RootsTech Keynote Comic Maysoon Zayid

 Improbable Comic Maysoon Zayid Brings Her Powerful and Hilarious Story to RootsTech 2022

 

9 February 2022, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH— Maysoon Zayid bills herself as a comedian, actress, disability advocate, and tap dancer. What she is, is an inspiration. Injured at birth, Maysoon grew up with cerebral palsy. Doctors told her parents she would never walk, so she learned to dance. “You can do it! Yes, you cancan,” her father would tell her, and she never stopped believing it. Her powerful story, told in her unique, hilarious style is sure to delight the worldwide online audience attending RootsTech 2022 (March 3-5, 2022). Register for free at RootsTech 2022 to watch Maysoon.

Maysoon grew up in New Jersey with more than a few potential strikes against her. “In the oppression Olympics I would win a gold medal. I’m Palestinian, I’m Muslim, I’m a woman of color, I’m divorced, I’m disabled, and I am childless with a cat named ‘Beyonce’,” she says with a grin.

But as fate would have it, she was surrounded by immigrant parents, three older sisters, and a nurturing support system, including her Palestinian grandparents and extended family, that set her feet on a path of confidence and achievement. “My disability should have been isolating. The only reason it wasn’t isolating was because I was really blessed and lucky to have a community that supported me, didn’t bully me, didn’t make fun of me, [and] always included me,” said Maysoon.

In the intervening years Maysoon earned a degree in acting from Arizona State University, became a Princeton Fellow, and co-founded and co-executive produced the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. She has been a full-time On Air Contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann and a columnist for The Daily Beast. She has appeared on Oprah Winfrey Networks’ In Deep Shift, 60 Minutes, and ABC News. Maysoon had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014 and was named one of 100 Women 2015 by the BBC.

According to her online bio, as a professional comedian Maysoon has performed in top New York clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild Comedy Tour and The Muslims Are Coming Tour. Maysoon appeared alongside Adam Sandler in You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and has written for VICE. She limped in New York Fashion Week, is a recurring character on General Hospital, and is the author of Audible’s Find Another Dream.

But of all her accomplishments, she says the legacy she hopes to leave is one of equality, specifically for people with disabilities.

“The biggest thing that my Palestinian heritage did was it created a deep love and dedication to equality. And I think the most influential part of growing up with, you know, kind of one crooked leg in each world was knowing that equality works, it’s worth it, and it’s worth fighting for.”

To enjoy more of Maysoon’s fascinating story, and the rest of RootsTech 2022 for free, register today at RootsTech.org.

Find and share this announcement in the FamilySearch Newsroom.

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About RootsTech 2022

RootsTech welcomes millions of people worldwide to celebrate family at the world’s largest family history conference and year-long learning platform. With thousands of classes, inspiring speakers, meaningful activities, and joyful connections, RootsTech brings the human family together like no other event. The conference is 100% virtual and 100% free. Learn more at www.rootstech.org.

About FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each month to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 5,000 family history centers in 129 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

RootsTech 2022 Keynote Speaker - Food Network Star Molly Yeh

https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/molly-yeh-keynote-rootstech-2022

Chef Molly Yeh has been added to the lineup of Keynote Speakers at the upcoming RootsTech Virtual 2022 Conference from March 3 - 5, 2022. 

Quoting from the above blog post,

Molly Yeh is known for being the star of a Food Network series where she shares the very best of her recipes inspired by her Jewish and Chinese heritage. Her first cookbook won the Judges’ Choice IACP Cookbook Award in 2017, and her food blog regularly welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each month. She is also an accomplished musician with a degree in percussion performance from Juilliard.

Molly is a great example of someone who is proud of her heritage and shares it with others. She said, "It's so important to choose connection beyond family because we live among tons of other people; we share a planet with billions of other people." For her, cooking is the first step in that journey. "I want other people to experience the joy of cooking: feeding people who I love and creating those memories and traditions around it," she explained.

This year, Molly Yeh will be a keynote speaker at RootsTech! Join us at RootsTech 2022 on 3–5 March to listen to her delicious keynote address.

RootsTech 2022 Keynote Speaker - Apollonia Poilâne Shares Recipe to Connect Family

 https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/apollonia-poilane-rootstech-connect-2022

Chef Apollonia Poilâne has been added to the lineup of Keynote Speakers at the upcoming RootsTech Virtual 2022 Conference from March 3 - 5, 2022. 

Quoting from the above blog post,

“Bread Links People,” Says Third-Generation Owner of Paris’ Most-famous Bakery

It is a story about tragedy, resilience, vision, and triumph. But mostly it is a story about family, connected through generations by a special loaf of sourdough bread known worldwide as pain Poilâne. Apollonia Poilâne, the third-generation owner of Paris’ most-famous bakery, will share her remarkable family story with a global online audience as a keynote speaker during RootsTech Connect 2022, the world’s largest family history conference, March 3–5, 2022. Register for free today at RootsTech.org.

“Bread links people. I love the bond it creates when people share it,” says Apollonia, who was literally raised in the bakery started by her grandfather Pierre Poilâne in 1932. She worked in the family business as a child and began a formal 9-month apprenticeship to learn the art of bread making in her late teens. Then tragedy struck. Her father, Lionel Poilâne, whose innovative spirit and relentless commitment to quality made the Poilâne brand world-renowned, and her mother, Irena Poilâne, an American architect and art gallery owner, were both killed in a helicopter crash.

Orphaned with her younger sister, Athena, at the tender age of 18, Apolonia was faced with a decision. Gifted with a winning combination of her father’s vision and determination, and her mother’s artistic flair, she chose to carry on her family’s legacy. But she did not abandon her dream of a college education and for several years ran the business remotely while she earned an economics degree from Harvard University.

Today she is leading what can only be described as a baking empire, producing tens of thousands of the signature loaf each month, along with a variety of other culinary treats. Building on her family legacy, Apollonia has added many new mouth-watering items to the company’s offerings, written or contributed more than a dozen books, and produced online baking classes. Customers hail from down the street, and across the world, yet quality is still the chief ingredient of every hand-crafted loaf of bread, cookie, and pastry.

Learn more about her amazing story firsthand and what is next for this extraordinary entrepreneur by registering for RootsTech Connect 2022 today at RootsTech.org and joining us for the virtual event March 3–5, 2022!

RootsTech 2022 Keynote Speaker - Making Connections Is No Act for Golden Globe Winner Matthew Modine

 https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/matthew-modine-rootstech-2022-keynote

Golden Globe winner Matthew Modine has been added to the lineup of Keynote Speakers at the upcoming RootsTech Virtual 2022 Conference from March 3 - 5, 2022. 

Quoting from the above blog post:

Aspiring actor Matthew Modine was working as a chef in a New York City restaurant frequented by the city’s elites when a chance encounter with one particular customer changed his life.

“I’d never seen any creature like her in my life, and I just fell in love at first sight,” he said of Caridad Rivera, now his wife of more than 40 years, whom he credits for giving him the confidence to become one of the most successful actors of our time.

Another chance encounter with FamilySearch International CEO Steve Rockwood led the star of films such as Full Metal Jacket and the Netflix hit series Stranger Things to an invitation to share his stories of human connection with a worldwide RootsTech Connect 2022 audience on March 3–5, 2022.

“Can we create, as a human being, a little ripple of positivity and goodness that will impact other peoples’ [ripples]?” he asked. “And my ripple will connect with another ripple and create a great wave of change. That’s how you connect to people…don’t think that you’re above anybody else.”

At RootsTech Modine will recount his life’s journey as a young boy in California and Utah, share his delightful discovery how New York City is actually more of a homeland than an adopted home, and the connections he’s made along the way, including a special connection with an uncle whose US Air Force uniform Modine wore as a B-17 captain in Memphis Belle.

Enjoy more of Matthew Modine’s heartwarming story by registering for RootsTech Connect 2022 today for free at RootsTech.org, and by joining the virtual event March 3–5, 2022!

RootsTech 2022 Key Note Speaker - “We Are One People” Says 3-Time World Champion Boxer Samuel Azumah Nelson

 https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/samuel-azumah-zoom-zoom-nelson-rootstech-2022

3-Time World Champion Boxer Samuel Azumah Nelson has been added to the lineup of Keynote Speakers at the upcoming RootsTech Virtual 2022 Conference from March 3 - 5, 2022. 

Quoting from the above blog post, 

Boxing is a sport that demands grit and determination, but those characteristics don’t appear from nowhere. Just ask Africa’s greatest boxing legend, Samuel Azumah Nelson and a RootsTech 2022 keynote speaker (3–5 March 2022). He credits his ancestors for endowing him with the qualities that carried him to 3 featherweight world championships and a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

“I need to show you where my courage and determination to succeed came from” he declared. “I am a proud Ghanaian with a Tabon DNA, power, and spirit. You must be interested in your family history and to live the values it represents.”

There’s a lot behind the Tabon affiliation that is a major part of Azumah’s story for attendees of RootsTech 2022 (March 3–5, 2022). The Tabon people were former slaves in Brazil. With the abolishment of slavery in the late 1800s, 7 families banded together and made their way back to the homelands from which their ancestors had been taken. The Asuman family, who later changed their name to Nelson, were among the leaders of the group.

 You can register now for free at RootsTech.org. 

Yes, I am still alive and here are the updates

 You know, I should stop making promises that I cannot keep. I have been writing, but it is for school and not here. Sigh, I really do miss you all and I have so many ideas that I would love to blog more about. Finding the time seems to be the real problem. Especially when I do have any downtime (per se) I want to relax like the snowman in this picture. Hot chocolate (with a kick), take me away!

So let me do a few updates.

Many of you know that my father lives with me. Officially, I am his primary care-giver. Family always comes first in my life, and he has had some health struggles over the past year. This cuts into a lot of my free time (I have kids at home too) for fun things like blogging. If you have ever been in this situation you know what I mean. But, we take it one day at a time and I do the best I can.

I am back in school. Working on my Ph.D. while in a pandemic has a few interesting problems. First, everything must be researched online. Thankfully archives and libraries are very understanding. More than one has sent me the material digitally I needed seeing I cannot get into repositories right now. I am also supposed to travel to Strathclyde every so often, but when the country will not let anyone fly in that is not going to happen. 

The worst part of 2020 was so many of my in-person lectures canceling. Understandable, but I wished many of them would have moved to virtual learning quicker. However, once again the pandemic has forced groups and people into technology that they were dragging their heels on. Nothing like money to make you move faster! Thankfully 2021 is picking up so I will "see" you all online more.

In case you did not know, this week is RootsTech Connect virtual conference. I am presenting five lectures, and there are hundreds of videos to choose from. Registration for the event gives you access to all of the videos for one year!! 

Oh, and an apology. It seems I am a dunce and had over 500 comments that were un-checked in my blogger account. While 80% were spam, there were some comments in there dating back 3 years! I have started to reply to them. However, if you all need me in a timely manner please feel free to email me through the website. 

Alright, updates are done. Off to get some work done!

RootsTech Connect 2021 Announces First of Keynote Speakers

 

RootsTech Connect 2021 Keynotes

RootsTech Connect 2021—the world’s largest family celebration event—announced its first wave of keynote speakers hailing from Australia, Italy, Mexico, and the United States. Speakers include New York Times bestselling author and international motivational speaker, Nick Vujicic; Lorena Ochoa of Mexico, a retired top female world golfer; Francesco Lotoro of Italy, musician, composer and collector of music composed in captivity during the Holocaust; and Sharon Leslie Morgan, author and genealogist dedicated to promoting healing by providing resources for African American genealogical research.

RootsTech Connect, February 25–27, 2021, is a free online conference to discover, share, and celebrate family and heritage connections.

ROOTSTECH CONNECT 2021 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Nick Vujicic was born in Melbourne, Australia. With no medical explanation or warning, Nick came into the world with neither arms nor legs. He has overcome his disabilities and has achieved remarkable goals despite them. By age 19 he started fulfilling his dream of encouraging others through their personal challenges. He has spoken live to 6.5 million people live in more than 65 countries, met with 21 presidents, and addressed 9 governments. His New York Times best seller, Unstoppable, is now published in more than 30 languages. Vujicic now lives in California with his wife and 4 children. (Read more about Nick Vujicic).

Lorena Ochoa is best known as the top-ranked female golfer in the world for 157 consecutive weeks in the LPGA. As the first Mexican golfer of either gender with such a ranking, she is considered the best Mexican golfer and Best Latin American female golfer of all time."Knowing your past is very important to understand who you are," said Ochoa. "The work that FamilySearch and RootsTech Connect does is incredible. I know more about my story than I would have ever imagined."

Ochoa has received numerous prestigious awards. She now hosts her own tournament bringing the professional elite to golf in Mexico. Among many altruistic pursuits, she has started a foundation focused on educating low-income children. In November 2012, she published her book, Dream Big, sharing the goals from her childhood that set her on that course. Lorena is the mother of 3 young children, and lives with her husband, Andres Conesa, in Mexico City. (Read more about Lorena Ochoa).

Francesco Lotoro is an Italian pianist, composer, conductor, and professor at the Umberto Giordano Music Conservatory in Foggia, Italy. For the past 30 years, he has worked tirelessly to recover, study, archive, execute, record, and promote tens of thousands of remarkable musical scores composed by prisoners in concentration camps. He is currently working on a multi-volume encyclopedia dedicated to music written in concentration camps and to the related composers with the goal for it to “become a historic, artistic, cultural and spiritual treasure for all.” For his efforts, Lotoro has received widespread interest and recognition throughout Europe and North America. (Read more about Francesco Lotoro).

Sharon Leslie Morgan has devoted her career to support African American genealogical research. She founded Our Black Ancestry (OBA), an online community to provide resources for African American genealogical research, preserve historical materials and properties, and promote healing of wounds that are a legacy of slavery. OBA is a partner with FamilySearch on the ROAR (Reclaiming Our African Roots) Project.

A staunch advocate of racial justice, Morgan has co-authored several books including Gather at the Table: The Healing Journey of a Daughter of Slavery and a Son of the Slave Trade, and she works with organizations that promote this work. She has received prestigious awards for her efforts to help others with this research and make connections to provide healing.

“I believe genealogy is a tool for healing from America's egregious past and a shining light on a pathway toward a society that embraces equality and justice for all,” said Morgan. “RootsTech Connect 2021 is an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate humanity in all of its colors, cultures, and creeds."  (Read more about Sharon Leslie Morgan).

Register for RootsTech Connect 2021 for free at RootsTech.org.

RELATED

In-depth with RootsTech 2021 Keynote Speakers

About RootsTech

RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide. RootsTech Connect 2021 is free and will be entirely online.

 

For Immediate Release 31 August 2020 FamilySearch Announces RootsTech Connect 2021: A Free Global Virtual Event FamilySearch is thrilled to announce that the RootsTech 2021conference previously planned for February 3–6, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, will now be held on February 25–27, 2021, as a free, virtual event online. RootsTech Connect 2021 will enable attendees to participate from around the world and will feature inspiring keynote speakers, dozens of classes in multiple languages, and a virtual marketplace. Reserve your place today for free at RootsTech.org. “The pandemic is giving us the opportunity to bring RootsTech to a broader audience worldwide,” said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch International CEO. “A virtual event also allows us to expand our planning to truly make this a global celebration of family and connection.”  RootsTech Connect 2021 will be global in scope while offering many experiences that attendees have come to know and love from RootsTech events—including inspirational keynote speakers, dozens of classes to choose from, and an expo hall.   <Watch RootsTech Connect 2021 Promotional Video>  Throughout the three-day online event, attendees will have the ability to interact with presenters, exhibitors, and other attendees through live chat and question and answer sessions.  “Classes will be taught in many languages, and presenters will teach from a number of international locations,” said Rockwood. “We will celebrate cultures and traditions from around the world, with activities that the audience can participate in from home—such as homeland cooking demonstrations, storytelling, and music performances. This is one virtual event you won’t want to miss.”  RootsTech Connect 2021 will offer a combination of both livestream and on-demand content to accommodate differences in time zone for participants. In addition, sessions will be available to view on-demand after the event concludes.  Rockwood says that FamilySearch is looking forward to the opportunity to deliver the signature RootsTech experience and helping tens of thousands of participants worldwide to discover, gather, and connect their family story.   RootsTech hopes to gather in-person again in the future but anticipates the RootsTech Connect virtual opportunity will become a regular addition to the event.  Register for free at rootstech.org.  Find and share this announcement from the FamilySearch Newsroom.  About RootsTech RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide.

RootsTech London 2020

During Steve Rockwood’s keynote address, he and Jen Allen announced the opening of RootsTech London! Mark your calendars for November 5 – 7 at the ExCeL. Take advantage of the early-bird pricing and secure your seat now. Full passes are £79 and day passes for £39.   

Start planning by checking out my previous London RootsTech 2019 Posts here. 

RootsTech London Bound, tips you should think about

The ExCel area looking up the Thames
to London. Oct 2019, by Author

I was at RootsTech London in October 2020, and I loved it. However, I have heard people in the expo hall stating, “how in the world would they get there?” Well, let me give you some ideas that helped me get there, which saved me time and money.

Airport to London: Fly into London City Airport. Do everything you can do fly into here. It is across the street from the ExCel! Plus, it was less than £5 to take a cab across the river to my hotel. Convenient, quick, and you do not have to deal with London traffic or the Tube. 

Airline: I love, love, love flying Aer Lingus. Unfortunately, they do not go to every city in the US, but for a discount overseas airlines, they are great. If they fly to your area, check them out.

The Dublin Secret: There are 16 airports in the world where you can clear US customs in that country. Dublin is one of these airports.  What does that mean for you? Well, you fly back to the US on a domestic flight and do not have to clear customs when you land, which can be a nightmare. I love flying for 5+ hours, walking off the plane, getting my bags, and heading home. For me, it means cutting out the 3+ hours of standing in line here in the US after a long flight.

Well, there are a few things you can think about for the time being. Maybe one of these will help you make your London dream come true. I will have more tips in the weeks ahead!

Time flies when you are having fun at RootsTech

SLC at Sunset 24 Feb 2020

I arrived Monday night in Salt Lake City, and today is the first time I have sat down to write anything about the conference. Yes, I have been that busy! But it is a good busy, so let me catch you up on some of the fantastic things that are going on here.

First off, I did make my trek to the Family History Library on Tuesday. Of course, the floors were packed with many excited researchers. I lucked out and found a couple of books I needed and have not found at any library in Virginia. Even better, I used the book scanner there. So great! It does not put pressure on the spine of the books, and you have a nice PDF of your pages downloaded to your thumb drive. Much lighter (and environmentally friendly) than carrying papers back home with me. Yes, I could have taken pictures with my phone, or used my phone scanner, but it was a new tool to try out! Can you blame me?

Photo by Terri O'Connell

It was my pleasure to attend the speaker's social and media dinner on Tuesday night. These times are always special to me as I get to see people I do not get to see very often in a more relaxed setting. We are here to work (either speaking or reporting and sometimes both), and these events are the kick-off for a high paced four days. I can never thank the event staff enough for all they do for us as well.

My first presentation is done. I spoke yesterday (and will give the lecture again on Saturday) on "What to do when the vital record is wrong?" It was the first recorded lecture I have presented at RootsTech, so I was a bit nervous. Thankfully my friends in the audience said I did great. I think I can believe them, right?!

Photo by Amie
Bowser Tennant

Last night when the expo hall doors opened to the public there was an amazing phenomenon. Hundreds (and hundreds) of kids with their parents poured into the Salt Palace. The expo hall is free for everyone and this kick-off of the 10^th anniversary grew quite the crowd. I am still waiting to see if we get a count on how many were there!

Today is off and running! Talk to you more soon.

RootsTech Survival Guide

Considering going to RootsTech? Old pro but looking for new information? Then I have a link for you. The RootsTech Survival Guide was posted today from the team putting the show on for all of us.

Also, from Jen Allen (Event Director) here are a few more details you need to know:

• If you received your badge in the mail, please bring it with you to the Salt Palace. If you didn’t have your badge mailed to you or if you registered after the mailing cut-off, you’ll get your badge when you check-in. Check-in stations are located throughout the conference center and at every Information Desk. You’ll also pick up your bag and lanyard once you arrive. • You’ll notice dozens of people positioned throughout the Salt Palace to help you if you have any questions. They’ll be wearing bright turquoise shirts that say, “Ask Me Anything.” They can help you find your class sessions and assist you with any other needs. (Yes, you really can ask them anything. 😉) • The southern end of the Salt Palace is undergoing construction as a new hotel is being built. We’ve worked closely with the Salt Palace to minimize the impacts this will have on the event, but we ask for your patience and understanding. We’re all excited for that new hotel to be finished! • Don’t forget to download the RootsTech app! In the app you can see the full conference schedule, a map of the Salt Palace, and much more!

RootsTech Streaming Schedules

If you cannot make it to RootsTech's 10th Anniversary COnference make sure to check out the two different streaming options available from home. While one is free and the other is paid, they both have excellent content.

Free Streaming:
The schedule for the free presentations are now online. They run from Wednesday to Saturday with the first session at 8 am and the last session at 3 pm Mountain Time.

Virtual Pass:
This option is also available to RootsTech attendees as an add-on. It gives subscribers access to 30 presentations recorded at the conference and placed online 15-20 days after it ends. I am excited to say that I will be one of those recordings.

Press Release: SLC RootsTech 2020 Keynote Speakers

January

21,

2020

RootsTech 2020 Announces Lineup of Keynote Speakers and Entertainment

From football fans to photography buffs, everyone will cheer at the dynamic lineup of keynote speakers and entertainment at the 10^th year of RootsTech 2020, the world’s largest family history conference. Speakers include Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys, Leigh Anne Tuohy of The Blind Side, and Pulitzer Prize winner and White House photographer, David Hume Kennerly, and comedian Ryan Hamilton. RootsTech will be held on February 26-29, 2020, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The RootsTech 2020 theme is "The Story of You." The conference offers classes for all ability levels—from newbies to serious researchers—to help individuals make personal and family discoveries and connections. Classes include subjects such as DNA, helpful tools for organization and discovery, best practices for protecting and preserving photos and the latest technology for collecting and sharing family stories.

General Session, Wednesday, February 26, 4:30 p.m. MDT

This opening session will celebrate 10 years of the RootsTech conference and the great strides made within the industry. Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, is the featured speaker. He will highlight the great innovations and developments in the industry, and the exciting future of family discovery anticipated in the next decade.

Keynote Speaker, Thursday, February 27, 11:00 a.m. MDT

Leigh Anne Tuohy will be the featured RootsTech keynote speaker on Thursday. Touhy’s inspirational story was popularized by the book and film, “The Blind Side”. The story depicts the life-changing experience of the Tuohy family when they adopted teen Michael Oher—homeless and hopeless—and witnessed him complete his education and rise to become a first round NFL draft pick, All-American, and Super Bowl champion.

“Her story captured hearts across the country, and it demonstrates the type of person she is. She has a powerful understanding of the meaning of family, inclusion, and supporting one another. Her message is perfect for the RootsTech stage,” said Jen Allen, event director.

Keynote Speaker, Friday, February 28, 11:00 a.m. MDT 

David Hume Kennerly will be the Friday keynote speaker. At age 25 he won the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for Feature Photography. His photos have appeared on more than 50 major magazine covers and range in subject from 10 United States presidents and 12 presidential campaigns to documenting history in over a hundred countries. In 2015, Politico published his introspective photo essay, “I Want to Be with the Circus”, covering 50 years of campaign photography. It became one of the most widely viewed stories in the site’s history. Today, he maintains a busy publishing and lecturing schedule.

Evening Event Friday, February 28 at 8:00 p.m. MDT

Stand-up comedian, Ryan Hamilton, will perform on Friday evening. Known for his clean, endearing humor, he pokes fun at his flaws and tells relatable stories of growing up in rural Idaho before moving to New York. Hamilton is popular on the New York City Comedy circuit and late-night TV. He recently launched a Netflix special, “Happy Face.”

Keynote Speaker, Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. MDT

Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and the only running back to win a Super Bowl championship, the NFL MVP award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award in the same season, will be the keynote speaker on Saturday morning.

“Emmitt is a passionate individual and one of the best examples of determination and grit—two traits that are often found in many of our ancestral stories, including Emmitt’s,” said Allen.

Today Smith supports his charities for underserved youth and is a successful entrepreneur with interests in real estate, construction and technology.

RootsTech 2020 SLC Classes

With 300+ breakout sessions and classes and 200 exhibitor booths in the 200,000 square foot Expo Hall, there’s something for everyone. Select classes will be broadcast live. RootsTech also offers a virtual pass, which provides access to additional online recorded sessions from the conference.

New this year is a Power Hour (smaller classes split into three 15-minute segments), Lunch and Learn (featuring a speaker and a yummy boxed lunch), and two new learning forums.

Register today! One day passes are only $99, and 4 day passes just $189. And don't forget to follow us on social media for upcoming announcements. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About RootsTech

RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants.