Jen Allen
Jen Allen is the Director of Events for FamilySearch and gave us an interesting perspective into the running of RootsTech London. Which, while not as large as Salt Lake City, is still very impressive. We had a lot of questions about how this was set-up to if they are considering to hold it again. So, here is a summary of what I was told about RootsTech London.
For those who have traveled out of the US, you will understand the sentiment of we all my speak English but American and British are not the same. At all. No really. Allen commented that it was interesting over the last year of planning to make sure everyone was on board with exactly what was needed and the terminology was understood. I feel you!
As of Friday morning there were 3,000 paid participants on site with an estimated 6,000 with walk-ins and free tickets. Which is fantastic for the inaugural event, and bigger than they expected. Out of those numbers she estimated there are 350 people from North America (US and Canada) and 50-60 Australians in attendance. Who, let’s be honest, get the “travel furthest award.” But, as expected 80% of attendees are UK based.
The mission of having people connect to one another is felt through out the event and exhibit hall. Saturday will be family day with 18 stations, including an additional hall, for children’s activities. This was an event they did not know if it would be a hit here like it is in the US. We will see! But, having the extra hall where kids can go when they are done should help alleviate some of the Saturday issues in the states when kids start to get distracted.
If you are in attendance Allen wants to hear from you! Feed back is crucial to FamilySearch’s decision on if they will or will not have another international RootsTech in the future. I say international because there is an thought that maybe it will be a traveling event going to different international cities every other year. What do you think?
Tamsin Todd and Ben Bennett
Tamsin Todd, CEO of Find My Past, and Ben Bennett, Vice President US, gave a few interesting updates and insights into the FMP products. Here in the UK they are currently gearing up for the release of the 1921 Census. If you have UK ancestors at that time make sure you get your records in order to find those people!
FMP are still locating, and would like to hear from, archives who are interested in partnerships. This is something I feel all under staffed and under funded repositories should look into. Why? Well, FMP will digitize your records first of all. But, more importantly, it is a great way to monetize your collection. Yes, repositories still own the copyright, they only license FMP to use the documents. This means a portion of each view credit goes to the institution. Why are more not taking part in this?!
Partnerships also include Newspapers! More are coming into partnerships with FMP, which I found very exciting, and there are going to be BIG announcements in the next few months. No scoop...they wouldn’t tell us either! As more and more publications realize they keep the copyright and are only licensing with FMP I hope we will see greater numbers go to them. It is another underused research tool.
One theme stressed by both Todd and Bennett was the concept of “and” in thier company. Specifically, they want to be useful and known for being a resource for experienced genealogists “and” the casual user trying to find information on their ancestry in the British Isles. For most of the people with long roots in the US this is key. Many of us have BI roots, but how many of you have actually trawled through the FMP site? It truly is underused by many of us.
Night on the Town
Last night I skipped out on the concert and on a while went with a friend to the Natural History Museum Last Friday event. They and the V&A have events on the last Friday of the month with specific themes and later closing (open until 9pm). Last nights theme was Dr Who! OMGOMGOMG!!!!! I may like Dr Who a bit.
First of all, if you like museums you should really check it out. The building is beautiful, a true church built to science. Inside the displays really are the best of the best England has to offer. I could have spent all night there and hope to make another trip while I am still here.
FMP are still locating, and would like to hear from, archives who are interested in partnerships. This is something I feel all under staffed and under funded repositories should look into. Why? Well, FMP will digitize your records first of all. But, more importantly, it is a great way to monetize your collection. Yes, repositories still own the copyright, they only license FMP to use the documents. This means a portion of each view credit goes to the institution. Why are more not taking part in this?!
Partnerships also include Newspapers! More are coming into partnerships with FMP, which I found very exciting, and there are going to be BIG announcements in the next few months. No scoop...they wouldn’t tell us either! As more and more publications realize they keep the copyright and are only licensing with FMP I hope we will see greater numbers go to them. It is another underused research tool.
One theme stressed by both Todd and Bennett was the concept of “and” in thier company. Specifically, they want to be useful and known for being a resource for experienced genealogists “and” the casual user trying to find information on their ancestry in the British Isles. For most of the people with long roots in the US this is key. Many of us have BI roots, but how many of you have actually trawled through the FMP site? It truly is underused by many of us.
Night on the Town
Last night I skipped out on the concert and on a while went with a friend to the Natural History Museum Last Friday event. They and the V&A have events on the last Friday of the month with specific themes and later closing (open until 9pm). Last nights theme was Dr Who! OMGOMGOMG!!!!! I may like Dr Who a bit.
First of all, if you like museums you should really check it out. The building is beautiful, a true church built to science. Inside the displays really are the best of the best England has to offer. I could have spent all night there and hope to make another trip while I am still here.
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