RootsTech 2025 Kicks Off in Salt Lake City, Showcasing Genealogy Innovations

SALT LAKE CITY — The highly anticipated global family discovery event, RootsTech 2025, is underway in Salt Lake City and online at RootsTech.org. The event, which runs through March 8, has attracted thousands of participants eager to explore genealogy and family history advancements.

With the theme “Discover,” this year’s conference is centered on the transformative power of genealogical technology. Steve Rockwood, president and CEO of FamilySearch, the international genealogy organization sponsoring the event, emphasized the profound impact of discovering familial connections.

“We’ve learned, as you have all learned, when we find out how we’re connected, we then treat each other differently,” Rockwood stated while addressing the media at the Salt Palace Convention Center on March 6.

Technology is playing a crucial role in the evolution of genealogy, with artificial intelligence (AI) leading the way in making historical records more accessible and searchable. Rockwood noted the rapid advancements in AI, stating that what was once theoretical is now becoming a reality. “Last year, we saw incredible potential of what generative artificial intelligence (AI) can do to accelerate this work of allowing people to discover who they are,” he said. “This year, it’s not just buzz. You’re going to see actual applications.”

The conference offers a wide range of in-person and virtual classes, interactive activities, and exhibitions designed to engage both seasoned genealogists and beginners. Some of these educational sessions are available in over 40 languages, catering to the diverse global audience that has embraced RootsTech.

Record Attendance

As of March 6, registration numbers had surpassed previous records, with in-person attendance estimated at 15,000–20,000 and online participation reaching into the millions. “Our attendee base is ever growing globally, with millions of people coming from over 230 countries and territories around the world,” said RootsTech Director Jonathan Wing. “We as organizers never anticipated the type of appetite there is for this conference. We are thrilled by those who come.”

Star-Studded Keynotes

RootsTech 2025 features an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including author Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela; celebrated artist Dana Tanamachi; Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall; and Emmy Award-winning singer and songwriter Rachel Platten. Each speaker is set to share inspiring personal stories of family and heritage.

For the virtual audience, pre-recorded keynote speeches will feature Latin American social media family Los Chicaneros, Filipina musician Ysabelle Cuevas, and Italian TV personality Marco Lui.

Family Discovery Day

Saturday, March 8, will feature Family Discovery Day, a free event designed for attendees of all ages. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Kathy, will deliver a special address at 1:30 p.m. MST, reflecting on the significance of temple blessings and family history. Their presentation will include a virtual journey to Elder Andersen’s childhood dairy farm and a live performance by The Piano Guys. The event will be streamed live on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Additionally, attendees can participate in free genealogy workshops from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., covering topics such as engaging teens in family discovery, using ancestral stories for emotional resilience, and understanding genealogy in the context of Latter-day Saint teachings.

RootsTech continues to grow as a vital space for genealogical discovery, inspiring millions to explore their heritage and connect with their past. With cutting-edge technological applications and powerful stories, the 2025 conference underscores the universal desire to understand where we come from and who we are.

For more details and the full class schedule, visit RootsTech.org.

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