So Long Innovator Track at #RootsTech

RootsTech ends Innovator Summit


Since the beginning of the  RootsTech Conference, innovation has been a vital feature of the conference. The RootsTech Conference grew from a series predecessor conferences including the Family History Technology Workshop, and the FamilySearch Developers Conference, the Computerized Genealogy Conference. RootsTech, as it is known today, made its branding debut in 2011. And since the official start of RootsTech, each year has changed and this year will be no different.


In 2018, the conference made some changes that saddened many. The first was the cancellation of the Innovator Showdown which debuted in 2015. The first winner was StoryWorth, followed by Tap Genes in 2016 and OldNews USA in 2017. The Innovation Showcase, following the keynote on Wednesday morning, will have a 'main stage approach to highlighting advances in the genealogy industry' (according to the RootsTech website). It will feature a presentation in the areas of records, digital memories, and DNA and allow attendees to voice their opinion in these areas. Will this panelist format be as engaging as the Showcase it the past? We will have to wait and see.

For those interested in a developers competition, RootsTech is hosting the GrowUtah DNA Innovation Contest. More details about that are on this website: growutah.com/centrum/dna

The noticeable difference is the elimination of the Innovation Track of classes and extending the genealogical sessions to Wednesday. A few tech-centric workshops are still available for attendees with an in development, business, and industry topics.

Wednesday9:30 AMBig Data: Buzz Word or Family History Revolution?
Wednesday11:00 AMIntegrating Your Software with FamilySearch
Wednesday3:00 PMYou're on Social Media. Now What?
Thursday11:00 AMCall to Action: Diversity in Family History Tech

Be warned about these classes if you are new to genealogy. They will not help you climb your family tree. However, if you have the curious cat syndrome, you might want to sit in on these classes if other alternatives do not sway your attention.

Despite the decrease in developer classes at RootsTech, you will see innovation and the latest tips and strategies for technology-based research and memory preservation. The best place to soak it all in is the Expo Hall.

RootsTech has announced the exhibitors that you will find on Innovator Alley. They include:

Kinpoint
(Take a Name app)		 ProStamm
(Cloud-based archive)
Booth 216		 Tealgo
(Memory Storage)		 Pass It Down
(Storytelling Service)		 Nivota
(Preserve living histories)
Qroma
(Scan and Tag Photos)		 Vivid-Pix
(Photo Editing)		 Imbue Digital
Cooperation
(Voice Tagging)		 Lifey
(Video Life Stories)
Booth #1956		 Patrimonia
(On demand book printing)
JoyFlips
(Scanning App)		 MYnd Vault
(Digital Estate Planning)
Booth #1956		 Genealogical Studies

So, innovation is around, but the Innovation Classes are significantly reduced. What do you think? Is this a positive or negative direction for the conference that has technology in its name? Or, are you like us and we'll wait and see?




If you don't find a class during an hour that appeals to you, be prepared for mini-classes in the Expo Hall to fill the void. Stay tuned and we'll keep this month of RootsTech madness going!!!



GBA.Buzz Prize List
You'll also want to play the GBA.Buzz Scavenger Hunt Game for a chance to win. 

Be sure to stop by our booth in the Expo Hall to register for our drawings, purchase one of our books, or just say hello to your fellow Fanatics!

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