RootsTech 2026 Call for Presentations
Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025
Call for Presentations is Open!
We are pleased to announce the call for proposals for RootsTech 2026, to be held online and in Salt Lake City, Utah, from March 5–7, 2026.
RootsTech aims to bring together genealogy enthusiasts, historians, researchers, and experts from various backgrounds to share their valuable insights and experiences.
We invite professionals, academics, and skilled genealogists to submit proposals for prerecorded videos, webinars, lectures, and panel discussions. We seek experienced, passionate, engaging speakers in all languages and locales. We are looking for classes targeted at beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional genealogists.
We encourage proposals that highlight innovative research, cutting-edge technologies, practical methodologies, and new perspectives that can contribute to the advancement of genealogical knowledge and practices. We also want to know about those things that inspire you to do family history and how you can share that with others.
Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Genealogical research methodologies and best practices
- Getting started in family history
- Exploring historical records and archives
- Preserving and organizing genealogical data
- Using technology, including the use of artificial intelligence, for genealogical research.
- Genetic genealogy and its applications
- Ethnic and cultural genealogy
- Tracing lineage and ancestral connections
- Collaboration and networking in genealogy
- Preserving photos and stories
- Oral Histories
Submission Guidelines
- Proposed class title—short (75 characters or less) and interesting. People should have a general idea of the class topic from the title. This is the title participants will see in the session list.
Class description: In 200 words or less, describe the class as you would to participants. This is what participants will see in the session list.- This is important—What problem to be solved or task to be done does this class address?
- This is important—What should attendees be able to do or apply after this class?
- What skill level will people need to be successful in this class? Beginner, intermediate, advanced, or professional. What prerequisite knowledge should learners have? Will participants need to bring a laptop, tablet, or device to the session?
- What is the format for this class?
- Panel discussion: a 60-minute panel discussion that includes a 15-minute Q&A. All panel participants must be identified at the time of the proposal.
- Lecture: a 60-minute lecture-style session. This should include a 15-minute Q&A.
- Power Hour: a 60-minute fast-paced and high-energy session. This should include 3 speakers each taking 15 minutes to talk about one aspect of a larger topic. Each Power Hour should include a 15-minute Q&A at the end.
- Webinars are 60 minutes, including a 15-minute Q&A and are online from anywhere in the world you have a stable internet connection.
- Prerecorded sessions should not exceed 20 minutes and focus on one topic or idea.
Include a brief outline of the class so we understand your proposal.
Note: A syllabus is required for each class session. We also require all slide decks to be submitted for review in advance. We will not share your slides with participants unless you would like us to. - Include a brief biography and contact information for all presenters. Include your background and public-speaking and teaching experience. Why are you the right person or people to speak on this topic?
- Proposals must be submitted online no later than June 30, 2025.
Evaluation Process
All submitted proposals will be reviewed by a panel of experts. Evaluation criteria will include the relevance of the topic, originality, clarity of the proposal, and potential for engaging and educating conference participants.
Why speak at RootsTech? With a global audience of millions, RootsTech is the world’s largest genealogical stage. There is no better place to share your knowledge with like-minded people. In addition, speakers at RootsTech also receive the following:
- Competitive pay of US$150.00 per 60-minute class.
- Competitive pay of US$100.00 per 20-minute class prerecorded class.
- Complimentary RootsTech conference pass.
- Hotel allowance per day of speaking for those presenting in Salt Lake City and live more than 50 miles from the Salt Palace Convention Center.
- Speakers residing in the United States and Canada required to travel more than 50 miles to RootsTech receive a travel allowance of US$100 per day of speaking. Speakers traveling from other countries may receive a travel allowance of up to US$1,000.
- All speakers presenting in Salt Lake City will receive a per diem of $35 to help cover costs incurred such as parking on the days you speak.
Please note: We are grateful for our many wonderful sponsors and exhibitors and welcome you to submit session proposals, however, RootsTech does not pay an honorarium for classes that promote a speaker’s employer, business, or product. We do not provide a per diem, travel, or hotel allowance to speakers who are employed by sponsors or exhibitors and will be fulfilling work responsibilities at RootsTech.
Important Dates
- Submission deadline: June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM
- Notification of acceptance: Late August, 2025
- Prerecorded classes due December 8, 2025
- Syllabi and slides for live classes are due January 26, 2026
- Conference dates: March 5–March 7, 2026
We look forward to receiving your insightful proposals. This conference promises to be a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration within the genealogical community. Should you have any inquiries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at speakers@rootstech.org.