Generous Genies

I just filled out two surveys about the Rootstech Conference, one was a presenter survey and one was the general survey.

To the question that asked on both surveys what was the best thing abo "The opportunity to meet and network with like-minded people." This especially goes for geneabloggers. The Rootstech conference gives one a chance to finally meet those friends one has made online. This year Mr Geniaus and I met my social media mate, Heather Wilkinson Rojo and her husband Vincent for the first time. As soon as they knew we would be visiting Boston after Rootstech  they offered to drive down from their home in New Hampshire and show us some of the sights outside of Boston.

We had an amazing time with our hosts, Heather and Vincent, who both have a deep knowledge of local history. Our knowledge of 18th Century US history has grown enormously through the efforts of this lovely couple who took us on a wonderful tour of historic sites.

Geniaus with Vincent and Heather at Minuteman National Historic Park

The icing on the cake is that Heather has written a recount of our day on her blog so that I have a beautifully written record of our fabulous day together. You can read about our adventures here.

Thank you to two Generous Genies.

Heather at Rootstech

One of my co-panelists in "The Genealogist's Gadget Bag International Panel" was Heather Rojo from New Hampshire. When an opportunity to use the interview room arose I talked Heaather into granting  mean interview and I am so glad that I did because she was a bright, bubbly and iinteresting interview subject.

The More the Merrier

When I looked at the number of panelists on some the other Panel Sessions at Rootstech I started to worry. Some had twice as many participants as "The Genealogists Gadget Bag". I wondered if I should invite someone else but really couldn't make a decision. This has bothered me for a few weeks now.

I discussed this issue with Thomas MacEntee, Mr Geniaus and Lisa Alzo last night and they helped me make a decision to invite someone else. Heather Rojo's name was among the potential people that we discussed last night.

Fortuitously I met Heather Rojo and her husband Vincent in the Family History Library this morning and just knew that she would fit right in. Although I knew Heather online I did not realise what a bright and bubbly personality she had. I did not immediately ask Heather to join the panel but skirted around the issue by asking her if she enjoyed talking to people, got nervous speaking to crowds etc before I hit her with the question "Would you join my panel on Thursday at 3:00 pm? " I was delighted when Heather said "Yes".

Heather and Vincent Rojo

Thank you so much, Heather, for taking up this challenge at short notice; I really appreciate your involvement. With your positive attitude, experience in teaching and warm personality you are a super addition to the panel.

The Officials are a drop in the ocean

It has been an honour to be nominated as an Official Blogger for the Rootstech Conference for three consecutive years. I don't know how I managed to get membership of this select group but I relish the opportunity I have to represent the southern hemisphere on the team.

We 'Officials' are but only a few of the many genealogists who blog and write about this stellar event on the genealogy calendar. In 2011 and 2012 I met face to face  many of the people behind the blogs I read from downunder; it was like catching with old friends. If you can't attend Rootstech find and follow the posts from all the bloggers who attend - you will be assured of a great vicarious experience.

If you are blogging about Rootstech from Salt Lake City or at a distance a good way to let others know is to join The Genealogy Bloggers at Rootstech Facebook Group set up by Heather Wilkinson Rojo. I note that there are presently 75 members of the group. 

How about swelling the numbers?