Hatstands at Connections2025

Hatstands Passau, Germany November 2024

Seven years ago today, as I was preparing for Rootstech, I compared myself to a hatstand with many hats on board. I had several roles in addition to being an Ambassador from Australia.

I won't be wearing as many hats at Connections2025 but will still be busy. 

Please take a look at that post from 16 February 2018, https://geniaus.blogspot.com/2018/02/your-hatstand-at-rootstech.html. 

Which hats will you be wearing in Brisbane?

The Best of Rootstech 2022

As a Rootstech Influencer I found the request to share my best five presentations from the 2022 event a trifle challenging. All who attended Rootstech 2022 came with individual needs and interests so my list contains things that educated, entertained and enthused me, it will differ from the lists made by the million or so other genealogy enthusiasts who attended Rootstech. I believe that anyone with an interest in family history will find much content to satisfy their needs at the Rootstech site.

For me the Rootstech event was not a crazy carnival of genealogy but it heralded an update to a fabulous free learning library of genealogy resources from Familysearch. Prior to the event I wrote "I am not going to stress about filling my days with watching zoom sessions, mine will be a relaxed approach over many days, weeks and months. This is necessary to experience the Joynealogy of Rootstech."

I believe that "Just in time learning" is a most effective means of learning anything so, whenever I have a need for knowledge in the future, I will use the search facility on the Rootstech site to find appropriate presentations. These sessions may or may not have been in my original playlist.

I probably managed to watch about 40-50 sessions over the three days of the live event. Shortly after the event I suggested some of these as must watch sessions in a newsletter I write for my local family history group. My bias was towards sessions about DNA, Australian topics and England/Ireland/Scotland the lands of my ancestors. Here is what I suggested that genies in Lake Macquarie Family History Group should watch. 

Nick Barratt: When Harry Met Dotty - using DNA to break down brick walls
Else Churchill: From Rolled Pedigrees to Digital Data 
Myko Clelland: Series (3 talks) Birth, Marriage and Death in Scotland – going beyond the basics 
Jackie Depelle: Ideas for Researching Non-Conformist Ancestors

Roberta Estes: Associating Autosomal DNA Segments With Ancestors
Caroline Gurney: Series (3 talks) Tracing the English Ancestors – beyond the basics
Rob Hamilton: Series (3 talks) A Freemason and his records

Michelle Leonard: Top tips for identifying DNA matches
Diana Nicolson: Who was Kastian Richardson?
Cathie Sherwood: The Poor in Ireland: Workhouses and Poor Law

Oops, seems I can't count, it was hard enough pruning the list down to ten let alone five!

Modesty precluded me from adding this live session hosted by Lynn Broderick and me 
https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/session/dealing-with-ethical-dilemmas-in-an-online-world-a-discussion

Don't hurry - be happy at Rootstech

Rootstech is here and I am ready to learn.

With the Rootstech recorded sessions now live I decided to go through the offerings and create my playlist. There is so much on offer. I am not going to stress about filling my days with watching zoom sessions, mine will be a relaxed approach over many days, weeks and months. This is necessary to experience the Joynealogy of Rootstech.

I am working out which Live and Main Stage sessions are on at Australia  friendly times and try to watch them live as they offer the most opportunities to Connect with other genies.

Meanwhile I am spending my afternoon creating my playlist (I made sure I narrowed it to 2022 sessions) and adding selections. It's hard to decide on what I need to know and what would be nice to know! I also want to support my genimates by watching their sessions (and giving their number a nudge in the all important statistics kept by Familysearch). 

When I am satisfied that I have dealt with the content of a session (I may need to watch some things more than once) I will delete it from my playlist. When I hear what others think of what they view I will adjust my playlist accordingly.

I believe that "Just in time learning" is a most effective means of learning anything so, whenever I have a need for knowledge in the future, I will use the search facility on the Rootstech site to find appropriate sessions. These sessions may or may not have been in my original list.

I am delighted to see that so many sessions from 2021 and 2022 will be available as an online learning resource. Just yesterday I came across a session that filled a gap in my knowledge from the 2021 event. 

My approach fits in with my 2022 research goal "Have fun and find stuff" and my new theme song "Don't hurry - be happy".

Interview with the Big Boss at Rootstech

I was blown away when an invitation to interview Jen Allen, Director of Events for Familysearch appeared in my email box last week. I hear that just five Rootstech supporters from around the world were offered such an opportunity.

I was incredibly nervous when I logged onto zoom and chatted with Andrew Parker from Rootstech prior to Jen's arrival. The good news was that I had a good connection from Narrabri in country, New South Wales to Jen in Salt Lake City, Utah. That the technology was cooperating was a good omen.

Immediately she came online Jen made me feel comfortable before Andrew hit the Record button for us. We had what I hope sounded like a conversation rather than a formal interview. Jen with her bright and bubbly personality certainly made my job so easy. She graciously answered all the points I raised and I went away extremely satisfied and more knowledgeable about Rootstech 2022 and future Familysearch events.

Andrew promptly sent me the interview recording via WeTransfer (what a nifty free tool). On reviewing the video I realise that I forgot to formally introduce Jen, oops. I also spent a bit of time looking down at my list of dot points to cover (I don't prepare formal questions). On the whole I am quite pleased with the result and send my sincere thanks to Jen and the folk at Familysearch for the invitation. 

If you'd like to see what we had to say you can watch the video below.

Airtable and GDAT

 Genimate Sharon left this comment on a recent post of mine.

Jill

Do you prefer Airtable to the Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool for managing your DNA kits? Or do they have different purposes? What are your other uses for Airtable?

I realised that it would probably be better to respond here in a post where I can share images than to write a lengthy comment on my earlier post

Firstly I need to point out that although I have been using DNA as a genealogy research tool for around 9 years I still class myself as a basic user. I am not particularly interested in the science behind my DNA matches, my focus is on making connections.

My uses of Airtable and GDAT are for different purposes.

I use Airtable to maintain records of the DNA matches for all the kits I manage and GDAT for chromosome analysis of matches. It's taking me a while to get my head around GDAT, I am currently using it just for my matches and (if I ever get competent) will use it for the other kits I manage.

I had previously used spreadsheets to keep track of all my matches but, after seeing two demonstrations of Airtable at Rootstech 2021: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/session/how-to-use-airtable-for-a-dna-research-log and https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/session/airtable-organizing-your-research-with-a-relational-database, I went exploring. 

I realised that I could link various sheets together and this would mean that I could remove some data from my Excel spreadsheets (tables on Airtable) to secondary sheets (tables) linked back to primary sheet (table). On Airtable one can have Workspaces that store Bases which can contain multiple Tables.

The following image shows what my homepage looks like on Airtable. One can have multiple Workspaces - I just have one.

The Bases in my Airtable Workspace

In my DNA Management - JPC Base I track matches for the seven kits I manage that share my ancestors. Within this base I have four tables that are related to the primary table.

The Fields I have on JPC Matches are: Kit Name, Surname, Forename, Kit Manager, Line (4 grandparents), DNA Painted, GDAT, Test Site, Columns for each match, % of Aboriginalty, Relationship to me, Match line. this next image shows part of the setup.

Further fields to the right of this image are match location, notes, and a link to the Match Details table.

You will note plenty of empty spaces as each cell is not pertinent to each tester. This is a work in progress where I add every match I find for those seven people. Each test one person does has a separate record.

I love that I can set up Multiple Select Fields for easy data entry which I use for Line, Testing Company, DNA Painted and GDAT.

Multiple select fields save typing

The possibilities for use of this program are endless. setup is easy, data entry uncomplicated and there are so many means of sorting, sifting and analysing data. There are many templates available in the Airtable community that one can use and modify to a situation.

Another way I use Airtable is to keep track of my genimates. Over the years I have met so many folk in person and online. It's good to be able to quickly find their details when my poor old memory fails. 

My Genimates base has these tables.

Genimates has details of the people I have met, Terms manages my Geneadictionary entries (which links back to Genimates), Blogs has details of various blogs (links to Genimates and Societies), Websites has details of various websites (links to Genimates and Societies), Societies/Hosts (links to Blogs, Websites and Presentations) and Presentations manages my gigs and links back to Societies/Hosts.

After playing around with Airtable for a couple of months I took out a subscription because some of my bases grew to be too large (more than 1200 records) to be covered by a free account. I also wanted the flexibility to create more bases than allowed in a free account. I have read of other genies (watch the two videos from Rootstech) who use a free Airtable account successfully for their projects.

I plan on using GDAT for chromosome analysis. The GDAT website says "Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) is an app that utilizes autosomal DNA to aid in the research of family trees. The app houses a database of the autosomal data downloaded from various testing companies and provides analysis tools for family history research." 

While it's a challenge for this old girl I understand that GDAT is the gold standard for chromosome analysis. I have managed to download my matches from several other sites to GDAT and am slowly getting to know the product. I would love to have someone to hold my hand on this journey. 

2021 #AtoZChallenge Z is for ...Zap the Grandma Gap

  I've been researching my family history for over thirty years. Along this genealogy journey I have been supported by hundreds of books, many of which I have listed on my Librarything page. 

During the 2021 #AtoZChallenge I will be writing about two of my passions, books and family history. I'll be taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of those books that have enriched my genealogy experience.

I picked up Zap the Grandma Gap: Connect with Your Family by Connecting Them to Their Family History  from the author, Janet Hovorka at Rootstech in 2013.

This 190 page paperback contains many ideas for adults to enthuse younger family members about their family history and also advice for the oldies on how to preserve their family history and artifacts. Although it has much good advice I found the design and presentation too busy and the lack of an index a challenge. The cover image of the Grandma superhero just doesn't gel with me.

On this important topic I much prefer Janet Few's Harnessing the Facebook generation ideas for involving young people in family history and heritage, but, this Zappy book fulfilled my requirement for a Z title. 

We all need to think about what will happen to our precious research when we turn up our toes, these two books may just provide the bait that will hook a younger family member. 

From a Sandwich to a Self-Service Snack Bar

 In the wee hours when I should have been sleeping I was reflecting on Rootstech and the analogy I drew in a post last year. Here is what I said:

A Scrumptious Sandwich

When reflecting on my week at Rootstech I though of a sandwich, a scrumptious sandwich full of delicious ingredients. 

Image - Pexels 

The bready outer layers of my sandwich represent unofficial pre and post Rootstech activities that have become traditions for my genimates and me. The filling has been the amazing Rootstech Conference and associated events hosted by Familysearch and vendors.

Of course as with all generously filled sandwiches I found some of the ingredients more appealing than others.  Rootstech provides so much variety so that each attendee can customise his or her own sandwich. Some sandwiches were packed with a smorgasbord of ingredients while some were more manageable but from what I could see each attendee enjoyed his or her custom made Rootstech sandwich.

My Road to RootstechConnect

Fellow Official Bloggers - Rootstech 2011 - The Beginning of my Rootstech journey

My journey to RootstechConnect has taken 11 years so far. I have been an Ambassador for each of the previous Rootstech events and I have attended 9 out of the 11 face to face events in person. I'm very excited about the prospect of attending Rootstech from home and avoiding the long journey to Salt Lake City or London but I will miss seeing the friends I have made in the Rootstech family during that time.. 

I am delighted that I will be able to gain entry to all of the sessions at this online event as there will be no restriction on class sizes as there are at the face to face events. I will also be able to avoid the brain overload that I suffer  at each conference as I will be able to access the learning activities on demand over the next 12 months until RootstechConnect 2022.

In years gone by I would have written many blog posts in the days and months leading up to the Rootstech conference but times have changed and I don't blog as often as I once did. In the past week many other bloggers have written excellent guides about the activities at the event. I don't need to reinvent the wheel. 

These bloggers have written some informative posts: Sue at https://kindredpast.com/2021/02/17/ready-set-go-rootstech-connect-2021/, Fran at https://travelgenee.com/tag/rootstechconnect/ are just two of those.

One of the responsibilities of a Rootstech Ambassador is to spread the word about the event. In 2011 when I was first an official blogger/ambassador the folk at Rootstech wanted us share to via blog posts (we were called Official Bloggers then) but times have moved on and the people at Rootstech recognised that there were more avenues available for sharing information about their event so we became Ambassadors who used multiple platforms.

I'm still spreading the word about Rootstech but through those different avenues. I have been sharing and retweeting on Twitter and my Facebook page and  other Facebook groups to which I belong. At the grassroots level I have bombarded the members of our local and other societies with information about Rootstech.

Unfortunately my GeniAus page has been taken down by Facebook as they must deem it to be an Australian news site!!! I don't know whether to be flattered because  my page has value as a news source or to be annoyed because Facebook has taken down a page where a little old volunteer grandmother shares information about family history with her genimates.

With two other Australians who are passionate about the RootstechConnect conference and I have administered for the past five months a Facebook page Australians at RootstechConnect where those who have registered for the event can meet other attendees, chat, ask questions, and share information about the event. I hosted a zoom session last night for members of this group where I shared information I had learned from the ambassadors briefing and we had an opportunity to meet up prior to the event.

Tonight I will be hosting another zoom session for the members of the Society of Australian Genealogists where I will once again share information and answer questions about the RootstechConnect which kicks off on Thursday Australian time.

During the three days that RootstechConnect has a live programme I will be sharing via Twitter as I just won't have time to blog. You can follow me on Twitter with my handle @geniaus, the official hashtag for tweeting about RootstechConnect is #rootstechconnect.

I may not blog again until after the event so I wish you all an inspiring and exhilarating learning experience at  RootstechConnect. 

Savour a Bountiful Buffet at RootstechConnect

 The Rootstech Team and their colleagues at Familysearch have created a sensational selection of  learning experiences for those of us who are attending RootstechConnect in just under two weeks time. 

Click on this image to register

Yesterday these links to the program were published on the Rootstech site. Further information will be available on each session when the event website goes live late next week. Follow these links to see the virtual feast that will be served at the event and prepare you menu for the Greatest Geneashow on Earth:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../Main-Stage...

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../RootsTech-Connect...

So many choices!

As an Ambassador for RootstechConnect  I just received a document that lists all the presentations at RootstechConnect later this month. This closely typed .pdf file runs to 18 pages!

I have already shared this document in several Facebook Groups where I am a member and will continue to explore ways to share it with more Groups in Australia.

A snip from Page 1 of the RootstechConnect program

As all of these presentations will be available from the event website (yet to go live) for the next year I will be able to pace my learning and tune into presentations when I have a particular need. I am not going to punish myself by sitting at my screen for 24 hours per day for the three days of the event.

Of course I will tune in to hear some of the keynote sessions live and I will avail myself of the opportunities the website will allow for connecting via live chats with fellow attendees and presenters.

The beauty of registering for this event is that you do not have to attend and view at times prescribed by the hosts. You will be able to access the presentations at times that suit you. So if you are otherwise engaged between the 25-27 of February register for this event and take advantage of this free online learning opportunity from Familysearch.

If you haven't yet registered yet - Just do it and join around 250,000 family historians from around the world at the Greatest Geneashow on Earth

Tell the World at #RootstechConnect

 Let's use this opportunity to tell the world about our Australian culture and share our stories from downunder.  YOU can submit your stories to RootstechConnect.  It's a great way to share a story or highlight someone or something in your life that's made you who you are today. 

Read all about it here:  https://www.rootstech.org/get-involved?lang=eng

Twelve years and smiling

Twelve years ago I was recovering at home from ankle surgery and on the verge of retirement. I had been blogging for work and wanted to keep up the blogging habit once I retired but I needed a focus for my blogging efforts.

Twelve year old Jill

I chose to blog about genealogy in which I had an interest. In the twelve years since I started this blog my interest has become a passion which Mr GeniAus would call an obsession. When I started this blog I was like the twelve year old Jill who was setting off for secondary school in her hat and white gloves and carrying her precious new briefcase. I did not know what lay ahead of me.

Over the years I have started several blogs for myself and for organisations with which I am involved. I have given up on some of my blogs. Others I set up for organisations  have languished in the hands of their new keepers. Although my posting schedule has been erratic at times I have nurtured this GeniAus blog for twelve years and am committed to seeing it through its teenage years.

The GeniAus blog has opened many doors for me. It was through my early blogging efforts that I was invited to be an official blogger for the first Rootstech Conference and I have served as an Official Blogger or Ambassador for each Rootstech event. The blog also has brought me invitations to speak at many events and to join genealogy boards and committees. I am a committed Lifelong Learner!

What I treasure most about the bounty the GeniAus blog has delivered are the friendships with a collection of dear Genimates. Mr GeniAus and I have made  friends around the world through my involvement in geneablogging and social media. 

Initially my blogging focus was news and resources, while I still share some of these items on my blogs I now use my Facebook GeniAusPage to share topical news and events and use the blog more for reflections and family stories.

In my very first post I said "I thought I would like a place to share progress, reflections and resources as I solve my genealogical jigsaw so here goes - another blog is born."  One thing I omitted is that now an important part of my purpose is to preserve the stories of my ancestors and my living family for future generations. The importance of this element was brought home to me when I received the following comment on my blog in 2012.

I accepted that invitation which reminded me of the importance of recording our social and family history in Australia. I am honoured that, as a result, the posts I write will be preserved for the future in what is now called The Australian Web Archive at Trove Australia, https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/collection. 

As I reflect on the GeniAus blog and my other blogging activities I have a smile as broad as that of the 12 year old Jill soaking up the Australian sunshine in her new swimsuit. 

 

Twelve year old Jill 

Rootstech Connect - The Greatest Geneashow on Earth

In 2021 Rootstech will be VIRTUAL and  FREE  and called Rootstech Connect.

For the 11th year in a row I am proud to be a Rootstech Ambassador and thrilled that I can attend the Rootstech Connect event safely from the comfort of my geneacave in Australia. 

Mark the dates, 25-27 February, on your calendar to join thousands of genimates from around the world for this Fun and Fabulous Family History Fair.

Rootstech Director, Jen Allen, has just announced this news. See what she has to say in the video below and learn how to register for the Greatest Geneashow on Earth.

Will YOU be joining me at  Rootstech Connect?

Going walkabout at Rootstech London

Mr GeniAus accompanied me to the first Rootstech London, As an Ambassador I am finding it very helpful to have his support at the event. When not attending talks he has been busy taking photos and recording interviews for me.

Yesterday I asked him to go walkabout and take some photos of the exhibitors at the event. The photos below show the diverse range of exhibitors in attendanceat Rootstech London. There is something to interest all family historians. Anyone can visit the exhibit hall for free during the event.

The Conference Checklist - Rootstech London

When I usually attend a Rootstech event it is a shorter trip from Australia to Salt Lake City followed by a spot of touristing in the USA. This time Rootstech London comes at the beginning of an eight week holiday that takes us to the US, South America and Antarctica so getting ready is a real challenge as I need clothes and gear for so many climates. I also need space for my two day shopping spree in Miami.

I had my hair cut very short but will it last the distance? Now I need to look at the checklist I did for the last geneaconference, THE Genealogy Show 2019, that I attended in England  and modify it. 

If you are looking for me at Rootstech just seek out the little old lady with the distinctive bag.

The GeniAus bag

Here is my list. Highlighted is what else I must still do

• Airport transfer - Booked. After a 23+ hour flight we want our transfer to the hotel to be stress free. 
• Books - A couple of unread books that I can swap on our cruise ship once read. Have also download a few eBooks from the local library onto my phone.
• Purchase and pack breakfast bars, liquid breakfasts and healthy snacks for quick meals.
• Pack Clothes - always a challenge
• Deliver Paddy to his second home where he loves playing with his mate Freddo.
• Empty the Frig and Pantry - In Progress - they already resemble Mother Hubbard's Cupboard.
• Flights - Booked, Seats are allocated so no need to book in online.
• Foreign Currency - Task delegated to Mr GeniAus. Have GBP and USD.
• Hotel Accommodation - All booked.
• Luggage - Two small suitcases are easier than one large one for an old girl to manage, I take one small carryon for the plane basically because I can't pack batteries and laptop in luggage for the hold. I can't understand why so many people carry such large bags on board - they must pack the kitchen sink. I could make do with a large handbag.
• Maps - will rely on Google maps on my phone and 
• Mobile Phone and Battery Pack - We have a plan that gives us international roaming and a small data allowance. It is handy to be able to phone Mr GeniAus when I lose him in a cemetery or shopping mall. I had a dinosaur battery pack that is so heavy. Now have a lighter new one that give two charges.
• A Notebook - I lose loose bits of paper.
• Oyster Card for travel on London network
• Passport and ESTA (for the US) - Already in travel handbag with sleeping pills for the plane.
• Pegs and Laundry Soap -  No need to buy expensive "travel" products. 
• Pencil Case - a few pens and pencils and a small ruler that has a magnifying window(Handy for reading small print or old handwriting).

Nifty ruler with magnifying window 

• Phone the Banks and Amex:  Need to let them know we are travelling, helps them monitor for fraud - Done.
• Pills and potions - All sorted, have packed an emergency 'just in case' kit of favourites. A few days supply in handbag in case we part company with our bags.
• Rental Car - another job for Mr GeniAus, done months ago. 
• Compile list of research tasks for The National Archives - In progress in my Family Historian Database.
• Clean off all my SD cards - have backed up all photos on them to two hard drives.

Storage for my SD Cards

• Technology: Digital camera and charger, Laptop, Portable 4 TB HDD Drive ( I download and tag my photos religiously most days), Chargers, Universal Adapters. Most of this stuff lives in a purpose designed case that doesn't get unpacked between trips.  Of course my mouse will be travelling with me, I can't get by without my mouse.
• Scan Travel Docs - Include copies of prescriptions for drugs and glasses, health report from GP, Passport, Credit cards, Driver's Licence. Save onto phone, hard drive, Google Drive and computer. Mr GeniAus carries a hard copy of files as well.
• Should I take a Selfie Stick? I have a cheap, light one and a quality reliable one that is heavy.
• Travel insurance - Renewed.
• Walking stick - needed for cities with cobblestone and uneven paths.
• Water bottle - Can fill once I have passed through security at airports.

My Travel Tech setup 

Specifically for Rootstech

• Find out names of Aussies who are travelling to Rootstech London -- have set up a Facebook Group and organised a pre-conference dinner 
• Blogger Beads - which ones will I wear?
• Follow fellow Show attendees on Twitter - added a few new genimates to my feed already.
• Conference Registration - Pass downloaded and printed
• A light day bag for conference - Packed
• GeniAus Business Cards 
• GeniAus Ribbons 
• A Notebook - I find writing notes helps me to reinforce my learning
• Rootstech App - Downloaded
• A Schedule - Have put everything into my Google Calendar. Needs to be accessible on my phone.
• Technology - I take a few extra toys when attending a conference as I may want to blog, vlog or interview genimates includes A dual headed microphone for interviewing with my phone. 

Just Seven Days to go - Rootstech London

This time next week I will be arriving at Gatwick for Rootstech London as a bleary eyed traveller who has survived the 23hours 45 minutes flight (if there are no hiccups along the way) from Sydney to London.

Ready for Rootstech

My Dance Card is filling up. I need to keep track of my movements and communicate with genimates whilst in London. I will be using the Rootstech App on my phone to keep in touch with Rootstech news and announcements and follow the speaker program. I will be keeping in contact with Aussies at Rootstech and Rootstech Ambassadors in Facebook Groups and employing Facebook Messenger for messaging. My mobile phone plan allows me to make calls to and from 70 countries so I can also use that.

Twitter will be the tool I use to share news and thoughts during the conference - I just don't have time to blog. Of course I will be grabbing folk for interviews too.

I will be using my Google calendar as my main scheduling  tool. This is for a few reasons:

• I have a shared calendar with Mr GeniAus who is travelling with me so it makes sense for us both to use the same app that we can access on all of our devices. 
• The Rootstech app only allows one to schedule events within the Rootstech time frame whereas the Google calendar option gives me a platform I can use for all of my 8 days in London.
• After the event it's easy for me to download my Google calendar into my digital diary that I keep on Excel (read about it here: http://geniaus.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-book-of-me-prompt-6-journals-and.html).

I have a pre-conference checklist that I use and modify each year (the latest was for THE Genealogy Show in Birmingham - I need to take a look at that plus look at the Rootstech London sessions that are must attends for me. Watch out for my next Rootstech London blog post.

Conference Ribbons

One of the extra-curricular activities at geneaevents in the US is the collecting of Conference Badge Ribbons. This practice has spread to Australia and the UK although it is not yet as popular as in America.

Kiwi genealogist, Roger, has a long ribbon cascade

It's certainly great fun to collect these ribbons from friends, institutions, societies and businesses but have you actually thought strategically about the wearing and placement of these ribbons?

I started collecting ribbons at an early Rootstech conference and, after a few years, joined the fun by ordering some to promote my blog and website.  For the first few years I sought and accepted ribbons and added them to my ribbon cascade as they were given to me.

One day I realised that the the Ribbon Cascade I was wearing was a walking billboard that told those who admired my colourful collection who and what was important to me and whom I supported. So from then on I didn't rush to add ribbons. I made sure that I added those ribbons that were most important and told something about me to the top of my cascade.

I began to think of the strategic placement of  ribbons on my cascade. At international events an Australia ribbon goes near the top of my cascade followed by my GeniAus ribbon and a Convict Descendant if there are some on offer. Other ribbons near the top will be for associations of which I am a member like the Virtual Genealogical Association, an event with which I am associated like The Genealogy Show and Kiva Genealogists for Families a charity I support.

As the ribbons can create a trip hazard I try to keep my cascade to a reasonable length.

Blogs I follow (especially Australian ones) get good placement. I may add ribbons for companies with which I have tested my DNA and services I use like Google, Wikitree and Familysearch. I will add funny ones like "I Haunt Cemeteries" closer to the bottom of the cascade. Once I have added all of these I may add incidental ones that people give me but if they are irrelevant I file them away for another day.

As I prepare for Rootstech London I am thinking about ribbons. Now that my Facebook page is my main platform for communication I order may some with a link to my Facebook page and some for our Downunder genies who are attending. I am also considering deconstructing some of my Ribbon Cascades from earlier events and creating something to wear in London. It's such a waste to have them sitting in a box at home.

I hope those attending Rootstech and other geneaevents consider sharing some ribbons. They are a great conversation starter and will provide excellent promotion of your sites and services.

Remember to stop and think about the ribbon you are going to wear or offer at an event. What message does it convey to other conference attendees?

Cascades from my past

Rootstech London 2019 - Pass Giveaway

Rootstech London 2019 - Pass Giveaway

One of the perks of being a RootsTech London Ambassador is that I receive a free pass to the event for myself and one to give to one of my genimates.

Each year I pack my bags and make the long trek from Australia to Salt Lake City to attend Rootstech, The Greatest Geneashow on Earth.This year I have added RootsTech London to my travel calendar. RootsTech London will be held at The ExCel Centre London. from 24-26 October 2019.

My Free Pass Giveaway provides me with an opportunity to give someone else a chance to experience the excitement and education Rootstech offers.

The winner of this competition will

 receive a complimentary RootsTech London  Pass with access to:

• Over 150 Classes
• Keynote / General sessions
• Expo Hall
• Evening Event

This 3-Day Pass does not include airfare, hotel or the coverage of any other expenses. If the winner has already registered for RootsTech London, the original registration fee will be refunded.

What do you need to do to be in the draw?

This year I have followed the lead of fellow Australian Rootstech Ambassador, Fran Kitto, and am using KingSumo to host my competition. 

Enter by following this link:
https://kingsumo.com/g/q6d5h7/geniaus-rootstech-london-free-pass-giveaway

Party Favours

Wikipedia tells me that "A party favor or party favour is a small gift given to the guests at a party as a gesture of thanks for their attendance, a memento of the occasion, or simply as an aid to frivolity."

Back in 2018 guests at the MyHeritage Rootstech party were given a book as a party favour. I took my book home and put it on my "To Read" pile, as it was a hardcover book (and therefore heavy to hold up in bed) the book languished on that pile until I attended Rootstech in 2019. One of the fellow guests at the 2018 party asked me if I had read the book and I sheepishly answered "Not yet". This genimate suggested that I should read the book as it was a really good story. On my return home I read the book "Something beautiful happened" by Yvette Manessis Corporon. 

I discovered that it was indeed "a story of survival and courage in the face of evil" as described on its cover. The author masterly wove several interconnecting family stories into the text which kept me reading to the last word. She took me to Greece, Israel and the US, travelled from the 1940s to today and introduced me to a cast of interesting characters from different faiths. 

I imagine that MyHeritage gave us this book as their staff provided Ms Corporon and the persons in the story with a great deal of pro bono support to solve their genealogical mysteries. The author wrote glowingly of the MyHeritage team's involvement.

A belated thanks to the MyHeritage team for this thoughtful party favour which I thoroughly enjoyed. With its themes of family, courage, survival, grief, persistence and tolerance it was a perfect gift.

If any of my genimates whom I will be seeing in the near future would like to read this book please let me know and I'll arrange get it to you.