RootsTech 2025: The World's Largest Family Discovery Event in Salt Lake City

Connecting Through Family Legacy: RootsTech 2025

The much-anticipated RootsTech 2025 event has officially begun in Salt Lake City with a multitude of participants joining both in-person and online via RootsTech.org. This year's gathering, taking place from March 6 to March 8, has been themed “Discover,” focusing on innovations in genealogy and how they can foster connections among families across the globe. Organizers hope to enhance the experience for attendees by showcasing cutting-edge technologies in family history research.

Steve Rockwood, the president and CEO of FamilySearch, emphasizes the importance of these connections among individuals: “When we find out how we're connected, we then treat each other differently.” This simple yet profound insight serves as a reminder of the shared histories and bonds that unite families, both past and present.

Rockwood highlights significant advancements in genealogical technology over recent years. “In the past decade, we have seen technology enhance our ability to discover our roots at an unprecedented pace,” he says. The event showcases applications of generative artificial intelligence, which has become a game changer in facilitating archiving, digitization, and accessibility of historical records. Attendees can look forward to witnessing firsthand how these technologies are providing innovative solutions to age-old questions about family heritage.

RootsTech 2025 caters to everyone, regardless of their experience level with genealogy. The conference features an array of programs, including hundreds of classes offered both virtually and in-person, covering diverse topics to engage those passionate about family history. With courses available in over 40 languages, the event strives to make genealogy accessible to a global audience.

The expo hall presents a treasure trove of the latest genealogical tools and products. Registration numbers so far are astounding, with online participation expected to reach millions and in-person attendance at an impressive range of 15,000 to 20,000 participants. “We never expected such demand for this event,” says RootsTech Director Jonathan Wing, attributing the growing interest to an innate human desire to connect.

Keynote presentations during the conference feature various notable speakers, including Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, and artistic talents such as Dana Tanamachi and Olympic medalists Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall. Each speaker is set to share personal stories that inspire and highlight the importance of family history. Notably, those unable to attend in person can tune into pre-recorded virtual sessions featuring family influencers and diverse personalities from around the world.

In addition to facilitating learning and growth, RootsTech serves as a platform for building community among attendees. In 2024, participants collectively forged over 350 million new familial connections—a staggering figure that illustrates the event's far-reaching impact on individuals’ lives. Elder Kevin S. Hamilton highlighted this sentiment, underlining that humans are intrinsically wired to seek connection and belonging.

On March 8, the conference program culminates with Family Discovery Day, a free event featuring live performances and engaging activities catering to families and individuals of all ages. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with his wife, Kathy, will share their personal experiences related to family history and temple blessings, creating a genuinely enriching atmosphere for attendees. Music from popular group Piano Guys will enhance the day’s festivities.

The RootsTech conference illustrates a profound commitment to family history, encouraging participants to delve deep into their heritage while celebrating connections that span generations. With innovative technologies at their disposal, attendees are armed with the tools needed to explore their family stories like never before. As the event unfolds, it promises to ignite inspiration and foster community, reminding us all of the importance of knowing where we come from to better understand where we are going.