This graphic was created using Cosmic Dream on ChatGPT using the prompt “DNA and Genealogy,” then I added my own text.
February is a busy month, especially if some of your favorite topics are genealogy and DNA, and of course, they are for me. I recently told a group that if I’m awake, I’m working on genealogy, DNA, or my photos or someone else’s genealogy, DNA, or photos. It’s what I love.
So, I thought I’d mention a couple of events coming up that I haven’t really talked about as much as I have in the past.
i4GG
February 10 -11, 2024, in San Diego, will be the 10th anniversary of i4GG (Institute for Genetic Genealogy). I can’t say I’ve been attending this conference since the beginning, but I believe my first time was in 2016. I haven’t gone every year, but if I didn’t physically go, I always have purchased the videos.
I4GG was founded by CeCe Moore and Dr. Tim Janzen. This event is hosted by CeCe Moore and her husband, Lennart Martinson. Lennart does all the behind-the-scenes organization and recording of the event, and they’ve done an excellent job of putting this together. I honestly don’t know how CeCe does everything she does, given her job at Parabon as the Chief Genetic Genealogist and Lead Genetic Genealogist at Finding Your Roots.
In the early years, the conference topics were about tips, techniques, and case studies using DNA to solve unknown parentage cases. But now the conference has not only that but also they delve into using DNA to solve investigative genetic genealogy.
Attending this event gives me a chance to catch up with friends I made on a DNA cruise in 2015, where I met not only those wonderful friends but also where I met CeCe Moore and Lennart.
This is a live ($169) and online event ($69 US), so if you can’t attend, you can watch while the event happens and receive access to the recordings. Note that if you’d like to purchase recordings from past i4GG you can do that at the website HERE. Here’s a recording of the opening remarks from last year’s event.
RootsTech
February 29-March 2, 2024, in Salt Lake City. RootsTech is one of the largest genealogy conferences in the world, and I’ve been attending since it began in 2011. When I think back to that year, I remember it was only in a small part of the Salt Palace, and there were about 3,000 people who attended. Now, 3 million people attend live and online. Isn’t that crazy?
I was lucky enough to be chosen as a RootsTech Ambassador either in 2016 or 2017.. and since then, I’ve been called a RootsTech Influencer, and now we’re called RootsTech Media. Anyway, you slice it; I love the fun friends I’ve met over the years.
As I mentioned, you can attend live for $169 US or virtually for FREE. Each day, there is a Keynote speaker, such as Henry Cho (more to be announced soon), and then classes in all aspects of genealogy and DNA. Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been doing this for a while, there’s something for everyone. Watch the RootsTech Facebook page or the website, as I believe the schedule of classes will be posted very soon.
One of the best things about RootsTech is the Expo Hall, and I love exploring every part of it to find new vendors and old ones and to see what they have to offer. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. But even if you can’t attend live and are taking part from the comfort of your home, you can chat with the vendors and see what special they might be having. Keep in mind that vendors often wait for RootsTech to launch new features or new products, and I’m sure RootsTech 2024 won’t be any different. In fact, I know it, as I’ve heard some rumblings already.
So I hope I’ll see you at one of these events, but at the very least, I hope you’ll attend virtually because I know you’re like me… a lifelong learner.
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