Day 1 of RootsTech 2025 is in the books! Whether you joined us in person at the Salt Palace Convention Center or online at RootsTech.org, we hope you ended today looking forward to more family history discovery experiences.
Thousands of people participated on the first day of the conference. Attendees hailing from many countries joined us in person and online! Classes at the Salt Palace and the session chats online were abuzz throughout the morning as discoveries were made and connections were created.
Global Youth Event
RootsTech 2025 kicked off Wednesday night with a special event just for 11- and 12-year-olds! Brother Brad Wilcox and President Susan Porter both spoke to a few thousand youth about the importance of family and why each individual matters.
Attendees also enjoyed a performance from a family of acrobats, as well as a musical performance from Ysabelle Cuevas.
FamilySearch Global Forum
During the FamilySearch Global and Tech Forum, we heard from Craig Miller, Bryan Austad, Andrew Gold, Michelle Barber, Ryan Parker, Valerie Villalobos Huitron, Bret Weekes, and Sarah Hammon.
These individuals shared updates on family group trees, the Together app, data quality score, full-text search, and two new artificial intelligence (AI) help features—an AI help chatbot and an AI research assistant.
Main Stage Moments
This morning on the Main Stage, Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, officially welcomed us to RootsTech. Steve introduced the RootsTech 2025 theme of Discover and shared that "RootsTech is all about the opportunity to make life-changing discoveries." He invited the audience to do one simple thing: "Add what you know, and get ready to discover!" When we add whatever we know to the family tree, even if it's as simple as a name, photograph, or story, we can ignite major discoveries for other people.
To demonstrate the power of adding what we know, Steve shared a heartwarming story about an ancestor he looks up to. He thought he knew everything about his great-great-grandfather. But last year, he discovered that his great-great-grandfather attempted to farm lobsters and oysters in Utah's Great Salt Lake. Things did not work out well for the lobsters and oysters he transported from the eastern United States. But this charming story gave Steve Rockwood a new perspective on his ancestor. As we each add what we know, we can ignite the power of discovery for others, and they, in turn, ignite discoveries for us!
We were also privileged to hear from Ancestry, one of RootsTech's platinum sponsors. Ancestry's Crista Cowan shared about Ancestry's exciting new product, Networks in Ancestry® Pro Tools. This product allows people to "document relationships beyond immediate family," including friends, neighbors, co-workers, and so on.
Just as our lives aren't complete without our friends and neighbors, so too with our ancestors. We won't know the full story of our ancestors' lives until we learn about the other people who impacted their lives.
Rachel Platten
Although last-minute changes made her unable to attend in person, Rachel Platten (singer-songwriter of the hit anthem "Fight Song") joined us virtually on RootsTech's Main Stage to share about family and discovery and perform a special musical number.
RootsTech's amazing English-language emcee, Kirby Heybourne interviewed Rachel about her journey as a person over the past ten years since the release of "Fight Song." Rachel says these years have taught her that "all of me needs to be loved." This includes all aspects of herself: the good, the beautiful, the messy, and the painful.
Every day, she puts her hand over her heart and takes a moment to feel her heartbeat. Her heartbeat reminds her that "there is a human being right here who deserves to be loved. You deserve love not because of anything you did or said, but because you exist."
This emotional journey has prepared Rachel to be the mother of two beautiful daughters. She said, "Loving and welcoming every part of myself has made me a better mom." Rachel finished her message with a prerecorded performance of her song "Girls," which was inspired by her young daughters.
Mat and Savanna Shaw
We were so pleased to welcome Mat and Savanna Shaw, the viral father–daughter singing sensations. Mat and Savanna performed two amazing musical numbers and shared a message about the power of family and family connections. Mat said that he wants his children to know that they "will always have a place to call home in the hearts of their parents."
The Shaws were a wonderful addition to today's general session, and they definitely helped us to get into the spirit of RootsTech with smiles, funny stories, and musical talents.
RootsTech 2025 Day 1 Highlights
The Expo Hall Is in Full Swing!
This year, RootsTech's Expo Hall is hosting over 130 sponsors and exhibitors. Don't forget that Expo Hall Only FREE Passes are still available! Bring your family and friends to experience the amazing energy of RootsTech for free. You can also experience the Expo Hall online.
Discover Family Stories with Virtual Activities
FamilySearch put together virtual activities that will help you elevate your RootsTech experience!
With these activities, you can discover more connections with your ancestors. Don't forget to share these experiences with your family and friends!
Share About RootsTech on Social Media
Be sure to share your favorite conference moments online using the hashtag #RootsTech2025. Keep an eye on the RootsTech Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for more announcements and surprises!
RootsTech 2025 Day 1 Classes: Our Top Picks
What Is RootsTech?
RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, RootsTech has hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library, or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.
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