It's been a long time coming: RootsTech 2024 is finally here! Today, February 29th, marked the first of 3 fun-packed, information-filled conference days.
Remember Day 1 of RootsTech? If you're having trouble remembering, or you couldn't join us in-person, here's a summary of all the best moments.
Over a million participants tuned in virtually and in-person to ring in RootsTech, spanning over 190 countries. After a busy morning of sessions and classes, the conference officially opened during the General Session with a welcome from Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International. He introduced this year's theme: Remember, which he described as "the most important theme because of our great need to remember and to be remembered.”
Steve also shared the important role that Lego played in his family history. His father worked for the Lego company, and he likened building a Lego set brick by brick to the journey of expanding a family tree branch by branch. “Family history, like Legos, is where families young and old build their family story together, one brick at a time,” he shared.
After his inspirational message about remembering who we are and building our family stories, the main stage featured a message from platinum sponsor, Ancestry. Comedian Henry Cho was then invited to take the main stage.
The RootsTech crowd fell in love with Cho's wholesome humor, and spent a great deal of time both laughing and reminiscing with him as he shared stories from his past. Find links to re-watch all these messages in the Top Videos section below.
The Innovation and Tech forum took place on the main stage later in the afternoon. Led by Jared Spataro, and joined by experts from Storii, EmulateMe, Ancestry, Storied, Living History, and FamilySearch, they talked about all the latest and greatest family history innovations.
Industry leaders and partners came together to share how the latest AI developments from innovators like Open AI and Microsoft are helping family history become easier and more accessible than ever before. "AI will bring family history to new audiences, like people working on smartphones," explained Jon Morrey from FamilySearch.
The Expo Hall was also open throughout the day for attendees to experience over 120 exhibitors and sponsors offering products, new innovations, and activities for the whole family. Make sure to stop by yourself during the conference to see what's going on.
And guess what, the Expo Hall is FREE, so if you have family and friends who weren't able to get a pass for the main RootsTech events, they can join in the fun at the Expo Hall! Register for the Expo Hall here.
Videos You Won't Want to Miss
Don't miss out on the best content at RootsTech! Check out some of these videos from day 1.
8 Virtual Activities to Help You Remember Your Past
This year, FamilySearch put together 8 virtual activities that will help you elevate your RootsTech experience!
Each activity centers around the 2024 conference theme “Remember.” These activities include Relatives at RootsTech, Famous Relatives, My Look-Alikes, Keepsakes, Cool Pics, Shared Surnames, Top Contributors, and a new upcoming activity called MyMatch!
These activities can help you remember important stories that started with your ancestors and continue on today through you. Remember to share the experiences with your family and friends!
Our Top Class Picks
There are over 1,000+ educational classes, workshops, and activities happening during RootsTech 2024. Many of them are available to rewatch after!
If you're looking for recommendations for which to watch first, here is a list of our top picks.
Be sure to share your favorite RootsTech moments online using the hashtag #RootsTech and keep an eye on social media @RootsTech for announcements and surprises!
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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.
