Editor’s Note: Updated 03/05/2025. As the conference gets closer, new exciting details will emerge. Be checking back with this post to learn more as we get more information!
RootsTech 2025 will be here before you know it – one of those big events on the horizon that’s getting ever closer! For 2025, the event is slightly later in the year – March 6-8 – in the same location – Salt Lake City, Utah – inside the Salt Palace Convention Center – and virtually from a computer near you! In fact, the virtual attendees outnumber the in-person attendees by millions!
This time around I’ll be attending virtually – covering the conference for this site and the BloodRoot Podcast – but also as a speaker, once again. One of my brand new sessions will be available on the website, going live during the conference dates. Be looking for The Revolutionary War Pension Papers of the Vrooman Family. This class will provide an in-depth examination of one family’s journey through the pension application process – from the veteran, to the widow, to their adult children.
Update for the Online Offerings:
Did you know that virtual sessions are released via various time slots? Sometimes this has to do with the in-person presentation schedule and recording, but some of this has to do with pre-recorded videos being released in a staggered manner – not just all at once! Which means you can host your own watching party as new sessions go live throughout the conference.
Notice the number of sessions going live per time slot – and clicking on the arrow will expand this information. When you click on the title you are interested in, you will be taken to the video screen with a stage countdown to the session going live. Which means, you can host your own watching party as new sessions go live throughout the conference.
Bonus Tip for All Virtual Session – Chat Function Per Class:
Don’t forget, that EVERY session should have a chat window that you can join after registration. Now that things are going live, it appears that the chat windows for ALL sessions are now live! Even the older sessions from previous years – just remember to click “Join this chat”!
2025 Keynote Speakers:
The names of all of the keynote speakers have been released! Rachel Platten, Ndaba Mandela, Dana Tanamachi, Tara Davis-Woodhall, Hunter Woodhall, Los Chicaneros, Marco Lui, Ysabelle Cuevas, and Steve Rockwood – the GOAT of RootsTech!.
According to the Press Release:
Rachel Platten, Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist, singer, songwriter, Rachel Platten was made famous for her song in the form of a proclamation of self. An anthem for those who needed it and those who didn’t even know they needed it alike, “Fight Song” became a global sensation, an inescapable battle cry that’s now been streamed more than a billion times and is as inextricable to modern culture as any one song could be.
Ndaba Mandela, a renowned speaker, author, and social activist, grew up in South Africa. His grandfather, Nelson Mandela, was a prominent politician and public influence, spending 27 years in prison for his activism against Apartheid. When he was released, he invited Ndaba to live with him. While living with his grandfather, Ndaba was taught many lessons that inspired him to become a happy and effective global citizen. He attributes many of his teachings to his grandfather. Ndaba Mandela’s virtual keynote message will be available to watch at RootsTech.org starting Thursday, March 6.
Dana Tanamachi is a world-renowned artist, well-known for her 3 story mural at Starbucks inside New York City’s Empire State Building, as well as many other projects, including features on the covers of O Magazineand Time Magazine,and her art on the US postal stamp. Dana is coming to Rootstech to share her own family story and its influence on her journey of becoming the artist she is now. Listen in online or watch in-person on Friday, March 7.
Olympic Gold medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall and husband, Paralympic Gold-Medalist Hunter Woodhall, met at a high-school track meet in Pocatello, Idaho, in 2017. They were married 5 years later. They both competed for Division I universities on their respective journeys to the Olympics, Tara at the University of Georgia, then the University of Texas, and Hunter for the University of Arkansas. Their journeys and relationship have captured the attention and hearts of fans all across the globe. They will share their incredible relationship and story with RootsTech on Saturday, March 8, available to watch in person or online.
What Is RootsTech?
RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library, or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.
Disclaimer: I am an official media representative of the RootsTech Conference.
