bring our own laptops and you can see in the photo with me waving, that Pam and I were sharing the station.  We were eventually able to set up at separate stations, but it was quite a busy place, so getting to the library as soon as it opens is the key.  The upgrades are very impressive and more are on the way.

This was the day I went to the European floor of the library and made a discovery in German records for my husband’s family.  It was, according to those around me, a genealogy miracle that I even found this record.  I’ll tell you about it in my “What I Found” blog post.

A sample of one of the new stations with 3 monitors and me in my happy place 

Pam and I have a couple of favorite restaurants we like to go to.  On night one we went to Squatter’s where they have a great atmosphere, wonderful food and good service.  We Ubered over and took a Lyft back.  I had never used either of those services (yes, I know, I need to get with the times).  It was a very good experience and I was impressed.  The Blu Lemon is another favorite restaurant and they have very good food.

Oh, I forgot to tell you one more thing.  I have had an iPhone SE for 4 years.  I liked the size of my 5c and bought the SE because of that.  I've been reluctant to upgrade because I didn't want to pay the price and felt the phones were too big.  Well, for the past 6 months or more, I've been having terrible problems with the battery not staying charged.  It's irritating to say the least and could be dangerous if I was in need of assistance.  

On Wednesday, the first day of the conference my phone was going dead, yet again.  I had a break between classes and walked over to the Apple store, which I knew was in the mall nearby.  I had done my research and knew which phone I might want.  I'm SO happy that I purchased the iPhone 11.  I can't tell you how much easier it was for me to stay in touch at Rootstech and how much better this phone is.  As much as we all use technology, we do need to stay up to date.  That will teach me to upgrade sooner.  Lesson learned.

Isn't this pretty?  The phone is a lovely light teal.

So, that was the first 3 days of our week in Salt Lake City.

 

I’ll write about the conference in my next post.

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

PREPARING FOR ROOTSTECH 10 ~ THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN.....Here's What I'm Doing...

EXCITED!  That’s the word I’d use to describe how I’m feeling this week.  On Sunday, I am flying to Salt Lake City to attend Rootstech 10.  The conference doesn’t begin until Wednesday.  But, who can resist going a couple of days early to have time at the Family History Library?  I can’t.

This will be my 2nd time attending Rootstech.  I went two years ago.  Even more fun is that I’m being joined, as in 2018, by my friend, Pam, from Colorado.  Two very long time friends enjoying something their passionate about in a place that will be a alive with activity and fun.

I wrote a blog post before my last trip.  As I review what I did to prepare then, I must say, not much has changed.  I am two years further along in my research so there are families I’ll be looking for that I didn’t know about in 2018.

 

HERE ARE SOME SCENES FROM 2018 THAT REMIND ME OF THE FUN I'M ABOUT TO HAVE

(CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT)  

THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO

• Meeting face to face some of the people who have been my virtual friends for several years
• Attending some of the many classes that are offered each of the four days.  It’s very difficult to choose which ones to attend.
• Walking through and experiencing all the vendors in the exhibit hall.  I’ve heard reports there will be as many as 200 of them.
• Being able to share my passion for family research with my friend of over 30 years and helping her with her research.
• Spending time at the FHL and hoping to find some of the hidden treasures and dare I hope….break down a brick wall.
• Being around others who share my love for our ancestors and making sure they are never forgotten.

WHAT I’VE DONE TO PREPARE

• I long ago made my reservation for the conference and my hotel reservation at the Plaza.  And, of course, my plane reservation.
• Over the past several months I have been making a list of the people, places and things I want to look for.  Whether it’s microfilm or books.  I keep this list in Evernote so it is with me on all my devices.
• I do all my work on my desktop PC.  Of course I’ll need to take my laptop and I’ll be taking my iPad.  I’ve made sure that everything that’s on my desktop is also on my laptop.  All the programs I use for editing, my Legacy program etc. are all synced up.
• I’ve made new “business” cards so that I can share them with the people I meet.  My genealogy is not really a business, but it’s an easy way to share websites, email and phone numbers with others.
• I’ve downloaded the Rootstech app to all my devices.
• I’ve pre selected the classes I’d like to attend.  They are first come first serve, so I also need to be sure I have a second choice for that time slot.
• I’ve washed and packed all my clothes.  I hope I’ve chosen wisely and brought enough layers.
  I’ve secured my ride to the airport.  A huge thanks to my husband for getting up so early to take me ♥
  Now…..I just wait until Sunday for my flight and let the fun begin.

I wonder how all of you prepare your lists when you are going to visit a place like the Family History Library or some other repository?

Here’s a sample of 2 of my 6 pages of “Things to look for at the FHL.”  I know some people use Excel and I have used that method in the past as well.  But, not this year.

If you will be at Rootstech this year, please look me up.  I’d love to meet you.  You can find me on the attendee list as Diane Gould Hall.

 

Happy hunting…….and Rootstech 10 – Here I Come!!

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

ROOTSTECH IS OVER BUT ~ We had fun……..meeting other bloggers, wandering the Expo Hall, enjoying the classes and researching at the Family History Library

I’ve been home from Rootstech for two days.  Of course I caught the obligatory cold during my visit.  But, it was on the last day, so it never ruined my fun.

This was my first time attending. I was fortunate to have my friend Pam join me.  She and I have been friends for over 30 years, she lives in Colorado and is fairly new to genealogy.  Quite an overwhelming experience, that’s for sure.

We arrived on Monday afternoon so we would have all day Tuesday at the FHL (Family History Library).  This was my third time at the Library and Pam’s first.  Many of us know what a wonderful and inspiring place it is.

We woke up Tuesday morning, had breakfast at JB’s and headed to the library.  Pam had a great day and was able to find lots of information in the books about North Carolina marriages.  I worked, yet again, on some of my brick wall families and came up empty.  I’ll never give up though.

They might not be in this book, but I will find them eventually

Pam, hard at work

My happy place

We were all given the option to check-in to the conference on Tuesday.  Boy, was that a process. Two hours in line with hundreds of others.  The Rootstech staff really did a great job keeping the line moving, kudos to all of them.  We received a nice bag and a flash drive with the syllabus for all the classes.

Day One at Rootstech.  We had picked classes to attend so we knew where we needed to go.  What we didn’t expect was the long lines for some of the more popular classes. This was the case on all four days of the conference.  The other thing we didn’t know, was that we had to pre register for the Lab classes. I guess we missed that in the Welcome to Rootstech emails.  Pam and I had quite different agendas, based on our levels of experience.  She picked up some great information at her classes.  I ended up attending only a couple of classes during the four days because the Labs were full.  Lesson learned for next time.

The Expo Hall opened for a sneak preview on Wednesday evening, but we waited until Thursday morning to go there.  WOW!!  What a wonderful setup.  It was like Disneyland for genealogists.  All the software and DNA companies had booths.  Lots of society, book, charts and many other fun booths.  There were classes and demonstrations being held every where.  The media hub was full of activity and interviews with the genealogy movers and shakers in the industry were going on a lot of the time.
 
There were displays all over the Expo Hall.

The Legacy staff hard at work

I was able to finally meet, face to face, other bloggers & genealogists I’ve been friends with on Facebook for many years.  Of course we took photos of the occasion.   

With Pat Richley-Erickson aka Dear Myrt

Marian Pierre-Louis and Geoff Rasmussen from Legacy Family Tree software

David Robison, Professional Genealogist & author of Old Bones Genealogy of New England blog

Deidre Erin Denton author of  Twisted Twigs on Gnarled Branches Genealogy

Laura Wilkinson Hedgecock from our Geneabloggers Tribe Facebook group

Russ Worthington from Monday's with Myrt and author of Family Tree Maker User blog

Jonny Perl - Innovator award winner for the year for his program DNA Painter

Linda Stufflebean - author of Empty Branches on the Family Tree blog

Susan Howard, Facebook friend

Michelle Ganus Taggart author of A Southern Sleuth blog

Randy Seaver, author of Genea-Musings blog and my friend Pam Paxton

Yes, I admit it.  I like to collect the ribbons given out at various booths

On Friday, as many bloggers as could make it, gathered near the media hub for a group photo.  You should have seen us all trying to squeeze together.  If you find Thomas McEntee in his colorful shirt in the front row, you’ll see my head just above his. There’s about 40 of us represented here.  More bloggers were at the conference, but some couldn’t make it for the photo shoot.



The conference was over on Saturday evening.  My friend Pam and I made our plans to have a couple of extra days after the conference.  The FHL is closed on Sunday.  It was a day we had planned to stay at the hotel so I could share some technology and research tips with her.  It couldn’t have been better……it snowed!  Being from southern California, I get excited any time I see or am in snow.  I apologize to all of you who live in places that have snow, but this was great!! 

The view from our 8th floor room at the Plaza Hotel

Snow covered street near the Salt Palace where Rootstech was held

Pam & me enjoying the cold weather on our way to Squatters Pub for dinner

Our last day was Monday.  Neither of us were flying out until late afternoon.  So, where did we go?  Not difficult to guess. Right back to the FHL.  By this time, Pam was really making progress in her tree and finding more and more evidence.  Lots of information on the third floor (my favorite – the books).
 
Takeaway from my first trip to Rootstech.  It was a bit overwhelming at first.  They do a great job with such a large crowd.  There were vendors selling food and drink items, so even if you attended lots of classes, you didn’t go hungry.  There was a good variety of classes, but they weren’t always easy to attend, because of the high volume of people.  The Expo Hall was, hands down, my favorite part of the entire experience.  Meeting up with so many longtime virtual friends was fantastic!

Would I attend again?  I think that I would, but with a different agenda.  Perhaps just go for a couple of days during the conference and spend the other days going to the Library
. 
Did you go to Rootstech this year?  If so, what was your experience like?  Was it your first time, or had you attended before?  If you haven’t attended, do you want to in the future?
Stay tuned because I had a BIG breakthrough at the library involving my husband’s great grandfather, John Doller.  A blog post about that will be coming up soon.

Happy hunting,
Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2018   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION