Popular Genetic Genealogist, CeCe Moore, to Speak at RootsTech 2017

Salt Lake City, Utah, December 9, 2016 - What family mysteries can be unlocked through the growing availability of home DNA tests and ever-expanding online databases and genealogical tools?

New family connections are depicted weekly in the media and online social forums as millions turn to genetic genealogy to help uncover or dispel long-held family facts, fiction, and questions. CeCe Moore, the popular genetic genealogist, will be sharing these and other fascinating perspectives of DNA science as the keynote speaker on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference.

Moore, who’s been on the leading edge of genetic genealogy as one of its leading proponents and pioneers, is a sought-after media consultant collaborating regularly with ABC’s 20/20, showcasing her cutting-edge work reuniting individuals of unknown parentage with biological relatives through genetic genealogy. She also appeared as a genetic genealogy expert on the CBS Morning News, Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, The Doctors, and Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. where for three seasons she has worked as a consultant and scriptwriter.

Moore’s knowledge and unique talents have afforded her many opportunities to share what she’s learned on screen, in writing, and in person as a popular speaker.

“It is a dream come true and a personal goal fulfilled to be invited to speak as a keynote presenter at the largest genealogy conference in the world, RootsTech!” said Moore. “RootsTech is always so full of energy and anticipation. It will be exciting to share my experiences from the fascinating world of genetic genealogy. I am constantly amazed by the compelling stories I encounter in my work every day, and I look forward to sharing that with the audience and illustrating the power of DNA.”

Moore combines her extensive knowledge of the latest DNA research and testing with modern genealogical technology to shed light on family history mysteries. She works extensively on a pro-bono basis with individuals of unknown parentage to help them learn about their genetic heritage, often reuniting them with biological family members.

“Genetic genealogy is showing us that our ancestors are an important part of who we are today,” said Moore. “The more we learn and discover, the clearer this has become. As genealogists, we are all seeking to better understand our ancestral history and, through that, gain insight into ourselves. Thousands, even millions, of us are learning that our very own DNA holds the key to so many mysteries and incredible discoveries.”

A leading proponent of genetic genealogy education, Moore is the co-founder of the Institute for Genetic Genealogy and helped create and teach groundbreaking genetic genealogy courses at all of the major genealogical institutes. She maintains her popular blog Your Genetic Genealogist, and created and runs the largest online DNA focused forum, the DNA Detectives Facebook group.

Register or learn more about RootsTech online.

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I am 2017 RootsTech Ambassador and will be sharing these press releases on my blog in preparation for RootsTech in February 2017. I have received a free conference registration from RootsTech.
#RootsTech

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To learn more about CeCe, check out the following:
Facebook: CeCe Moore - Genetic Genealogist
Twitter: CeCe Moore
LinkedIn: CeCe Moore
Website: DNA Detectives

President Russell M. Nelson to Speak at RootsTech Family Discovery Day

Salt Lake City, Utah, November 20, 2016 - RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference, announced today that President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, will be speaking at RootsTech’s popular Family Discovery Day on Saturday, February 11, 2017, in Salt Lake City at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The unique format of RootsTech Family Discovery Day will give attendees a more intimate perspective into the family lives of Elder and Sister Nelson and their insight into the significance of family. The event is free, but registration is required at RootsTech.org.

Prior to receiving his call in 1984 as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Nelson was well-known both nationally and internationally as a heart surgeon and medical researcher. He performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah and has helped people throughout the world with heart problems. He served his medical residency in surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the University of Minnesota. He is the recipient of many distinguished honors and awards and is the author of numerous publications.

Sister Wendy Nelson, also an author and avid genealogist, graced the Family Discovery Day stage in 2016 and won the hearts of all in attendance by sharing the excitement she has experienced in her family history discoveries. She is excited to be speaking again in 2017, this time sharing the stage with her husband, President Russell M. Nelson. Prior to her marriage to President Nelson, Sister Nelson was a professor of marriage and family therapy for 25 years, the last 13 years at Brigham Young University. She holds a Ph.D. in family therapy and gerontology.

Joining the exciting and inspiring speaker lineup at Family Discovery Day will be Kalani Sitake, Vai Sikahema, and Hank Smith. Sitake is BYU’s head football coach. Sitake played collegiately at BYU as a fullback and served as an assistant coach for the Oregon State Beavers and Utah Utes before taking the head coaching position at BYU in December 2015.

Vai Sikahema is a former NFL football player and current television personality. Sikahema is well-known for his diverse skills as both an anchor and sports reporter and can be seen co-anchoring NBC10 News Today on weekday mornings. He also serves as NBC10’s sports director.

Also joining the lineup is Hank Smith, BYU professor of religion and popular public speaker. Smith enjoys speaking at assemblies in elementary, junior high, and high schools around the country. He has also published many talks on CD and speaks to tens of thousands of youth each year. His life has been touched by family history and temple work. “There is something about temple work that unlocks our own personal gifts,” he says. When asked what family means to him, he readily replies, “Don’t make me cry! Family means happiness. Family means fun. Family means experiences. It means learning, friendship, and love.”

Family Discovery Day is a free, one-day event for members and families of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Attendees are invited to come and enjoy inspiring messages, engage in interactive activities for all ages, and discover the latest technology, products, and services in the family history industry by touring the expansive expo hall and other fun activities throughout the venue. Families with children and youth can discover the fun of family history together by playing games such as Family Feud and Twisted Family History.

Family Discover Day is the perfect place for individuals and families to discover helpful family history solutions, watch demonstrations, get one-on-one help, interact with innovative family history technologies, and mingle with hundreds of exhibitors from around the globe.

Select sessions are also available for those with Church callings and responsibilities related to family history and the temple. Individuals will be able to get their questions answered, discover new tools, and learn best practices.

Over 15,000 adults and children attended the free event in 2016. Tickets will be limited again in 2017 for this increasingly popular event.

Interested individuals and families should register as quickly as possible online at RootsTech.org.

Family Discovery Day Schedule:

1:00 p.m.—Opening General Session
1:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.—Sessions
5:30 p.m.—Closing Event

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I am 2017 RootsTech Ambassador and will be sharing these press releases on my blog in preparation for RootsTech in February 2017. I have received a free conference registration from RootsTech.
#RootsTech

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To learn more about the Nelsons, check out the following:
Facebook: Russell M. Nelson
Twitter: Russell M. Nelson
Website: Prophets and Apostles: Russell M. Nelson
Website: General Authorities: President Russell M. Nelson
Website: Deseret Book - Russell M. Nelson
Website: Deseret Book - Wendy Watson Nelson

The Scott Brothers (HGTV's Property Brothers) Will Keynote RootsTech 2017

Salt Lake City, Utah, November 17, 2016 - Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott, who star in HGTV's “The Property Brothers,” will give RootsTech 2017 attendees unique insights into the role their family has had in their lives. The 6' 5" identical twin brothers will be the Thursday keynote speakers at RootsTech on February 9, 2017, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The popular brothers share passions for film and entertainment and for renovating older homes into dream homes. They have combined those passions to form an entertainment empire which became Scott Brothers Entertainment—an independent production company.

The Scott brothers garner HGTV’s highest ratings and are syndicated to major networks worldwide. Their first series, the Property Brothers, spun off several other series including Brother vs Brother, Buying and Selling, Property Brothers at Home, and Property Brothers at home on the Ranch. They recently authored their first book, Dream Home.

Their journey in entertainment includes much more than home improvement shows. Jonathan began performing in live theater and in TV and film as a child. He became a successful illusionist winning many awards and even performed live in Las Vegas. Drew was a high school basketball star and began acting in theater, improve, and sketch comedy in his teens. He even performed as a clown until he tired of the costumes and face paint.

The pair developed a passion for real estate as teens, purchasing their first fixer-upper house when they were 17. They did some renovations, and sold it a year later for a $50,000 profit to help support them as actors for a time before they decided to go back to college.

The Scott brothers were born in Vancouver, Canada. Their parents didn’t know they were going to have twins until the doctor saw Drew shortly after Jonathan was born. Because they lived on a ranch, Drew and Jonathan embraced the value of work at a young age—starting their first business at age seven. Their parents supported their various endeavors and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. “Our dad told us, ‘Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Think of five ways you can do it, and then do it,’” Drew said, and that advice has become their mantra.

Both Drew and Jonathan are licensed real estate agents, but for their show, Drew is shown as the real estate agent and Jonathan as the contractor. Together they built their dream home in Las Vegas which has been featured on their series. The Scotts are involved in various philanthropic initiatives in North America and around the world.

At RootsTech, the brothers will talk about their unique family ties, and the can-do attitudes it fostered, their positive outlooks, and childhoods, their careers, their shared passions for buying and renovating property, and for the entertainment industry.

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Would you like to attend RootsTech for FREE? Check out my FREE registration giveaway running through 26 November 2016.

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I am 2017 RootsTech Ambassador and will be sharing these press releases on my blog in preparation for RootsTech in February 2017. I have received a free conference registration from RootsTech.
#RootsTech

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To learn more about The Scott Brothers, check out the following:
Website - The Scott Brothers
YouTube - The Scott Brothers
Vine - Team Scott Brothers
Facebook - The Scott Brothers
Twitter - The Scott Brothers

Facebook - Property Brothers
Twitter - Property Brothers
Instagram - Property Brothers
HGTV - Property Brothers

Drew Scott
Facebook - Drew Scott
Twitter - Drew Scott
Instagram - Drew Scott
Pinterest - Drew Scott
Vine - Drew Scott

Jonathan Scott
Facebook - Jonathan Scott
Twitter - Jonathan Scott
Instagram - Jonathan Scott
Pinterest - Jonathan Scott
Vine- Jonathan Scott

Leadership Expert Liz Wiseman to Keynote RootsTech Innovator Summit

Salt Lake City, Utah, November 8, 2016 - Do you multiply or diminish intelligence? Liz Wiseman, a leadership strategist, best-selling author, and inspiring speaker whose recent clients include Disney, Microsoft, eBay and PayPal, Google, and Facebook, is excited to share highlights of what she has learned as the keynote speaker for the 2017 Innovator Summit at RootsTech. Innovator Summit is a one-day event for developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who want to explore business and technological opportunities in the multi-billion dollar family history industry. The Innovator Summit will be held on February 8, 2017 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Liz Wiseman teaches leadership to executives and emerging leaders around the world. She is the founder and president of the Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley. She has been listed on the biennial Thinkers50 ranking for 2013 and 2015 and named one of the top 10 leadership thinkers in the world.

Wiseman is the author of three best-selling books: Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work; Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter; and The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools.

She has spent years working around a lot of really smart executives in tech industries and conducted significant research in the field of leadership. She's observed how some leaders actually shut down the brain power of people around them.

"Yet, other leaders seem to amplify the intelligence of people around them," said Wiseman. "These leaders were intelligence multipliers." She said that “when these leaders walked into a room, it was as if you could see light bulbs going off over people’s heads, and ideas flowed and problems got solved.”

Wiseman has emphasized that one of the most important aspects that she learned in this research was “that when we linger too long on a plateau a little part of us dies inside. But when we step out of the space of knowing—where we are fully capable—and step into unfamiliar territory, we feel alive. I think it is actually where we feel divine, and, in some ways, I feel like it is where we see God’s hand working in our lives.”

Wiseman is a frequent lecturer at BYU, Stanford University, and the Naval Postgraduate Academy. She is a former executive at Oracle Corporation, where she worked over the course of 17 years as the vice president of Oracle University and as the global leader for human resource development. During her tenure at Oracle, she led several major global initiatives and has worked and traveled in over 40 countries. She writes for Harvard Business Review and Fortune. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Time.

The RootsTech Innovator Summit keynote session begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by a full day of classes, the semifinal round of the RootsTech Innovator Showdown, a networking social, and other related activities.

The annual Innovator Showdown contest is designed to foster innovation in the family history industry. Ten semi-finalists will be chosen and announced, with $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes offered by sponsors to the winners.

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I am 2017 RootsTech Ambassador and will be sharing these press releases on my blog in preparation for RootsTech in February 2017. I have received a free conference registration from RootsTech.
#RootsTech

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To learn more about Liz Wiseman, check out the following:
Facebook - Liz Wiseman
Facebook - Multipliers
Twitter - Liz Wiseman
Website - Wiseman Group

The Cake Boss Buddy Valastro Will Keynote and Judge Cake Competition at RootsTech 2017

Salt Lake City, Utah, October 27, 2016 - RootsTech, the largest family history conference in the world, is pleased to welcome the popular Italian-American celebrity chef, Buddy Valastro, also known as the hit TLC series, Cake Boss™ as a keynote speaker on Saturday, February 11, 2017, in Salt Lake City. Valastro will also judge a local cake decorating contest hosted by RootsTech.

The amicable Valastro is a Hoboken, New Jersey, resident and owner of Carlo’s Bakery. He has endeared himself to millions of people as the animated, passionate chef on the TLC series, The Cake Boss. His staff’s creative expertise in designing over-the-top cakes for locals and celebrities is only half the allure. The show’s long-running success can also be attributed to the fun, dynamic interactions and involvement of 3–4 generations of Valastro’s Italian-American family who help run the thriving family business.

“Family is the most important part of my life,” says Valastro. “You have to embrace and be proud of where you come from. I can't wait to share my story of how my past, present, and future have shaped who I am with the audience.”

During his RootsTech 2017 keynote address, the Cake Boss will share the story of how his strong family ties, roots, and traditions have shaped his life and business success, which include 12 bakeries, additional TLC series (The Next Great Baker and Buddy’s Bakery Rescue), and several books, to name a few.

Running bakeries is almost genetic in Buddy’s family. His grandfather and great-grandfather were both bakers in Sicily, Italy. His father, Buddy Valastro Sr., ran his own bakery for many years in New Jersey. When Buddy Valastro Jr. was 11 years old, he began working side by side with his father at Carlo’s Bakery.

Buddy Sr. died when his son was 17, leaving a very large hole in the teenager’s life. However, his tutelage had provided Buddy with “cast-iron business sense” and imbued in him a work ethic and a wealth of knowledge. He stepped up and took over his father’s role as proprietor and baker in Carlo’s bakery.

Buddy learned much without his father’s presence in the business but struggled making sfogliatelle dough, which is used in making Italian shell-shaped filled pastries called lobster tails, one of the bakery’s specialties. Buddy recalls the night his father came to him in a dream and told him, “I am here for one reason, to show you how to make lobster tails.” The next day, for the first time, Buddy successfully created the seemingly impossible dough and the very popular lobster tails were back. From then on, he says, he knew he could do anything he put his mind to and found comfort knowing that his father was looking after him.

After a few years, Buddy Jr. decided to take cake decorating to a new level with designer cakes. He created, among other spectacular cakes, a NASCAR racecar cake weighing over 10,000 pounds. In 2004, he was invited to participate in the Food Network Challenge where he took top prize in the fourth battle. He was urged to try a show for himself so he pitched a show featuring himself with his family. TLC executives were impressed enough to shoot a pilot episode in the shop which was a hit with audiences, and Cake Boss was born. The show is now in its eighth season.

Buddy’s extended family is indispensable both to the show and in running what has now become a chain of bakeries in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and some Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The business has diversified and expanded, but the legacy that began three generations ago in Sicily lives on. Buddy willingly holds to the traditions of his father’s bakery.

“Life lessons my parents have taught me define who I am today. I never forget where I've come from and try to pass that down to my children today,” says Valastro.

In addition to keynoting at RootsTech 2017, Valastro will help judge the first-ever RootsTech cake decorating competition.

There will be four different categories to compete in—wedding, birthday, holiday, and graduation—and there will be three finalists and one grand prize winner selected in each category. Cakes will be on display Saturday during RootsTech and Family Discovery Day where thousands of people will view and have a chance to vote for “People’s Choice” winners in each category. Official rules and entry information for the contest will be available soon at RootsTech.org.

See also Five Ingredients That Make Up the Cake Boss

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I am 2017 RootsTech Ambassador and will be sharing these press releases on my blog in preparation for RootsTech in February 2017. I have received a free conference registration from RootsTech.
#RootsTech

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To learn more about Buddy Valastro and The Cake Boss, check out the following:
Facebook - Buddy Valastro
Facebook: Cake Boss
Twitter: Cake Boss - Buddy Valastro
Twitter: Cake Boss Baking
Website: Carlos Bakery
Website: The Cake Boss TV Show
Website: Cake Boss Baking

Family Discovery Day to Feature Vai Sikahema, BYU's Kalani Sitake and Hank Smith

Vai Sikhema, Kalani Sitake, Hank Smith

Salt Lake City, Utah, 24 October 2016 - RootsTech 2017 announces that BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake, popular LDS youth speaker Hank Smith, and former NFL football player, now Philadelphia TV news anchor, Vai Sikahema, will join the lineup of speakers for its popular Family Discovery Day. This exciting, free, one-day celebration of families is designed for families and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Family Discovery Day will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is part of the annual RootsTech conference. Individuals and families can register online at RootsTech.org.

There’s something for everyone at Family Discovery Day. Attendees are invited to come and hear inspiring speakers, entertaining performers, engage in interactive activities for all ages, and discover the latest technology, products, and services in the family history industry in an expansive expo hall. It’s the perfect place to discover fun new ideas, hear helpful solutions, watch new concept demonstrations, get personal research help, experience innovative family history technology, and mingle with hundreds of exhibitors from around the globe.

Young single adults and other interested youth are invited to attend a special session with Kalani Sitake, BYU’s head football coach. Sitake played collegiately at BYU as a fullback, and he served as an assistant coach for the Oregon State Beavers and Utah Utes before taking the head coaching position at BYU in December 2015.

Hank Smith is a BYU professor of religion and popular public youth speaker. Hank’s life has been touched by family history work, and he plans on sharing some of that experience at Family Discovery Day. Joining the speaker lineup is Vai Sikahema, a former NFL football player and current television personality. He is well-known for his diverse skills as both an anchor and sports reporter and can be seen co-anchoring NBC10 News Today weekday mornings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Family Discovery Day will engage and inspire families, youth, and single adults to discover connections and share family stories together. Family Discovery Day is also a popular venue for Latter-day Saints to hear gospel messages from Church leaders. These speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Families with children and youth are invited to discover the fun of family history together by playing games such as Family Feud and Twisted Family History. Young single adults are invited to bring friends and participate in fun sessions and activities like #Myfabfamily Photography Contest, Family History in Emoji, Record Your Story, and Replace a Face.

Family Discovery Day also offers relevant sessions with the latest information for those with Church callings and responsibilities related to family history and the temple. Individuals will be able to get answers to questions, discover new tools, and learn best practices.

Family Discovery Day is free, but registration is required. Visit RootsTech.org to learn more and to register.

RootsTech is a genealogy conference of epic proportions. As the largest family history conference in the world, it provides extensive networking opportunities to a broad and diverse group of attendees. The conference showcases a vast array of modern resources and technology that aims to inspire and enable individuals to discover, preserve, and share their family stories.

See also Five Interesting Facts about Kalani Sitake

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I am 2017 RootsTech Ambassador and will be sharing these press releases on my blog in preparation for RootsTech in February 2017. I have received a free conference registration from RootsTech.
#RootsTech

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To learn more about Vai Sikahema, check out the following:
Facebook - Vai Sikahema
Twitter - Vai Sikahema
Website - Vai Sikahema

To learn more about Kalani Sitake, check out the following:
Facebook - Kalani Sitake
Twitter - Kalani Sitake
Website - Kalani Sitake

To learn more about Hank Smith, check out the following:
Facebook - Hank Smith
Twitter - Hank Smith
Website - Hank Smith

Reading Rainbow’s LeVar Burton Will Keynote RootsTech 2017

FamilySearch International is pleased to announce that LeVar Burton will be the Friday keynote speaker at RootsTech 2017 on February 10, 2017. Burton is known by millions for his legendary starring role as Kunta Kinte in 1977 in the globally acclaimed and award-winning ABC mini series, Roots, as chief engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation television series, and as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children’s series, Reading Rainbow. Burton was also the co-executive producer of the re-envisioned production of Roots that aired in June of this year on the A&E Networks.

Reading Rainbow was one of the longest running children’s television shows in TV history (1983-2009) and one of the most acclaimed, earning more than 200 awards including 26 Emmys and a Peabody. "There's a whole new generation of kids that need to develop a relationship with the written word, especially, I believe, in this ultra-technological age. I'm in this for the mission. This is what I do," said Burton.

He is excited about the opportunity to keynote at RootsTech where he plans to share personal stories about Roots, Star Trek, his Reading Rainbow foundation, and also stories of his mom and her commanding influence on him.

"The story of Roots traces a family's journey from Africa to America and back. At RootsTech, I'll share some of my own journey of family, storytelling and the influence of African culture on my American Experience."

Burton’s acting career began as a college student at the University of Southern California with his first-ever audition—winning the role of Kunta Kinte in ABC’s wildly popular 1977 TV mini-series, Roots. Thus, at age 19, he found his picture on the cover of Time magazine. Soaring to stardom was only the beginning for Burton. He followed it with many roles—most notably in Reading Rainbow and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

An advocate for children’s literacy, Burton’s Reading Rainbow provides an outlet for innovative uses of storytelling. Reading Rainbow uses technology and media to inspire today’s children to love reading, and is currently the number one educational app on iTunes. The digital service includes more than 500 children’s fiction and non-fiction books, and 200 newly-produced video field trips with new content added weekly.

See also 5 Interesting Facts About LeVar Burton

RootsTech is held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City and will be simulcasted around the world with many sessions recorded for later viewing. RootsTech offers a line-up of world-class speakers, thrilling entertainment and engaging classes and activities with a bigger-than-ever expo hall. There will be something for everyone regardless of age or experience. Registration for RootsTech is currently open at reduced rates at RootsTech.org. Rootstech 2017 is sponsored by FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com and MyHeritage.com.

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I am 2017 RootsTech Ambassador and will be sharing these press releases on my blog in preparation for RootsTech in February 2017. I have received a free conference registration from RootsTech.
#RootsTech

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To learn more about LeVar, check out the following:
Facebook - LeVar Burton
Twitter - LeVar Burton
Website - LeVar Burton

RootsTech 2016: Wendy Nelson and Sheri Dew

RootsTech 2016, Wendy Nelson and Sheri Dew

Here are some of my takeaways from this Family Discovery Day session:

• Temple is a life line.
• Sealing power is very bold doctrine. - D&C 128:9
• Set up a family history room
• Spiritual environment
• Work in silence
• Clean and uncluttered
• When you hit a brickwall (block) it may be that those relatives may not have yet been taught in the spirit world.
• Pray before you work - "Please lead me to those who are ready to make covenants with Thee and receive their ordinances."
• "Those on the other side of the veil are very much alive." 
• "Those on the other side are desperate for their ordinances, and many know when and where their ordinances will take place."
• Extended family can provide protection.
• Easier to motivate someone to do something difficult than it is to motivate them to do something easy.
• The temple changes you.
• Temple experiences are much more meaningful.
• You can learn how the spirit speaks to you.
• "When the Lord know you're serious about family history research, other people show up to help."
• "Family history research is fun."
• Those who have gone before LIVE on the other side of the veil.
• Have miracles ceased? Have angels ceased? Nay - Moroni 7:29, 31
• There is an urgency that accompanies this work.
• The Nelsons within 24 hours had visited with children from all 12 tribes.
• Sheri: You emerge from the temple with power. Go regularly. Go see what the Lord will teach you. I testify the work of salvation is the only work that will matter.

You can watch their keynote here:


I had the opportunity to participate in a Media Hub Sofa Chat with Sheri and Wendy.

Here are some of my takeaways from the chat:

• Sheri - I am who I am. I'm very comfortable sharing what I believe, because I know what I believe. Doubting not, doesn't mean understanding everything.
• Wendy - It's the covenants and ordinances that count. I think about who is watching (Heavenly Father and Christ) and I think about those on the other side of the veil.
• Sheri - There is nothing I care more about than building the kingdom. There are many ways to do that. Build our own testimony and help others find their own. Link arms with those who care about things like we do (family, marriage, children).
• Wendy - Our work is to help those on the other side of the veil. 
• Sheri - I'll have to change something or give up something to do this work. I'll have to ask for help from Heaven and make it a priority.
• Wendy - If you want help from Heaven, you need to help Heaven. God is a great compensator. I never miss the time I give to family history work. The Lord compensates me.
• Wendy - A group of young families at BYU with lots of stress and problems - what to tell them in 20 minutes - invited the sisters to spend 3 weeks increasing their time in family history and temple work. The results were unbelievable. More power in their lives, depression and stress left, time to make changes. It works because they made covenants with God and they did the work and God poured His power into them.

#RootsTech

RootsTech 2016: Doris Kearns Goodwin

RootsTech 2016 Doris Kearns Goodwin with Ambassadors

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• We can learn from others' struggles.
• Stories take you places you could never go.
• She loved listening to stories of LBJ.
• Getting to know the inner person behind the public persona.
• Fascination with the US Presidency ... in her DNA
• She found out that 15 US Presidents are her distant cousins
• Importance of writing letters
• Roosevelt and Churchill in the White House
• Journals/diaries allow us to see the moments in our ancestor's lives
• FDR gave hope to the people.
• One is not dead ... just gone before.
• Check out the movie: Lincoln
• We live on in the memory of others.
• "He was a hero. He spoke with a voice of thunder; he laughed like the sunrise and his deeds were strong as the rock…" - Leo Tolstoy of Abraham Lincoln

Michael Leavitt and Doris Kearns Goodwin, RootsTech 2016

Due to contractual rights, the keynote for Doris was not recorded. However, there is a short interview you can watch here:

#RootsTech

RootsTech 2016: Michael Leavitt

RootsTech 2016 Michael Leavitt with Ambassadors

Former Utah Governor Michael Leavitt utilized live texting technology as he let the audience choose the order of topics and he then shared stories from the topics.

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• Personal histories have great meaning.
• Project of 1,000 stories.
• Everyone's hearts beat together (waiting on the Olympic bid)
• When they were homeless themselves (Governor's Mansion Fire) they went and served those who were really homeless.
• "I'll be ready" -Olene Walker stated when he told her that she would soon be the 1st Woman Governor of Utah.
• No corners to hide in ... the Oval office.
• Olympic Flame is lit by the perpetual light of the Sun.
• Those who need a need a lift.
• No one sits alone.
• Symbol of what we aspire to be.
• Olympic Flame = Fire on the Stick = all about family!

You can watch his comments here:



I had the opportunity to participate in a Media Hub Sofa Chat with Mike.

Backstage (before the sofa chat), I had a few moments to visit with Mike. He is my husband's 4th Cousin and the Leavitt family has a huge family organization. Also, we briefly talked about my father. Both Mike and I are from Cedar City, Utah and he knew my father really well; though was unaware that he had recently passed away.

Here are some of my takeaways from the chat:

• Project of 1,000 stories - some of them are just short little moments of his life that as he remembered he wrote them down.
• Wrote own personal history for the benefit of his children and family.
• Love of stories is a genetic trait passed on from his mother. She is a mentor.
• When he got to Washington, northeast Leavitt families reached out to him and said they may be related. Mike knew how they were related and he invited them to come from the northeast to join the Western Leavitt family reunion one year.
• During the Olympics, the entire world became interested in knowing if we were honest.
• We put on the best Olympics - when things get hard, you do your best.
• Olympic story is not over yet. Friendships are still happening.
• He wants his children to think the best of him.
• Wants to be remembered = left things better than he found them, planted seeds for the next generation, and that he gave it all he had.

#RootsTech

RootsTech 2016: David Isay

RootsTech 2016 David Isay with Ambassadors

This keynote speaker was David Isay, the founder of StoryCorps, the largest single collection of human voices.

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• If I had 40 minutes left on earth, what would I share with you about my life?
• Lyle Link: "Live with courage"
• Stories turn hearts to fathers and children
• Giving the chance to connect
• Knowing you will never be forgotten
• "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." - Mother Teresa
• The Great Thanksgiving Listen (record a grandparent)
• 50,000+ interviews came in on the Sunday night after Thanksgiving
• Download the StoryCorps App

You can watch his comments here:


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RootsTech 2016: Love Taza

RootsTech 2016 Josh and Naomi Davis with Ambassadors

This speakers for this keynote were Josh and Naomi Davis - the creators of Love Taza, a popular lifestyle blog.

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• Don't be afraid to share stories.
• Learn from mothers all over the world.
• Love of family and motherhood.
• Connect and relate.
• Share the joy!
• You have a story - share it - it can help others.
• How to share?
• Be comfortable
• Be authentic
• You can lift others when you share
• Learn techniques
• Photography
• Editing
• Thought Process
• Planning
• Be consistent
• Big stories can come through small moments.
• Focus on the upside and the opportunity for good when telling stories.

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RootsTech 2016: Bruce Feiler

Bruce Feiler is the author of The Secrets of Happy Families.

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• RootsTech is the Super Bowl of Storytelling
• Tell all the family moments, even the difficult.
• Stories should contain the emotion, the passion, and the pain.
• You don't need the whole picture to tell the story.
• What holds families together?
• They talk a lot about what it means to be part of a family.
• Create a family mission statement.
• What values are most important to you?
• What does your best possible self look like?
• Storytelling-games in your family
• Use photos
• Tell your family history
• #1 predictor of child's happiness
• Good with adjustments and school success
• Oscillating stories
• Everybody dies, but not everyone lives. I want you to LIVE!

You can watch his comments here:


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RootsTech 2016: Paula Williams Madison

With the help of an indexed ship manifest found on FamilySearch, Paula and her brothers searched for their long lost grandfather. Their journey took them from Harlem, to Toronto, to Jamaica, and finally to China where they were finally reunited with hundreds of Chinese relatives they didn't even know they had. She is Hakka Chinese.

Paula wrote a book called, "Finding Samuel Lowe" and also produced a documentary. I had the opportunity to screen the shortened version of the documentary the evening before her keynote. It was emotionally touching. You can find out more about the documentary and book here: Finding Samuel Lowe.

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• You (those who index) have changed my life.
• If you ever wondered who benefits from this (indexing) - listen to my story.
• We had grown up with "no family" and within weeks we had hundreds of cousins.
• You solved the mystery of "where do I come from"?
• Family is family.
• Race doesn't matter.
• We came in ranges of color, but we are all family.

You can watch her keynote here:

https://www.rootstech.org/video/2016-rootstech-thursday-keynote-paula-madison


I had the opportunity to participate in a Media Hub Sofa Chat with Paula.

Here are some of my takeaways from the chat:

• Family accepts family.
• Aunt wanted to know exactly when they would come to China - they went at exactly the right time.
• You need to have family reunions.
• Record your elders. You need to know what they say.

Wendy Jyang and Paula Williams Madison (Hakka Cousins)

Great interview:


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RootsTech 2016: Stan Ellsworth

He rode his Harley onto the stage!

Here are some of my takeaways from this remarks:

• Being American is a way of thinking and being.
• Every family has it's unique heritage and story.
• Every American family has stories to tell, their own heroes, and they want their stories celebrated.
• Freedom is the birthright of every American.

You can watch his comments here:


I had the opportunity to visit with him briefly in the Media Hub. Here is a picture of us.

His show airs on BYU TV.  You can get more info here: American Ride and you can watch past episodes online.

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RootsTech 2016: Steve Rockwood - You Are The Heart Doctors For Your Family

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• Everyone lives on in stories, pictures, and lessons.
• Focus on the person (not the search)
• Reach their hearts in 60 seconds
• What have you felt?
• Feelings are core and profound
• Feel belonging and love
• You are inspired and can be inspiring
• Make family history relevant to your immediate family

5 experience areas

Reach out to people's hearts - you are heart doctors for your family - this is a gathering of heart specialists. 

What are the "funny ties" that will build family ties?

Weave family history into everyday life.

You can watch his comments here:


I had the opportunity to participate in a Media Hub Sofa Chat with Steve.

Here are some of my takeaways from the chat:

• How do we bring all members of the family into family history?
• Going global to soften the soil for new markets.
• Fine tuning each of the 5 experiences over time.
• Teenagers and millennials want to give back right now.
• Mobile will be first in new technologies.
• Focusing on "searchable" records.
• Every family has members to fulfill all the different roles.
• We've created the tree, now we need to embellish it with ornaments (photos, stories).

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RootsTech 2016: Innovator Summit: Ken Krogue

Ken Krogue, Founder, President, and Chief Strategy Officer of InsideSales.com shared thoughts and ideas of things he has learned along the way.

Here are some of my takeaways from this session:

• Innovation - Applying What Works In Other Worlds In Yours
• Go Sell Something
• Keep A Fresh Perspective
• Find What Works, Then Focus, Focus, Focus
• Learn From Trees
• Know What You Really Sell (Deliver Results)
• Provide Crazy Value
• Divert A River ... Don't Dig A Well
• Swim With The Sharks
• Does One Person Matter?
• Even A Single Comment Matters
• Speed To Respond Gets The Sale
• Only Raise Money When You Don't Need It
• Find Investors Who Invest In You
• Manage By The Numbers: Predictive Analytics and Big Data
• Digital Media Rules
• High Growth Media - Blogging
• Content And Distribution Should Be Yoked Together
• Give Back Along The Way
• Mobilize Your People

He has helped create a Social Media Core Certification Course that is available for EVERYONE for FREE. Check out this link: Social Media Certification




You can watch his keynote here:


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