What Is RootsTech 2022?
RootsTech welcomes millions of people worldwide to celebrate family at the world’s largest family history conference and year-long learning platform. With thousands of classes, inspiring speakers, meaningful activities, and joyful connections, RootsTech brings the human family together like no other event. As Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch, said: “RootsTech by FamilySearch reflects on the need of people worldwide to belong to something bigger than themselves.”
The RootsTech 2022 premier opening weekend was held on March 3–5, where we presented all the content available at Rootstech.org. This year, we introduced over 1,500 sessions in more than 30 languages about 185 different topics. Millions of participants from 277 countries and territories attended this premier through online, broadcast, and other channels. However, that was just the grand opening. All of the content will remain available throughout all the year. That is why we expect millions more to participate in the upcoming months. So, if you missed the opening weekend, don’t worry—you still have time! All of the content will stay at rootstech.org for you to enjoy at your convenience.
“It was wonderful! I learned so many things and especially how easy it was to find help. These three days have been a great learning experience for me.”
“It is excellent, a unique experience.”
“It was a fabulous conference. I will be watching for days. 💕”
What to Find at RootsTech?
Choose Connection
The theme for RootsTech 2022 is "Choose Connection," an invitation for all of us to set aside all the division and conflicts in today's world and decide to be united and connect with family, friends, and people around us through food, music, dance, culture, social media, and much more. This theme has become a social movement in social media with the hashtag #ChooseConnection. Hundreds of people have shared how they choose connection amongst all the division in the world that surrounds us.
On the main stage, 8 keynotes from all around the world (Argentina, New York, Ghana, France, Brazil, and much more) shared their story of connection and how they choose connection. They also discovered how they are connected to their ancestors in ways they had never imagined! We also saw people from all around the world sharing how they choose connection through food (from Peru to Thailand) and through dance (from Poland to Mexico or Native Americans) and what they are doing to preserve their stories.
“It was amazing! It was my first year attending, and it was so interesting and engaging.”
“Had such a great time today!! Sessions were wonderful!”
Connection activities
At RootsTech 2022 there are many different ways you can connect with others. We have prepared fun and interactive experiences that will allow you to see how you are connected to those around you in ways you never imagined. Here are some of these experiences:
“I've been using FS for a couple years now and had never even paid attention to the activities part. I watched the getting started series (even though I'm not new, but a refresh of basics never hurt anyone) and learned about the famous connections. Oh, my! I'm cousins with so many great people!”
“I discovered that people I had known during my childhood and youth were seventh cousins. Eighth or ninth. And the latest discovery is that my resiliency instructor with whom I developed a beautiful friendship turned out to be a seventh cousin on my mother's side. It is so beautiful and gratifying to know the beautiful families that our ancestors have left and to be able to meet again and know our roots vivifies the soul.”
Classes and session
As RootsTech is a learning platform, we have a huge collection of classes on over 185 topics in the fields of family history and genealogy to help you learn how to make the most out of your family history research. We have hundreds of classes in over 30 languages, from countries all around the world, so whatever your heritage is, you can find tips and tricks specifically for you.
“I love the variety of session topics available.”
“It was fabulous—so many new ideas and the sessions and presenters were. I spent three days glued to the computer—total immersion.”
Innovation in the expo hall
One of the highlights of RootsTech 2022 has been the innovations we have shown to our attendees. Thanks to our partnership with state-of-the-art companies in the field of family history and genealogy, we have been able to see the new and emerging technologies in the industry. You can find all of these innovations in the Innovators Portal. You can also directly visit the booths of companies such as Ancestry, My Heritage, or Family Tree DNA, among many others, to watch their latest news.
"It was wonderful to listen to you. It was my first time, and I am still browsing."
"I spent today mostly in the Expo Hall learning about the latest innovations for genealogy. Also had time to catch a couple of presentations."
RootsTech 2023
The amazing news is that this is not all we have to offer. The RootsTech team is already making plans for 2023 and how to bring meaningful experiences and content to your homes. So, remember to save the date for RootsTech 2023, which will be held March 2–4, and meanwhile enjoy all that RootsTech has to offer during all this year!
For more information on Premier Weekend of RootsTech 2022
