RootsTech 2026

Wow. It has been about a month since attending RootsTech 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hosted by FamilySearch, this conference began in 2011 and has grown rapidly into one of the premier events in the genealogy space. While I have attended online sessions in the past, this was my first time experiencing it in person, and now I can say with confidence that there is no comparison.

First, I want to thank my wife, Tamara, for attending this conference with me. Having her there allowed us to divide and conquer sessions, maximizing what we could absorb and experience. That alone made a significant difference.

Second, I want to address the timing of this blog.

Why 30 days later?

After the conference, Tamara and I continued our journey with a road trip from Salt Lake City through Boise, Idaho; Walla Walla, Washington; and Willamette Valley, Oregon, before flying out of Portland. It was an incredible experience, and I made a conscious decision to be present rather than write in real time.

If you’d like to follow more of that journey, visit our travel blog:
🌐 https://idtravelers.com/

Where the Journey Really Began

Although RootsTech was the main event, this journey truly began in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Dream Conference.

That experience set the tone.

We were inspired not only by the sessions but also by the people we connected with. From new cruising friends to long-time friends from the East Coast, the conversations were meaningful and timely.

One moment in particular reminded me that genealogy is always at work in the background of our lives.

A friend from Washington, D.C., reminded me of how we first connected over ten years ago, through one of my relatives. Before we left, she shared that this relative’s husband was being honored with a display at the airport and told me exactly where to find it.

I was able to visit that tribute.

And I was grateful.

That moment reminded me that genealogy is not just research, it is connection, legacy, and real-life impact.

In many ways, the genealogy started before I ever arrived in Salt Lake City.

The RootsTech Experience

The conference itself was filled with knowledgeable presenters sharing research techniques, tools, and personal stories. What stood out most was the passion. These were not just experts; they were people deeply committed to helping others discover their past.

I will go deeper into specific sessions in upcoming posts, but one thing worth noting is the balance.

There was something for everyone.

Whether you are just beginning or have years of experience, the range of topics and levels made the conference accessible and valuable.

The event was also extremely well organized. The volunteers were welcoming, helpful, and consistently available throughout the venue.

And of course, no conference would be complete without vendors.

There were numerous vendors offering tools, services, educational platforms, and opportunities to join genealogical societies. I found it especially valuable to connect with companies whose tools I already use; it added another layer of understanding to my research process.

Salt Lake City Impressions

Salt Lake City itself was easy to navigate and very walkable.

We were even treated to a morning snow shower, which, for us, was refreshing. Living in Panama, where the seasons are essentially “hot” and “hotter,” this was a welcome change.

Our hotel sat in a square with an ice rink.

That alone brought back memories and added a special touch to the experience.

Final Thoughts

These are the high-level highlights, but they offer a glimpse into what attending a conference like RootsTech is truly like.

I have attended conferences before, but not on this scale.

No matter your level as a genealogist or family historian, events like this are powerful opportunities to grow your skills, expand your perspective, and stay motivated.

One thing became very clear:

Even the presenters are still learning.

Genealogy is far too vast for anyone to master completely.

What’s Next

In my next blog, I’ll share the sessions that impacted Tamara and me the most, along with practical insights you can apply to your own research.

Stay tuned.