My Unforgettable Weekend at RootsTech 2025

As I sit at the airport reflecting on the past few days, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. RootsTech 2025 has been an experience I will never forget… filled with deep connections, new friendships, incredible food, and so many exciting moments.

One of the most special aspects of this trip was reconnecting with old friends and meeting so many amazing new people. Genealogy has a way of bringing together some of the most passionate and dedicated individuals, and this weekend was a perfect example of that. Whether it was chatting in the hallways, sharing meals, or collaborating on research, every moment felt meaningful.

Speaking to a Standing-Room-Only Crowd

One of the absolute highlights of my time at RootsTech was having the privilege of speaking alongside my incredible colleague, Dr. Penny Walters. Our session was packed…. standing room only, with people being turned away at the door! The energy in the room was electric, and it was truly humbling to see so many people eager to hear our discussion.

Another full-circle moment for me was presenting again with Jennifer Schweibinz and Kate Penney Howard. The three of us began this speaking journey together at the Untangling Our Roots Summit in 2023, and getting to stand alongside them again this year was incredibly special. Seeing how far we’ve come and how much our community has grown made this experience even more meaningful.

My First Virtual Presentation

This year also marked my first time presenting virtually at RootsTech, and it was an incredible experience! I made the wise decision to keep my presentation to 20 minutes, knowing that there would be plenty of questions. That turned out to be the best decision I could have made… because I spent a full 40 minutes answering intriguing questions from the audience!

Even after the session ended, the conversation continued… I opened my email to find nearly 100 emails filled with more thoughtful questions. It was amazing to see how many people tuned in to watch my presentation and were engaged with the material. The level of curiosity and enthusiasm was inspiring, and I loved every second of interacting with everyone.

Incredible Opportunities & Special Events

I had the opportunity to spend a few hours exploring the massive FamilySearch Library, and it was truly incredible. The collection of books from around the world is astounding, and I even discovered some never-before-seen information about my own family. The staff was incredibly helpful and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. I can’t wait to return because this beautiful multi-level building is a treasure trove of history for anyone passionate about genealogy.

I had the honor of attending the Storied VIP Breakfast, where I got an inside look at some of their newest features. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about storytelling in genealogy.

The Speaker and Media Dinner was another highlight… surrounded by fellow genealogy professionals, we enjoyed an incredible meal and shared insights, experiences, and plenty of laughter.

This weekend also marked a personal milestone—I officially joined the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)! Attending the APG Meet & Greet was an incredible experience, as I had the chance to connect with other professionals and feel truly welcomed into the community.

One of the most fun and unexpected invitations came from MyHeritage, who hosted a group outing at Dave & Buster’s. It was a blast to unwind, laugh, and spend time with an amazing group of people outside of the conference setting.

Exploring the Expo Hall

The expo hall never disappoints, and this year was no exception! The massive tree structure with swings was a stunning centerpiece and a perfect place to pause and soak in the energy of the event. The booths were packed with incredible resources, and I walked away with new tools, insights, and connections that will help me in my work.

One of the most meaningful moments of my trip was reuniting with an old client. Sitting down with her and a colleague who is continuing work on her case reminded me why I love what I do. Seeing the impact of our work and knowing that her journey is still unfolding was incredibly rewarding.

A Special First-Time Experience

This trip was even more special because I was honored to speak at RootsTech, but what made it truly unforgettable was having my husband join me for the first time. Watching him experience the magic of RootsTech, seeing me in my element, and sharing this world with him was something I will always cherish.

Heading Home

As all good things must come to an end, today I’m heading home with a full heart and a mind buzzing with inspiration. But there’s no time to slow down—tonight, we’re celebrating my sister-in-law’s 40th birthday! The perfect way to wrap up an incredible weekend.

RootsTech 2025, you’ve been amazing. Until next time!