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The RootsTech 2025 event, a global family discovery conference, is currently taking place in Salt Lake City and online. It will continue until March 8, 2025.
Steve Rockwood, president and CEO of FamilySearch, the organization sponsoring RootsTech, stated that their primary aim is to "unite families — past, present and future." Speaking at the Salt Palace Convention Center on March 6, Rockwood emphasized the importance of discovering connections among people. "We’ve learned, as you have all learned, when we find out how we’re connected, we then treat each other differently," he said.
This year's theme for RootsTech is "Discover," highlighting the role of new technologies in genealogical research. Rockwood noted that genealogical technology has evolved significantly over the past century and continues to accelerate. He mentioned the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to aid individuals in discovering their identities by digitizing records and making them accessible.
RootsTech 2025 offers a range of activities for both experienced genealogists and beginners. The event includes numerous classes available in more than 40 languages, interactive activities, and entertainment designed to engage family history enthusiasts. Attendees can explore new genealogical innovations in the expo hall.
Registration numbers for both online and in-person events are expected to surpass previous years' figures. Jonathan Wing, RootsTech Director, expressed surprise at the growing interest in the conference from participants worldwide: "Our attendee base is ever growing globally."
Keynote speakers at this year's conference include Ndaba Mandela, Dana Tanamachi, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall, as well as Rachel Platten. Virtual keynotes feature Los Chicaneros from Latin America, Ysabelle Cuevas from the Philippines, and Marco Lui from Italy.
Elder Kevin S. Hamilton highlighted people's inherent desire to connect with their family history: "We want to connect. We want to belong."
On March 8th's Family Discovery Day at the Salt Palace Convention Center will offer live music and family history activities free of charge. Elder Neil L. Andersen will speak alongside his wife Kathy about temple blessings and family history experiences.
The day will also feature performances by Piano Guys streamed live on ChurchofJesusChrist.org along with various free classes covering topics like engaging teens in family discovery experiences and building emotional resilience through ancestors' stories.
