It’s hard to believe that another RootsTech is almost here – March 5-7, 2026! Over the past weeks and months, some amazing details have trickled in from the conference organizers, and, like previous years, this post will grow as more information is received. That way, you won’t need to search all around for the myriad of details that have become the hallmark of attending RootsTech – both virtually and in-person.
Just a reminder that once again – it is FREE to attend RootsTech virtually – but you are still required to register. With hundreds of free sessions to choose from, run, don’t walk, to register and begin building your personalized session schedule!
Keynote Speakers:
Obviously, for either attendance type, the biggest news to hit RootsTech 2026 is the amazing keynote line-up for each day! Headlining this stellar roster is Academy Award Winning Actress, Marlee Matlin! Joining her throughout the conference are: Tara Roberts, Steve Young, José Hernández, the Gardiner Brothers, Jessica Soho, and Zico! Tune in live to catch these inspirational stories – either in-person or virtually.
2026 and America 250:
A recent announcement released earlier this week was the FamilySearch and America 250th celebration partnership. From the official press release: “FamilySearch International today announced its collaboration with America250, the national, nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. FamilySearch will support America250’s mission to celebrate unity, heritage, and progress by inviting individuals, families, and communities across the nation to remember, discover, and add their own stories to expand America’s collective narrative and connect us all. FamilySearch’s theme for America’s 250th Anniversary—“Together, We Build America’s Story”—encourages people everywhere to “add what you know” to the free, collaborative FamilySearch Family Tree….”
With this collaboration, be watching for some thematic sessions, ways to get involved, and inspirational segments during the opening events. This news also segues into our 2026 RootsTech theme: Together. A timely and important theme to remember across our country – and throughout our genealogy community.
ARC Symposium:
Another feature of this conference that I’m looking forward to is the ARC (Archives and Records Custodians) Symposium – which technically kicks off the conference a day early every year. You can also register for this bonus content and watch live on March 4th. As a professional archivist, this pre-conference event has evolved into some of my favorite yearly content. But, it’s not just for professionals! Anyone interested in records access and preservation should attend to learn about how they can help efforts around the globe to safeguard our heritage content.
If you head out to Salt Lake City this year, you can look for me in-person – as a RootsTech Media Representative – and as a GRIP Course Coordinator – promoting our upcoming course on America’s 250th celebration (look for additional details in the next post)! And as always, check back into this post as we get closer to the main event as we hear more announcements from RootsTech/FamilySearch!
