Tweets Tell the Story of #RootsTech 2018
Over the past eight years, the RootsTech conference has grown to more than 17,000 registered attendees! At this year’s conference, attendees came from all 50 states and more than 40 foreign countries.
Part of the growth of RootsTech can be attributed to our incredibly passionate fans on social media. During the conference, there were more than 10,000 tweets mentioning RootsTech, which has given the conference unprecedented exposure.
Many of you turn to Twitter during the conference to live-tweet the keynote sessions and document your Expo Hall experience using #RootsTech. We loved following the conversation on social media. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite tweets that sum up the excitement of the 2018 conference pretty well. Take a look:
Excitement for the conference started early!
Caleb is loving the journey we're taking to #rootstech. See pic.twitter.com/ZdVGjFlgUA
— FamilyHistoryFanatics (@FHFanatics) March 2, 2018
So excited for Day 1 of #RootsTech! My first class is "The New Deal". Which class are you going to? pic.twitter.com/t7MxMwSrQP
— Genealogy Gal (@genealogy_gal) February 28, 2018
So excited with our @Living_DNA working breakfast getting ready for opening exhibit hall @RootsTechConf tonight. As the platinum sponsor we have some exciting news. #genealogy #livingdna #rootstech #familyhistory #DNA pic.twitter.com/oHkBoYM3a8
— ARodesky Genealogy (@ARodesky) February 28, 2018
Excited to be teaching two sessions this Friday at #RootsTech in Salt Lake City, UT! Join me for "Preserving & Accessing Your Digital Stuff" Getting Started session GS0226 at 11am & RT0226 at 4:30pm. Learn some tools for how to better manage your genealogy on the computer. pic.twitter.com/ajoqaGw3S1
— Melody Condron (@MTbeekeeper) February 28, 2018
A long journey, but I'm here and excited for #RootsTech ! pic.twitter.com/GRnyDuq8r7
— Jonny @ DNA Painter (@dnapainter) February 28, 2018
Ready for #Rootstech ! 😋 #24hjourney #Tired #Excited pic.twitter.com/cKVv01Yy1i
— Vieuxloup Sylvain (@SylvainVieuxlou) February 27, 2018
The Expo Hall kept everyone busy in between and during sessions with over 200 booths open.
#RootsTech Yay! Caught up with @rjseaver and @FHFanatics today at the Expo Hall. Devon was admiring the steely eyes of Benjamin McClure. pic.twitter.com/nmB4fqqM7C
— Marian Burk Wood (@MarianBWood) March 2, 2018
My husband and I are the proud purchasers of two @Living_DNA kits for just $49 each at the #RootsTech expo hall this evening. Now to swab and send back before everyone else does!
— Jana Greenhalgh (@JanaGreenhalgh) March 1, 2018
I could spend all day in the Expo Hall! I prepare for #RootsTech by mapping out the booths I want to visit most. What are your tips for navigating the Expo Hall? pic.twitter.com/gcDzz9xyDJ
— Genealogy Gal (@genealogy_gal) February 28, 2018
Fans of Humans of New York were excited to hear from Brandon Stanton about the backstory of the successful business that helps connect thousands worldwide through stories of everyday people.
Highlight of my 1st time at RootsTech was hearing Brandon Stanton speak and meeting him. We are kindred spirits as I have been photographing random people for years and hearing their stories. “ Just ask” is my philosophy too. He has taken it to another level! @brandonstanton_ pic.twitter.com/UhEsl37kVP
— Diane Hirsch (@liveslifefull) March 12, 2018
We caught up with Brandon Stanton, creator of @Humans of New York, after his #RootsTech keynote address yesterday.
— RootsTech (@RootsTechConf) March 2, 2018
You can watch the entire keynote at this link: https://t.co/vrnfpsALmy pic.twitter.com/WdkYzrnQBR
We came with a mission to get a photo with Brandon Stanton @humansofny. Mission accomplished! 😁 His keynote was wonderful! #rootstech #ambassadors #genealogy #fun #HumansofNewYork pic.twitter.com/xLdF7stwUh
— Caitie G (@caitieamanda) March 1, 2018
Speaking about people who struggle through life on the streets of NY, @humansofny, Brandon Stanton said,
— Amberly Beck (@genealogygirl_) March 1, 2018
“The only thing they have to offer is their story.” #RootsTech
"Brandon Stanton" gave some really great insight from RootsTech. Speaking of viewing time as the ability to gain resources instead of seeing time as a resource itself.
— zach 🍲 (@ZachMStew) March 1, 2018
"When I stop and I ask these people about their lives, I'm the only person who asked." Some interviewees have only their stories to offer. And that validation is why @humansofny has become such a powerful method of storytelling, says Brandon Stanton #RootsTech
— Family Tree Magazine (@FamilyTreeMag) March 1, 2018
On Friday, Scott Hamilton gave social media fans plenty of emotions and quotes to fill the internet. He was charming and warm and had a unique story to tell about the importance of family and belonging.
Yes, we adopted, and every one said she looked just like us. Scott Hamilton said "You always resemble the ones you love" #RootsTech and it's true pic.twitter.com/2rDPKrW7Gr
— Bev Field (@BevField1) March 2, 2018
Yeah, that would be me and Scott Hamilton!#RootsTech pic.twitter.com/gL4yOfP3Md
— Lara Diamond (@larasgenealogy) March 2, 2018
No idea he was adopted. Made me tear up - Scott Hamilton yesterday at #RootsTech https://t.co/KsdTiTM5DB
— Alan Christensen (@alanchr5412) March 3, 2018
@RootsTechConf ....Thank you RootsTech for a wonderful conference. My flight has changed so leaving in the morning. Many great momements but well Scott Hamilton - he was the WOW - for the entire week!
— Therese DeSanto (@DesantoTherese) March 3, 2018
What Scott Hamilton told #RootsTech about his family and how he inspired a fan during a battle with cancer https://t.co/B21Xt32H1f pic.twitter.com/imfIde7VXR
— Deseret News (@DeseretNews) March 2, 2018
There were over 38,000 unique households who joined our livestream virtually. They used #NotAtRootsTech to keep a steady conversation going throughout the week. They also enjoyed seeing their tweets alongside the livestreamed classes, a new feature of RootsTech 2018!
#notatrootstech it pays to enter contests from afar #Genealogy #RootsTech swag swag pic.twitter.com/Lmq2G8qenz
— Marianne Banas (@mernbanas) March 11, 2018
I appreciated all the live streaming provided this week, as I was #NotAtRootsTech in person. The keynote addresses were all great. I think my favorite session was A Gift of Life: Who's Writing Your Story by Deborah Abbott. #RootsTech #JammySquad @RootsTechConf
— Patricia Rye (@prye4388) March 3, 2018
Thank you @RootsTechConf and sponsors for the live stream! Have to miss the end of today, but being #NotAtRootsTech has been fun, informative and inspiring.
— Anna Matthews (@islandstamper) March 3, 2018
Goodbye everyone who was #NotAtRootsTech. Enjoyed everyone’s tweets. See you next year on the stream!
— EllsieFind (@EllsieFind) March 3, 2018
Watching the last classes “Pain in the Access” on the live stream at #RootsTech. So sad it’s over #NotAtRootsTech 😢 pic.twitter.com/0dYQqJTP9w
— Sara Bird (@sbirdgenealogy) March 3, 2018
#NotAtRootsTech❓Check out https://t.co/IifBDotES1 for downloadable presentations, resources, and interviews with presenters! #rootstech
— FamilySearch (@FamilySearch) March 3, 2018
Saturday morning started with a serenade from the talented Natalia Lafourcade before she quickly rushed off to Los Angeles to sing for the Academy Awards the following day. She was deeply moved to learn more about her roots after her performance. She was a performer and speaker RootsTech will always want to remember.
Natalia @lafourcade says connecting to her roots gave her confidence, during an interview at #RootsTech... https://t.co/5rvNpOBwy5
— Nicole Dyer (@familylocket) March 12, 2018
When I heard Natalia Lafourcade was coming to RootsTech, I bought a pass as soon as I could. I… https://t.co/8NQ7nc6E8y
— Brandon Randall (@barandall800) March 3, 2018
Natalia Lafourcade Oficial, we wish you the best of luck performing at the Oscars! If you missed Natalia's #RootsTech performance from Saturday, catch a full recap on our blog.
— RootsTech (@RootsTechConf) March 4, 2018
You can watch the full video of her performance here: https://t.co/7MIMVsubZQ https://t.co/VTUcYvYfxM
My fav moment was definitely listening to Natalie Lafourcade sing and tell us about herself. I want to be BFFs with her now. She seems like not just an amazing artist but an amazing person too. #RootsTech https://t.co/geHzKLdhb3
— Emily Schroeder (@emilys129) March 4, 2018
Henry Louis Gates Jr. moved the #RootsTech audience immediately following Natalia. We were blown away by his personal stories and innovative plans to move genetics and genealogy into younger classrooms.
A really good Genealogist will know how to turn data into narrative - says Dr Henry L Gates. #RootsTech
— Jill Ball (@geniaus) March 3, 2018
Henry Louis Gates Jr. and colleagues want to put curriculum in middle schools so EVERY child can learn about their family tree through research and DNA! #RootsTech
— Melissa Finlay, AG®️ (@boundlessgen) March 3, 2018
Did not expect Henry Louis Gates J, keynote at #RootsTech, to 1) Have the nickname, Skip, and 2) Be so fun, silly and energetic! He seems so serious in the serious - love his laughter and sparkle! #NotAtRootsTech
— ArchwayToAncestry (@ArchwayAncestry) March 3, 2018
Jason Hewlett, our emcee, was also a conference highlight this year with his songs, jokes and selfies.
Jason Hewlett is the best #RootsTech emcee ever!!!! pic.twitter.com/8PRfW7qNMy
— Renee Zamora (@rzamor1) March 3, 2018
That's what you get for having breakfast with Jason Hewlett at #RootsTech pic.twitter.com/VOZsZewxTR
— Renee Zamora (@rzamor1) March 2, 2018
Jason Hewlett at #RootsTech warming up the crowd for #HenryLouisGates pic.twitter.com/QDop2n4QrZ
— Mckell Keeney (@mckellkeeney) March 3, 2018
Jason Hewlett is an incredible entertainer and the best emcee at #RootsTech. Every time I see him, I smile! @jasonhewlett @RootsTechConf pic.twitter.com/ng2smoTz3v
— Thom Reed (@iamthomreed) March 1, 2018
It was hard to get back to normal life after a fun-filled, educational, and impactful week at #RootsTech.
Hardest thing about returning to my "regular" job after #Rootstech ? Nobody here wants to hear about my dead relatives. #TrueStory #genchat #nextgen #genealogy
— Genealogy Jen (@GenealogyJen) March 9, 2018
Gathered so much material from #RootsTech that I feel like a kid in a candy store (and sooooooo happy!!) .This not only gives a year of writing/editing/posting but also a year of good energy! Powerful!
— HistoiresdeFamilles (@histfamilles) March 11, 2018
This is life after #Rootstech. Back to reality. Post your after #RootsTech photos. #genealogy pic.twitter.com/e8grsNKeI0
— FamilyHistoryFanatics (@FHFanatics) March 6, 2018
Heading to the airport in a few hours after attending a fantastic @RootsTechConf and feeling something like this. #ItsAGoodTired #HomewardBound #RedEye #SeeYouNextYear pic.twitter.com/kF0jNK1lf7
— Jenny Hawran (@jennyhawran) March 4, 2018
And people are already looking forward to RootsTech 2019!
So who is waiting for @RootsTechConf 2019? I had an amazing time and was honored to see so many @ExtremeGenes fans! #RootsTech2019
— David Allen Lambert (@DLGenealogist) March 7, 2018
Done! Only 31 books unsold! Such a great experience. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see me - this was the favourite part of #Rootstech for me! 😊 Looking forward to #Rootstech2019 pic.twitter.com/khPwAGTyow
— Nathan Dylan Goodwin (@NathanDGoodwin) March 4, 2018
Already started saving and plans are afoot #RootsTech2019 #RootsTech
— Carole Steers (@LazyLoverUK) March 7, 2018
Thanks for an awesome @RootsTechConf!!! Hard to believe my 2nd #RootsTech is over. Hopefully this Aussie will be back in 2019. #ambassador #genealogy #familyhistory
— Caitie G (@caitieamanda) March 4, 2018
When Family History is Painful
