You can view the whole schedule online here. There are three presentations scheduled each day of the conference at 9 am, 11 am, and 1pm. The 11 am time is the keynote presentation for the day.
Thursday:
9:00 A.M. BST
Comparing the Genealogy Giants: Ancestry, FamilySearch, Findmypast, and MyHeritage – Sunny Morton
This session prepares genealogists for one of the important questions they must routinely ask about their research: “Which genealogy websites should be I be using right now?” This comparative introduction showcases four global powerhouse websites: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Findmypast.com, and MyHeritage.com. Attendees will meet each site and learn about its priorities and target audiences. They will see how their statistics stack up for historical record content and family trees and see an introductory comparison to their DNA tools. They can compare subscription costs and learn about free access options, including Family History Center access. Perhaps most valuably, they’ll hear an industry insider’s tips on each site’s best features—and cautions or challenges for working with each one.
11:00 A.M. BST
Thursday General Session Featuring Dan Snow
Dan Snow is a popular historian, broadcaster, and television presenter. Snow was born and raised in London. Having graduated from Oxford University, he went on to present military history programs with his father, Peter Snow. Their series Battlefield Britain won a BAFTA award. He has appeared regularly on the ONE show on BBC1 and has contributed to several books, including Death or Victory, The World’s Greatest Twentieth Century Battlefields, and The Battle of Waterloo Experience. Snow will speak to the audience, sharing stories and his own experience with family, history, and everything in between.
1:00 P.M. BST
Discover Your Family at FamilySearch: Photos, Stories, and Memories – Gregg Richardson
Discover. This is a word that is relatively new to the genealogy world. Genealogy is not only about researching records for the dead, there is also relevant discovery to be had for yourself … for the living. We will demonstrate simple activities that you can do with other family members. We’ll also walk through how to add photos of living family and write and record memories for anyone in your tree.
Friday:
9:00 A.M. BSTA Strategic Approach to Irish Genealogy – Maurice Gleeson
Researching Irish ancestral lines used to be extremely difficult, but the last 10 years has seen a huge increase in the digitization and indexing of Irish records, many of which are now available online. The trouble is that many people are not aware of how much easier Irish research now is. They don't know where to find the records, and they are not comprehensive in their approach to Irish research. This presentation pulls together the various sources for Irish records, many of which are freely available online, and provides a strategic approach to accessing the relevant records for your own Irish genealogical research, maximizing the chances of successfully breaking through brick walls in your Irish research. Technical aspects discussed during this presentation include checklists, blog posts, specific websites, search techniques, and organizing your research.
11:00 A.M. BST
Friday General Session Featuring Kadeena Cox, Nick Barratt, and Steve Rockwood
Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, will explore the connections and belonging that come through family history. Kadeena Cox has lived an incredible story, and she is going to share it with the RootsTech community. Cox is a Paralympian with multiple gold medals to her name. She won two gold medals and a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympics. These medals made Cox the first Briton in 32 years to take gold in two sports at the same Paralympics games. Cox has broken records, won medals on the world stage, and made her country proud. She will take to the stage to share her story, her family, and her inspiring spirit of determination and courage. Nick Barratt will act as the RootsTech London emcee. Barratt is known for his work on Who Do You Think You Are?, House Detectives, Hidden House Histories, Secrets from the Attic, and Missing Millions. Barratt is a committee member for the Community Archive and Heritage Group and president of the Federation of Family History Societies.
1:00 P.M. BST
Tracing 20th Century English Ancestors: The Joys and Challenges — Else Churchill
Many researchers beginning their English family history discover that researching in the early 20th century can be quite challenging. Death certificates don't give the place of burial. There will be missing census information. Rising levels of cohabitation and divorce make finding marriage information difficult. The devastating effect of two world wars, increased migration, and other developments can make finding an ancestor challenging. This talk will look at the sources and techniques that might help overcome those challenges.
Saturday:
9:00 A.M. BST
DNA is Dynamite: How to Ignite Your Ancestral Research — Michelle Leonard
This session will provide an overview of the basic information required to understand the three main types of DNA tests available for ancestral research. Michelle will explain how each test works and cover the inheritance patterns of the different types of DNA that can be tested, including the importance of the X-chromosome. She will talk attendees through the first steps they should take once their results arrive and provide easy-to-follow hints and tips on how to get the most out of test results. Practical real-life examples will illustrate how DNA testing can be used to connect with previously unknown cousins, break down brick walls, and confirm the accuracy of family trees.
11:00 A.M. BST
Saturday General Session Featuring Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond is known internationally for his talent as a singer, songwriter, actor, television series host, and best-selling author. After years of entertaining crowds, inspiring more than a few dance parties, and making memories around the world, Donny Osmond is coming to the RootsTech stage in London to share his story, his talents, and his passion for family history. Osmond will be sharing stories about connection, finding family, and his deep connection to the UK.
1:00 P.M. BST
Getting Started with DNA – Debbie Kennett
DNA testing is an essential tool for the family historian and has the potential to provide answers that can’t be found from the paper trail alone. The large genetic genealogy databases are helping to reunite long-lost cousins and break down long-standing brick walls. But if you’ve not yet been tested, it can be very confusing trying to decide how a DNA test can help with your research and working out which test you should be taking. In this session you will learn about the three different tests—Y-chromosome DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA—and how you can apply them to your research. The talk will be illustrated with case studies and some inspiring real-life stories.
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