FamilySearch center coordinators can look forward to an exciting new arrangement for gathering, learning, and collaborating with each other. January 2026 begins a new streamlined approach called "FamilySearch Center Connect," replacing the long-standing Tech Talk and Center Chatter meetings.
Why the Change?
Tech Talk and Center Chatter have provided valuable opportunities for training, updates, and community building. However, feedback has prompted FamilySearch to combine these 2 efforts into a single, streamlined meeting. The new format is an area-focused approach and is more consistent and predictable, allowing FamilySearch to provide better support. Content will be more relevant to each area's needs, with current and accurate information common to the area fostering stronger collaboration across centers.
What’s New with FamilySearch Center Connect
One Meeting, One Purpose
FamilySearch Center Connect will now consolidate these 2 gatherings into a single monthly session for each area, replacing the previous 2-meeting format. Meeting agendas may include FamilySearch updates, training, technical support (formerly Tech Talk), and coordinator roundtable (formerly Center Chatter).
Geographically Organized
Each area will be invited to attend the session designated for them. This approach ensures that training, updates, and discussions are tailored to the unique needs of each location. It also reduces the size of the meetings to ensure that all can contribute to the conversation.
Focused Content
Meetings will address center-specific technology needs, provide operational guidance, highlight best practices, and foster collaboration among centers within the area, all in one comprehensive session.
Community Connection
By gathering as areas, center coordinators will have greater opportunities to collaborate, ask questions, share experiences, and support one another.
Meeting Schedule by Area
Note: Dates and times are subject to adjustment as required for holidays or area-specific needs.
| Area | State or Province | Date | Time |
| United States Southeast | Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee | 2nd Thursday | 5:00 PM MST |
| United States Central | Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming | 2nd Thursday | 7:00 PM MST |
| United States Utah | Utah | 3rd Thursday | 5:00 PM MST |
| Canada | All provinces | 3rd Thursday | 7:00 PM MST |
| United States West | Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington | 3rd Thursday | 9:00 PM MST |
| United States Northeast | Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia | 4th Thursday | 5:00 PM MST |
| United States Southwest | Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas | 4th Thursday | 7:00 PM MST |
From January 2026: How to Join the Meeting and What to Expect
- Meetings will be hosted by FamilySearch employees and missionaries.
- Formal invitations will be distributed to each center via FamilyHistoryMail and through center coordinators, including detailed instructions for participation.
- FamilySearch center coordinators, stake technology specialists, area advisers, and FamilySearch area and regional managers will be invited to attend.
- Meetings will not be recorded. However, general announcements and key updates will be made available on the North America FamilySearch Center Community page. Instructions for joining the meeting will also be available on the community page (requires signing in and joining the group).
Whom to Contact for More Information
A dedicated email address, Center-Connect@FamilySearch.org, has been established for coordinators and consultants to submit center-related inquiries. Responses will be sent to the individual and may be posted on the North America FamilySearch Center Community page.
Our contact hours of operation and phone number remain the same. As ever, our support team is eager to assist you! Call for United States and Canada Support. *After calling the toll free number, don't forget to press 5 in the menu options.
Looking Ahead
This change is designed to make our time together more meaningful, efficient, and impactful. FamilySearch Center Connect will be the place where technology, training, and collaboration come together to support the work of FamilySearch centers in the United States and Canada.
We look forward to connecting with you in this new format and building an even stronger community of support and inspiration!
At FamilySearch, we care about connecting you with your family, and we provide fun discovery experiences and family history services for free. Why? Because we cherish families and believe that connecting generations can improve our lives now and forever. We are a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more about our beliefs, click here.
