Two Conferences, One Location: How will that work?

FGS 2015 and RootsTech 2015 Together

Two Conferences, One Location: How will that work?

Have you heard about the special genealogy event happening in 2015? The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and RootsTech are teaming up to bring you that event in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 11–14 at the Salt Palace Convention Center (SPCC).

Salt Lake City already draws genealogists and family historians like no other place on earth. Having two great genealogy conferences at the same time, right down the street from the renowned Family History Library, will only add to that attraction.

This kind of collaboration between two genealogy conferences is new territory for both FGS and RootsTech. Genealogists are excited about the possibilities, but many of you are asking how it will work.

Today we begin answering your questions, but one blog post can’t cover everything. We’ll continue answering your questions about this one-time partnership over the next five months leading up to the conference.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this one big conference? No. It’s two conferences happening at the same time under one roof while sharing some activities, sessions, and space.

Can I attend only one conference? Can I attend both conferences?

Yes and yes. While FGS and RootsTech are two separate conferences, you have the choice of registering for only one or upgrading your registration to have access to everything both conferences have to offer.

How do I register?

Go to www.FGSconference.org. Early bird discount pricing of $139 for a full FGS registration runs through September 12, 2014 when the price increases to $159. Adding on a full RootsTech pass is $39 now and ongoing.

What will be separate?

FGS and RootsTech will each present their own program of sessions.

FGS sessions on Wednesday will motivate and inspire society volunteers. Thursday through Saturday the focus of FGS sessions will be methodology, records, ethnic research, migration and more for honing your personal research skills. The full program and list of speakers is available at www.FGSconference.org.

RootsTech will offer a program of technology-based solutions for the genealogy needs of both individuals and societies. 

What will be shared?

Attendees will have access to these shared sessions and activities whether they registered for only FGS, only RootsTech, or for both conferences.

• General sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning featuring inspirational keynotes, speakers, and presenters.
• An expo hall spanning 120,000 square feet with approximately 240 booth spaces and special vendor presentations.
• Late afternoon or evening activities on Thursday (featuring entertainment on the big stage in SPCC), Friday (extended hours in the expo hall featuring the sights and sounds of different world humanities), and Saturday (featuring the of BYUTV's Studio C and other popular entertainers).
• Two tracks on Saturday - DNA and Technology.

That covers the basics but it’s only the beginning. Stay tuned to this blog and FGS social media for more answers and announcements between now and February 11, 2015. If you have questions, please ask them in comments here or contact FGS through any of our social media channels.

FGS 2015 is going to be a great conference and a unique experience. We hope to see you in Salt Lake City in February.