RootsTech by FamilySearch, the world’s largest online family history celebration enhanced by a local in-person experience in Salt Lake City, Utah, returns March 6–8, 2025, with the global theme of "Discover".
Whether it’s uncovering your unique family story, following the clues to a surprising new connection, or discovering an inner strength and resiliency you never knew you had, this year’s conference theme captures the surprising, life-changing power of family history.
11 Emcees Will Host in 11 Different Languages
Living up to its promise of “world’s largest family history event,” RootsTech 2025 will feature an unprecedented team of 11 global emcees to host the 3-day event and provide commentary in 11 different languages. The emcees create a welcoming, language-specific experience that helps to localize and extend the reach of the global event to as many people as possible.
The emcees will customize the RootsTech experience for the audience watching online by sharing stories, interviewing speakers, and serving as a bridge to more localized content—all in the language the viewer has chosen to participate in online.
Meet the RootsTech 2025 Global Emcees
The emcees are an exciting group of storytellers, professional broadcasters, and family history research experts. The lineup includes:
- Spanish: Irene Caso—journalist, broadcaster, and former news anchor from Madrid, Spain.
- German: Jan Hadzik—family historian and experience manager at FamilySearch, specializing in European heritage.
- Italian: Denise Sottili—musician from Florence and former records specialist at FamilySearch, with expertise in Italian and Portuguese record collections.
- Mandarin: Chloe Zheng Thomas—homeland relationship manager at FamilySearch, with special focus on turning data into stories.
- Cantonese: Matthew Kho—Cantonese translator and interpreter from Guangzi, China.
- Arabic: Suzan Mazzawi—musician, entrepreneur, lifestyle influencer, and former broadcaster from the Middle East.
- French: Arielle Pletain—global traveler, family historian, and Malaysian food aficionado.
- Portuguese: Nicole Luz—Brazilian actress and music star currently on tour with Disney.
- English: Kirby Heyborne—American actor, songwriter, singer, comedian, and acclaimed audiobook narrator.
- Korean: Jin Young Park—media host, author, and journalist from South Korea.
- Japanese: Hiromi Ogata—radio host from Yamaguchi, Japan.
(Find photos and more information about the 11 RootsTech Emcees.)
RootsTech 2025: "DISCOVER" the Power of Family History
The RootsTech 2025 theme of "Discover" invites people everywhere to learn something new about the people, places, and events in their family tree.
A growing body of scientific research shows that knowing one's family stories builds resilience and strengthens identity—core benefits celebrated at RootsTech. The presenters and global emcees will work together to share this message to a truly worldwide audience.
Watch RootsTech 2025 sessions online (it's free!) March 6–8, 2025, or join us for the in-person experience in Salt Lake City, Utah. Plan now to be part of the biggest family history celebration on the planet.
Watch previous RootsTech keynotes and classes now on the RootsTech on-demand library.
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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.