We’ve updated our popular RootsTech Survival Guide for 2017!
The more you can plan and organize in advance, the more enjoyable your time at RootsTech will be.
RootsTech Plan-Ahead Guide
RootsTech App
The RootsTech 2017 App is available for download on either IOS or Android . Use this to keep track of the sessions and events that you want to attend. You will also need this to access the syllabi materials for the various sessions.
Your Schedule (must be logged in to your RootsTech account)
Whether it’s on your smartphone or tablet, printed out on paper, or both, prepare as much of your schedule as you can before you leave for Salt Lake City. Sign in to your RootsTech.org account, and create your Schedule from the classes you are interested in. Along with accessint it on the RootsTech app, you can download your schedule to your own calendar (such as Google calendar) with a few simple steps. It isn’t a bad idea to have your schedule in a few places. Note your *Must Attend* classes and try to be early to those. Many classes fill up completely, and occupancy limits are enforced.
Be sure to sign up for Computer Labs and Workshops as soon as possible! They are listed in along with regular class sessions in the main schedule online. These tend to fill up fast.
The same goes for special sponsored Lunches! Be sure to register and pay for your tickets in advance, and put them on your calendar and schedule.
Syllabi
As of this writing, the speaker syllabi materials will only be available on the RootsTech App, and will not be available from the website. You may purchase a printed copy of the syllabi through the registration portal at the website also. Payment must be made in advance, and the printed copies may be picked up onsite at the conference. Unlike in the past, printers will not be available to print out individual syllabi.
Streaming Schedule
Keep an eye on the RootsTech.org website to find out what classes will be recorded and streaming> It’s good to know in case there are two classes that you want to attend at the same time, if one is on the streaming schedule you can go back and watch it later. They will be available on the RootsTech website for a short period of time following the conference.
Events & Activities
Have you looked at all of the events associated with the conference? Socials, performances, side tours…. Decide which ones you wouldn’t want to miss and be sure to plan to arrive early to get a good seat. The full schedule of special events can be found here.
Expo Hall
There’s more than just vendor booths in the Expo Hall! The first two on this list are new this year. Do you want to bring any items with you for the Coaches Corner or Heirloom Show & Tell?
- Coaches Corner, where you can drop by for one-on-one mentoring from an expert genealogist
- Heirloom Show & Tell. Bring in any small item, or a photo of a large item, and we’ll tell you all about it
- Innovator Alley. Here you’ll find the newest tech tools and products for genealogy, along with those who are participating in the Innovator Showdown. Learn about all the entrants and choose your favorite Friday at the showdown
- Discovery Zone. See your ancestors come to life with interactive displays, fun facts, and engaging activities.
- Demo Theater. They’ve got the comfiest chairs at the expo! Sit for a few minutes and watch exhibitors give informative 15-minute presentations and demonstrations, and often give out door prizes.
The Expo Hall is huge and you wouldn’t want to miss any of the vendors! See our post on the vendor hall with maps and cross-referenced vendor lists.
Conference Registration Hours
Wednesday 7a – 6p
Thursday 7a – 6p
Friday 7a – 6p
Saturday 7a – 2p
Family History Library
If you plan to visit the Family History Library, be sure that you have already created your list of items that you want to look for/at. Your time will be limited and precious, and you don’t want to waste any of it doing any tasks you could have done in advance, such as printing off lists of films to view or books that are unavailable anywhere else including online. The library offers extended hours during RootsTech as well.
Family History Library Hours During RootsTech
35 North West Temple Street
801-240-2584
Monday 8:00 am -5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am –9:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am- 9:00 pm Friday 8:00 am –9:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am- 9:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am –9:00 pm
Family History Library Floor Plan Map
Figure out where the resources you want to find will be. Know which floor the microfilm are on, or where the section on that foreign country you’re researching is. Map your research strategy to optimize your time.
FamilySearch’s Quick Tips To Make the Most of your Time at the Library
With your schedule, syllabi, and plan of attack for the Family History Library printed and saved, you’ll feel much more prepared, and far less overwhelmed, giving you more time to enjoy all the conference has to offer.
(And you thought you just needed to remember to pack your phone charger?)
