Last month, the world's largest family history celebration, hosted by FamilySearch, held its 15th annual event. RootsTech 2025 had millions of participants from 235 countries and all 50 states join in person and online for classes, keynotes, Expo Hall browsing, or unique RootsTech experiences like Relatives at RootsTech. This global experience, Relatives at RootsTech, had more than 660,000 participants who viewed 6.6 million ancestral relationships.
Even though the RootsTech 2025 event is over, the experiences continue. Classes and keynote sessions are created so they can be viewed online and on-demand at RootsTech.org. Check out the most popular sessions, explore topics of interest, and add sessions to your personal watchlist for future discoveries—it is all free.
Most Popular Classes
RootsTech 2025 featured over 200 expert-led classes in person and nearly 500 globally. From DNA to the importance of good journaling to researching convict ancestors, the list of possible subjects for online perusing continues to expand at RootsTech.org. To start, check out some of the most popular RootsTech 2025 classes!
- “How Does DNA Fit into Your Family Story? Identity. Connection. Answers.” by Diahan Southard
- “Beyond the Brick Wall: Strategies for Pre-1850 U.S. Research” by Julia A. Anderson
- “The Story of Rachel—Eventually This Enslaved Woman and Her Children Were Freed“ by Diane L. Richard
- “Researching Convicts Transported to Australia” by Andrew Redfern
- “Getting Started in Scottish Family History Research” by David Allen Lambert
- “Leveraging Partnerships, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Community Engagement to Improve Discovery of Records” by Jill Reilly and Ian James
- “Unveiling Family Legacies: Verifying Native American Ancestry and Tribal Affiliation” by Aimee Rose-Haynes
- “Discovering My Ancestors’ Stories Can Strengthen My Emotional Wellness” by Sheldon Martin
RootsTech 2025 Keynote Speakers
Steve Rockwood. The CEO of FamilySearch International opened up RootsTech 2025 by introducing the theme of “Discover” to the global audience and explained how new discoveries can be made when we start by adding what we know about our family history to that of others. Steve had his own fun and heartfelt family discovery stories to share from the Main Stage, all because others added what they knew to the collaborative FamilySearch Family Tree.
Rachel Platten. Although unforeseen circumstances didn't allow the Emmy Award-winning singer to make it in person, Rachel Platten was still able to perform and speak over live video call with the RootsTech audience. She shared how rediscovering herself in recent years as a mother has deepened her perception of who she is and the discoveries we all can make through learning about ourselves in our own lives.
Dana Tanamachi. The world-renowned artist shared her story of success and struggles in becoming the artist she is today, as well as her passion for discovering, honoring, and preserving family history. She shared a word that has significant meaning to her and her ancestors, “gaman,” which brought her strength in the most difficult time of her life and encouraged her “to bear the seemingly impossible with dignity and grace.”
Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall. The well-loved Olympic and Paralymic gold-medal couple took the Main Stage and spoke of the priceless relationships that have made all the difference in their journeys. Tara and Hunter each expressed appreciation to a person whose support helped them get where they are today. For Tara, it was her father, who coached her until she left for college. For Hunter, it was his late uncle, who, as Hunter says, “was one of the people who had an unwavering belief in me.” In addition to their incredible families, Tara and Hunter have been each other's greatest supports, and they shared how they have accomplished things together that they could not have done separately.
Los Chicaneros. The Boteros keep family at the center of their lives. Their virtual keynote displayed the love and connection they feel for one another as they shared stories of the sacrifices each family member made to benefit one another. Being immigrants themselves, they were happy to learn from FamilySearch that their ancestors, like them, traveled to different countries to find new opportunities and provide for their family. Watch this touching experience yourself, and see behind the scenes of one of their social media videos!
Ndaba Mandela. The grandson of Nelson Mandela shared his experience in meeting his grandfather, a prominent politician and social influence in South Africa, for the first time as a young boy. He later accepted an invitation to live with his grandfather. Ndaba shared many life lessons his grandfather taught that he has come to appreciate more and more as he grows older, even after the passing of Nelson Mandela. Ndaba's message taught that if we know where we come from, we can know where we are going.
Ysabelle Cuevas. Ysabelle shared the story of her family and how she traveled from the Philippines to the United States as a young teenager. Even before that, she learned to share her talents on YouTube, which she used as a way to keep in contact with her mom, who was working overseas. Her mom’s encouragement kept her posting online, where she continues to share her gifts today, including in the Ysabelle Cuevas version of the RootsTech 2025 theme song “Who I Am.”
Marco Lui. Marco, an Italian comedian, director, and actor from Verona, Italy, shared a heartwarming message about life experiences from his youth and how those experiences have shaped who he is now, including his career today. He shared his love and joy of being a father as well as his development as a professional storyteller.
RootsTech 2025 Forums
The annual RootsTech forums are a popular experience for those interested in staying up-to-date with the growth of the genealogy industry. These forums feature panels and talks that focus on specific topics and are presented by experts in the field. Check out this year’s forums to see what's going on.
FamilySearch Global and Tech Forum 2025. Leaders from FamilySearch International showcase new features and highlights that are fostering more discoveries from around the globe.
RootsTech Innovation and Tech Forum 2025. Industry innovators gather to reveal the latest developments created to simplify and enhance your family discovery experience.
Impact Forum 2025. Watch three sensational, inspirational speakers—from a 5-time Grammy Award winning bass player, an award winning Navajo photographer, and the Chief Research Officer for American Ancestors—as they each personally illustrate how knowing our stories can shape, strengthen, and transform us.
Family Discovery Day 2025
Family Discovery Day was held on the Saturday of the RootsTech live event for families to join in on fun activities and inspiring sessions. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, spoke to attendees in a session, with surprise guest President Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve. The three spoke of the power of temple and family history while sharing heartfelt stories of their own experiences. The session included a performance by The Piano Guys.
Don't miss popular Family Discovery Day classes such as It's your Story! a class taught for youth by John and Kimberly Bytheway, Scott and Angelle Anderson, and Seth Christensen.
What Is RootsTech?
RootsTech, the largest family history conference in the world, 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.