Call for Presentations
March 21-23, 2013 | Salt Lake City, Utah

The world of genealogy is changing at an ever-increasing rate through the development of new technologies. Millions of people are passionate about discovering their roots. They share an interest in learning about the latest technologies and methods to help them in this pursuit. The third annual RootsTech Conference brings together thought leaders and consumers who want to share and experience the latest trends in genealogy and technology. Building on the success and growth of previous years, RootsTech 2013 will reach thousands of participants on site and around the world. RootsTech includes engaging, interactive sessions that promote learning and the free exchange of ideas on improving the way genealogy is done. Genealogists and technologists attending this conference share a stance that is progressive and forward thinking. They are interested in the application of technology to simplify and improve the family history experience.

Unique tracks will be offered that address the specific needs of genealogists and technologists, with an emphasis on how they can more effectively work together. We invite proposals that address technology challenges and solutions that have the potential to improve family history and genealogical research. Additional consideration will be given to proposals that provide hands-on or interactive experiences, with presenters giving step-by-step approaches and live demonstrations for using technology for genealogy, including tips and helps for using software, hardware, standards, APIs, plug-ins, etc. Since RootsTech is designed as an interactive conference, traditional lectures depending entirely on text-based slides are discouraged.

Possible sessions for genealogists include:

Solutions for saving, accessing and sharing data
Publishing and sharing family history online
Tools for online collaboration and community projects
Using popular applications for family history
Reaching and engaging new genealogists through technology
Online sites and services for getting started

Possible sessions for developers include:

GPS and geo-mapping ancestral locations
Applications for mobile devices
Social applications
Standards and APIs
Records imaging and tree visualization
Gamification of family history experiences
Cloud-based solutions for saving, accessing, and sharing data

Submissions are due by June 15, 2012, with an extended deadline of October 15, 2012 for limited, late-breaking technology research submissions.

Types of Sessions

Presentations: Classroom settings that engage participants.
Panels or Discussions: Formal panels of experts discussing specific topics, led by a facilitator.
Hands-on Workshops: Labs where attendees have hands-on experience in a specific task or objective.
Unconferencing: Informal, participant-led discussion groups.

Submission Information

Proposals will be accepted online at rootstech.org from May 9, 2012 through June 15, 2012. Syllabus materials will be due from participating presenters on October 1, 2012 (other than late-breaking proposals).

Presenters participating in the RootsTech Conference will receive a complimentary conference registration and a syllabus. There is no monetary compensation for presenters at this conference. Out-of-state speakers selected to present three or more lectures will also receive hotel accommodations.