#RootsTech 2016 is more than classes

This will be my sixth year attending the #RootsTech conference. Rather than focus on the number and variety of classes offered, I have come to view #RootsTech 2016 as primarily a place to carry on a dialogue with people who share my interest in family history. We are gathering with people from all over the world who come to Salt Lake City, Utah in the dead of Winter to talk about a single subject. I find that talking to people, all kinds of people, is the most rewarding and important part of my #RootsTech experience. In fact, there are few classes that will provide me with the opportunity to talk, discuss and interact with people. I will spend most of my time visiting with vendors on the exhibit floor, talking to fellow genealogists and listening to what everyone has to say about what is happening in genealogy today.

You may go to the #RootsTech Conference with the expectation of hearing some useful and stimulating presentations and you are correct, there will be some very important classes and presentations. But you will also be missing much of what the conference will offer if you neglect to visit with those around you. This is especially true of those people in the Exhibit Hall. The Exhibitors List has about 140 participants. I suggest that you will be missing much of what is going on at #RootsTech 2016 if you fail to spend adequate time on the Exhibit Floor. Don't neglect the classes, but take time to visit the Exhibit Floor.

Just a note, the weather forecast for Salt Lake City, Utah during #RootsTech 2016 is for snow and cold weather. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.