By Joy
Neighbors
If your New Year's resolution is to attend more conferences and seminars this year; congratulations, that's a perfect way to make connections and stay up on what's happening in the world of genealogy. If you’re searching for genealogy conferences with the
most bang for the buck, here are four recommendations to consider.
February 26-29, 2020
Let’s start with the largest genealogy conference in the
world held right here in the U.S. Each year, Rootstech has a theme and this year will be about
The Story of You.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, RootsTech offers an amazing line-up of
presentations, events and technology. And this is one conference that’s aimed at you,
regardless of if you’re new to genealogy, have some experience, or if you're a certified genealogist. There’s something for everyone with more than 300 breakout sessions,
gala events and a Family Discovery Day on Saturday, February 29th.
If you’re searching for the latest, greatest technology in
the genealogy world, this is your go-to place. Take time to wander the Exhibit
Hall and get your questions answered by experts in the field.
One thing to note: Get your lodging reservations in soon.
Some attendees reup their rooms from one conference to the next; so don’t wait
to book a room. Salt Lake City is easy to get around in and with Uber and Lyft
available, travel time is minimal to and from the Salt Lake Palace.
(Full disclosure, I will be speaking
twice at RootsTech. One session is about Forgotten Records of Death, and the second is a one-woman performance on The Victorian Celebration of Death.) 
April 29 – May 2, 2020
This is another conference I have had the pleasure of
speaking at and it is always educational, and delightful. This year’s theme is Unlocking
the Pieces. Although
as a state conference it is somewhat Ohio-centric, speakers and presenters
cover a wide range of materials that appeal to the genealogist in all of us
including national law in regard to genealogy, tracing African American
ancestors and record analysis.
The OGS website offers attendees the chance to filter
presentations by day, track or speakers so you can always be up-to-date on what
is happening during the conference.
A member of the National Genealogical Society, the Ohio
conference will be held at the Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in
Sandusky, Ohio. This is a family-friendly location with the Midwest’s
largest indoor water park. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore
between sessions without ever leaving the resort.
May 20 – 23, 2020
National Genealogical Society’s (NGS) Family History
Conference is about Echoes of Our Ancestors. This conference is held around the
country but this year it will also be in Salt
Lake City, just one block from the Family History Library.
The NGS offers a fabulous opportunity to network with more
than 2,0000 genealogists. Attendees have the chance to attend more than 150
presentations, many given by nationally recognized speakers. The Exhibit Hall
offers a chance to discover the latest and greatest in the genealogy world from
more than 80 exhibitors.
Salt Lake City is a friendly city with plenty of access to
the other genealogy sites around town. Most downtown lodging is within an easy
distance of public transportation, and for the hale and hearty, walking is always
an option.
November 13-15, 2020
The Texas Genealogy Society will hold their 60th annual
conference in November. Their theme is Remembering Your Heritage. More than 300 speakers will
enlighten and encourage attendees in DNA technology, records and research,
ethnic research topics and much more.
Again, while Texas-centric in some
sessions, this conference also offers topics that will resonate with everyone.
Again, while Texas-centric in some
sessions, this conference also offers topics that will resonate with everyone.
The conference will be held at the Omni Mandalay Hotel Las
Colinas in Dallas.
