Learn Who's a Keynote Speaker at RootsTech 2026

Graphic with the text ‘Meet Our Keynote Speakers’ at the top, featuring seven keynote speakers in individual photo frames with their names underneath: Marlee Matlin, Tara Roberts, Steve Young, Jose Hernandez, Gardiner Brothers, Jessica Soho, and Zico.

If you’ve participated in RootsTech before, you know the keynote addresses, both in person and virtual, are some of the week’s biggest highlights. Each year, athletes, authors, actors, musicians, artists, and other inspiring people take the stage to tell stories about family and talk about the ways their own histories and heritages have shaped them. Speakers such as Kristin Chenoweth, Ndaba Mandela, Jordin Sparks, Nick Vujicic, and more have shared powerful messages about resiliency and connection. The 2026 RootsTech keynote speakers are ready to carry on that tradition! Read on to learn more about each keynote speaker.

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Photograph of Marlee Matlin, Oscar-winning actress and motivational speaker, a keynote speaker at RootsTech 2026

Actor, author, and Academy Award-winner Marlee Matlin

When she was 12 years old, a friend told Marlee Matlin she could be whatever she wanted to be—as long as she believed in herself. Marlee took that advice to heart and later became the first deaf actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Children of a Lesser God. Since then, she has starred in numerous movies and TV shows, including The West Wing. Through these roles, she has earned four Emmy nominations. Today, Marlee is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world. At RootsTech, she’ll share how perseverance and a strong sense of identity can guide us through life’s toughest challenges.

Steve Young smiling, wearing a blue button up shirt

American football star, philanthropist, and author Steve Young

In addition to his prestigious career in professional American football from 1985 to 1999, Steve Young has dedicated his life to his family and faith, helping those in need, and sharing messages of love.  While playing for the San Francisco 49ers, he was named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1992 and again in 1994. He is also a 3-time Super Bowl champion and was the Super Bowl MVP in 1995. Steve and his wife Barb founded the Forever Young Foundation to help pass on “hope and resources for the development, strength, and education of children.” He’s also the author of QB: My Life Beyond the Spiral and The Law of Love. Steve will speak about his life and family at RootsTech.

Tara Roberts smiling with her hands clasped underneath her chin

Author, historian, and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, far from the coast, Tara never thought that one day she would be diving to the bottom of the ocean. But while visiting a museum, she saw a photograph of several Black women scuba diving. She soon left her career at a nonprofit to train to explore sunken slave ships and discover the stories of enslaved people lost at sea. Now, Tara is a National Geographic Explorer, author, podcast host, and seasoned scuba diver. At RootsTech, she’ll talk about some of the fascinating discoveries she has made underwater—and her efforts to preserve the memory of people nearly erased from history.

Award-winning broadcast journalist Jessica Soho

One of the most celebrated journalists in the Philippines, Jessica has built an astonishing career telling stories about the challenges people face and the resilience that gets them through hard times. She was the first Filipina to win the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and has also won a New York Festivals TV and Film Award. For 13 consecutive years, Reader’s Digest Asia has named Jessica the “Most Trusted TV Host for News and Current Affairs.” She brings her gift for telling stories and highlighting the courage of real people when she speaks at RootsTech.

José Hernández, first American-Mexican astronaut, posing in his orange astronaut's suit between flags of the United States and Mexico

Mexican-American engineer and astronaut José Hernández

The son of Mexican migrant workers, José grew up moving between Mexico and California, working the fields with his family and dreaming of someday traveling to outer space. His father told him it was possible if he worked hard, and his wife encouraged him to never stop trying—even after NASA rejected his applications 11 times. His life story is the inspiration for the movie A Million Miles Away. At RootsTech, José will share how family support and a connection to his heritage helped him achieve his dream of flying to the stars.

Michael and Matthew Gardiner, shoulder to shoulder, wearing black shirts and white jackets, and smiling

World-champion Irish dancers Michael and Matthew Gardiner

Sometimes the best way to honor your heritage is to dance it. The Gardiner Brothers were born in Denver, Colorado, United States. To keep them connected to their Irish roots, the boys’ parents enrolled them in Irish dance. Today, the Gardiner family is back in Ireland, and Michael and Matthew are two of the most well-known Irish dancers on the planet. They have millions of online fans and have toured the globe with Riverdance. At RootsTech, they’ll show how your family heritage can be an inspiration to everyone you share it with.

Football legend Zico stands in front of trophies

Brazilian football legend Zico

One of the greatest attacking midfielders of all time, Zico got his first lessons in football playing barefoot in the streets of his hometown, Rio de Janeiro. Early on, some coaches doubted he’d be strong enough to make it. But thanks to family support and an unrelenting determination to succeed, he proved his naysayers wrong, going on to play for Flamengo and winning 3 World Cups. Later, he founded the Zico Football Center to help young people reach their potential—on and off the pitch. Zico’s story reminds us that heritage and hard work matter just as much in everyday life as they do in sports.

Be Part of RootsTech 2026

The keynote lineup is set, and RootsTech 2026 is almost here. As you can see, this year’s speakers come from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different walks of life—but the one thing they have in common is a love for family and an understanding of how our connections make us stronger. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be inspired and reminded of why your own family history is such an important part of your identity. Register now to attend RootsTech in person or online and be part of the world’s largest family discovery event.

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, we have 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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