Roots Tech 2014

   We had the opportunity to attend Roots Tech this week and heard some great tips and new ideas for how to find/search for ancestors.  Roots Tech, which has rapidly become the largest family history conference in North America, was held at the Salt Palace Convention Center February 6-8. According to the report all 50 States, except South Dakota, and many foreign countries were represented. The event was put on by FamilySearch International, the genealogy service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  If you want to watch some of the events from this year's conference you can access them at https://rootstech.org/about/videos/ 

   One of the fun things about attending was seeing several friends from Arizona. We saw Beth Coons and had a very nice visit with her. We got to visit with Richard and Leone Pearce in the Exhibition Hall while we shared some popcorn.

   On Wednesday night the missionaries were honored with a special program in connection with Roots Tech in which Dennis Brimhall and Alan Packer addressed us. Hors d’oeuvres were served and the musical group, Voice Male, entertained for about an hour. They are an acapella group and were most entertaining. In addition as we left the activity we were each given a little gift bag with CHOCOLATE, FamilySearch notepad, and pen.

Large signs in the hallway showing keynote speakers and class schedule

More signs for direction

24 Computers set up for registration - it was efficient and quick!

One of the classes I attended was "How to Interview Yourself"

Assembly Hall where Keynote Speakers addressed us

Rootstech Sponsors

  If you love family history work you might want to schedule for Roots Tech 2015 which will be held in tandem with the Federation of Genealogical Societies February 12-14, 2015 in Salt Lake City.  If you want a hotel reservation for the event you probably need to schedule now.

   On Saturday afternoon  we attended the most unbelievable performance by the Ballroom Dance Company from BYU. The event was part of Winterfest and was held at the little theater at the Conference Theatre. The costuming was unbelievable and the energy of the young performers was enough to dance you out of your seat. The group holds titles in the US and abroad and are recognized as one of the premier ballroom dance companies in the nation. If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of their performances don't miss it. When we return to Arizona we will miss being able to attend these great performances.

BYU Ballroom Dance Company

BYU Ballroom Dance Company

BYU Ballroom Dance Company

BYU Ballroom Dance Company

   We have had beautiful weather the last week with lots of rain which is badly needed here.  The rain is washing away much of the leftover dirty snow and has cleared up the air so no more tasting the inversion at least for the time being.