For the first time in three years, thousands attended RootsTech in person in Utah, and many more participated online March 2-4.
The three-day global family history event in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City featured a list of celebrity keynotes, fun activities, a bustling expo hall and hundreds of informative classes, which will continue to be available online for the rest of the year at RootsTech.org.
This year’s theme focused on “Uniting,” said Jen Allen, director of events for FamilySearch.
“This year we are uniting, specifically uniting families — past, present and future,” Allen said in a video interview. “It has been an incredible growth ... and it feels perfect as we emerge out of that virtual-only experience and bring people together not just here, but all over the world.”
RootsTech organizers sought to enhance the online experience by localizing content for all regions of the world. They incorporated 15 emcees from various cultures and backgrounds who speak 11 languages to help customize content for people following RootsTech around the world.
“We have been getting better at tailoring the content in a local way to help individuals wherever they are around the world make the connections through family history that will ultimately lead to uniting families,” said Jonathan Wing, RootsTech product manager.
RootsTech keynote speakers
Audiences were treated to a strong list of keynote speakers during RootsTech.
- Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, filmed their visits to several locations in Hawaii where his family lived, as well as places in Ireland where Sister Gong’s ancestors lived, as part of Family Discovery Day. Their presentation also featured a music video with singer Alex Sharpe of Celtic Woman.
- On Thursday, March 2, Jordin Sparks, a multiplatinum recording artist, actress and former winner of “American Idol,” shared her personal story and performed four musical numbers. Watch her keynote at RootsTech.org.
- Steve Rockwood, president and CEO of FamilySearch, focused on how to unite past, present and future family.
- On Friday, March 3, Me Ra Koh, a prominent portrait photographer, shared her story about overcoming adversity to find hope and how to be a living portrait of resilience.
- The same day, Connect Our Kids co-founders Jennifer Jacobs and Jessica Sterns talked about how their nonprofit organization is helping foster children find their families.
- On Saturday, March 4, award-winning actor, director and producer Sean Astin talked about how not all families are alike and how we can establish wholesome, united relationships.
“This idea that history is alive, it’s alive in us, and what your great-great-great grandparent did actually might have meaning for you,” Astin said.
There was a surprise guest who appeared on the final day of RootsTech. Adassa, who plays the voice of Dolores in the Disney animated feature film “Encanto,” appeared on stage with Chad Truman and performed with the One Voice Children’s Choir.
Other keynotes were exclusively available online.
- His Highness Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al-Qasimi is a major contributor to achieving sustainability and food security in the United Arab Emirates. He was awarded the Medal of Excellence for being an important figure in sustainable investment. He talked about learning from bees about making the world a more harmonious place.
- Tuti Furlan is an influential psychologist in Guatemala who specializes in positive psychology and the science of happiness.
- Mona Magno-Veluz, national president of the Autism Society Philippines, designed and engineered initiatives that empower persons on the autism spectrum and those who care for them. She talked about three blessings she has found in her life through family history.
More from RootsTech 2023
The Church News also reported on the RootsTech 2023 Innovation and Tech Forum that highlighted some of the latest innovations, technology and platforms available in the world of family history, along with sessions about ways to discover information about ancestors, different DNA tests used in family history and a young adult panel.
RootsTech content is available at RootsTech.org.
