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Celebrating Families Across Generations
RootsTech 2016
Call for Presentations
Proposals accepted June 12-30, 2015
RootsTech 2016
R
ootsTech is a global family history event,
hosted by FamilySearch, where people of
all ages learn to discover, preserve, and
share their family connections through technology.
RootsTech offers something for everyone, regardless
of experience or skill level—from expert genealogists
to beginners starting their own family trees.
The sixth annual conference will be held February
3-6, 2016, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Call for Presentations
The RootsTech planning team is calling for
dynamic class presentations for the 2016 conference
that inform and educate attendees in discovering
their families through technology. We invite skilled
speakers, passionate enthusiasts, and industry experts
to submit proposals for consideration. With over
10,000 attendees, we want you to be a part of the
largest family history conference in the world and
help shape what family history is today and in the
future!
February 3–6, 2016 • Salt Lake City, Utah
Proposal submissions will be accepted
starting June 12 to June 30, 2015.
Call for Presentations Timeline
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Announce 2016 Call For Presentation guidelines
Friday, June 12, 2015
Proposal submission portal opens
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Proposal submission portal closes
Friday, August 7, 2015
Speakers notified
Friday, August 14, 2015
Speaker acceptance due to rootstech
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Conference class schedule announced
*Schedule subject to change.
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RootsTech 2016
Presentation Categories
We are seeking innovative and instructional classes in
the following categories:*
Discover
Finding and Organizing: search tactics, resources,
specialized tools and technologies, data mining,
information recall, record sourcing, military and timeperiod research, record types, organization tools
Research and Methodology: land records and
surveys, DNA and genetic science, migration patterns,
geographical research, ethnic and cultural studies,
surname research, beyond-basic skill building
Preserve
Preserving Your Work: family trees, digital
migration, audio and video solutions, metadata,
artifact preservation, digital file formats, legalities
and research ownership, digital or print publishing,
scanning resources
Family Traditions and Lifestyle: cultural arts,
food, influential historical events, health patterns,
social customs, pastimes
Share
Sharing: social media, tools for collaboration, wikis,
crowd sourcing, community building, blogs
Stories and Photos: storytelling and oral histories,
interviewing tools and technologies, preserving
stories, photography, photo restoration, movies and
presentations, photo editing, facial recognition tools
Does It Answer Technology?
As a family history (“roots”) conference, technology
(“tech”) is built into the DNA of RootsTech. It is
what makes RootsTech different from other family
history industry events. It is anticipated that each
proposal includes some element of technology, as
part of the presented topic, to assist the learner in
their family history pursuits. Technology could
include apps, platforms, software, gadgets, tools,
hardware, and so forth. Although a handful of
geographic- and methodology-specific classes are
accepted we encourage proposals with fresh topics
that incorporate technology and offer clear learning
objectives for attendees.
Family Discovery Day
This call for presentations is for RootsTech classes
only, including the Getting Started track for beginners.
Content presented at RootsTech should be applicable
to a general audience and nondenominational in
nature. Family Discovery Day is under the direction of
FamilySearch, and content for this event is not being
solicited in the call for presentations.
*Topics listed in each category are suggestions and are not meant to represent a comprehensive list.
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RootsTech 2016
RootsTech 2015
by the Numbers
RootsTech Attendee Info
LOCATION
49 states
39 countries
FAMILY HISTORY SKILL LEVEL
Beginner = 37%
Intermediate = 46%
Advanced/Professional = 17%
TECHNOLOGY SKILL LEVEL
Beginner = 19%
Intermediate = 59%
Advanced/Developer = 22%
A/P
B
I
B
A/P
I
GENDER DEMOGRAPHIC
Female = 66%
Male = 34%
AGE DEMOGRAPHIC
18–35 = 10%
36–45 = 15%
46–55 = 18%
56–65 = 28%
65+ = 29%
RootsTech 2015 Speaker Feedback
2015 SPEAKER SATISFACTION AT ROOTSTECH
93.45%
2015 SPEAKERS INTERESTED IN PRESENTING AT
ROOTSTECH 2016
93.44%
“Having such a concentrated assemblage of major genealogists
and enthusiasts creates an includible, receptive and excited audience.”
­—RootsTech 2015 Speaker
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RootsTech 2016
Endorsed Presentation Proposals
We welcome proposals endorsed by societies and
businesses. During the proposal submission process,
please indicate the endorsing organization. We ask that
sessions endorsed by an organization serve to educate
the attendees without requiring them to purchase a
particular product or service.
RootsTech Session Lengths
RootsTech is a 4-day conference with 60-minute class
sessions offered multiple times each day. New for 2016
is a half-day of classes offered on Wednesday, February 3.
RootsTech Session Types
Class presentations may be in one of the following
formats:
• Traditional Class Session: Up to two presenters
in a traditional class session focus on a single topic,
with time left at the end for questions and answers.
• Panel: Multiple speakers form a panel for a
collaborative presentation on a particular topic
or to answer questions from attendees. Although
the panel moderator is onsite at the conference,
panelists can include subject-matter experts in
remote locations who participate via Skype or
similar technology tools.
• Computer Lab: The presenter of a computer
workshop provides up to 70 attendees with
an interactive, hands-on, step-by-step training
experience using computers provided in a lab
environment. Attendees leave the lab with a finished
product or next steps. We caution computer lab
presenters on the following:
1.Attendees expect to have a hands-on
experience. This is not a lecture-based class
session.
2.A free version of software used during the
session should be available for RootsTech to
install on the computers in the lab.
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Favorite 2015
RootsTech Classes
Unite, Teach, and Inspire a Community
or Organization through Stories
The Power of Puzzilla
Impossible Immigrant! Exhausting Research to
Find an Ancestor’s Origins
Make History: A Guide to Helping Teens
Connect with Their Family History
How Old Did He Have to Be?
Meyer’s Gazetteer: Gateway to Germany
Research Your Swedish Ancestors in Living
Color Using ArkivDigital Online
Up in Smoke! What to Do When the
Courthouse Burns
A Sense of Belonging
Using Evernote as Your Primary Tool for
Capturing Notes and Ideas
“The large and
diverse audience makes
RootsTech stand out.”
—RootsTech 2015 Speaker
RootsTech 2016
Attendee Skill Profiles
Beginner
Family
History
Technology
Intermediate
Advanced
New to genealogy, beginners
need help learning how to
research family names, fill in
their family tree, and interview
living family members to
capture living memory. They
also need help discovering how
social media and other tools
further their family history
efforts.
Attendees with an intermediate
skill level in family history have
at least four generations in their
family tree and they understand
the basics of research, adding
sources, and mining data from
records. They are looking for tools
and resources to take them to the
next step in their research.
The advanced attendee is very
experienced in genealogy work.
They are looking for advanced
tools to help them break through
research brick walls, including
DNA science, regional research,
innovative strategies and best
practices from experts in the
industry.
Beginners have entry level
experience with technology
including basic uploading of
files, simple scanning, and basic
organization techniques. They
are interested in introductory
exposure to different products
to help them engage with
family history.
Intermediate attendees are
looking for technology tips and
tricks to expand their research
skills. They engage in classes
to help organize and preserve
their genealogy work including
face recognition technologies,
metadata, beyond basic search
skills, cloud storage, basic
publishing, and so forth.
With a high level of technology
training, attendees with
advanced skills attend
classes offering cutting-edge
technologies and in-depth
training from professionals both
in family history and technology
industries.
2015 Attendee Comments
Content Dos
5
Content Don’ts
“Good presentation that gave me a lot
ideas for my own research.”
“Quite a few infomercials for products
disguised as classes.”
“The presenter was knowledgeable and excited
about technology.”
“I didn't really learn anything new—
no hints or help.”
“Genealogical information
fire hose!”
“[The class] lacked depth. . .went around the
topic instead of what the title of the class
suggested.”
“It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more
about how to use technology with genealogy.”
“Even those classes advertised for
more experienced attendees were not
really advanced.”
RootsTech 2016
What to Expect in Return
Classroom Equipment
All speakers selected to present at RootsTech 2016
will receive:
In each classroom, RootsTech will supply:
• One complimentary RootsTech plus Innovator
Summit pass (value $269)
• One $15 lunch voucher for each day you are
speaking
• Access to the speaker ready room
While RootsTech does not pay speakers, we realize
it can be a financial commitment to be a speaker. To
help alleviate some of this burden, speakers traveling
50 miles or more (from their legal residence) to
attend RootsTech will receive the following for each
60 minute class session they teach:
• One hotel night*†
• $100 travel allowance†
In addition, each class is eligible to receive a $100
bonus if a score of 4.7 or higher is achieved. This
score will be a combined survey and mobile app
score based off the question, “How would you
rate this class?” (1–5 rating scale). RootsTech will
provide language for you as the speaker to share with
attendees about where and how to rate the class
session. Scores will be kept confidential and speakers
will be notified only if they receive the bonus.
• PC laptop computer
• Wired Internet connection
• Projector and screen
• 1 lavaliere microphone
• 1 handheld microphone
In addition, computer labs will be equipped with a
computer station and a wired Internet connection for
each attendee in the class.
All other equipment required for your presentation
must be supplied by you or the attendees in your
session. Please indicate in your course abstract
whether attendees will need to bring something with
them to the session. Attendees will have access to
wireless Internet in the classrooms at the Salt Palace;
however, connections are not always reliable or fast
because of the number of people on site at one time.
* It is preferred that speakers reserve their accommodations at one of the official RootsTech conference hotels.
† Endorsed speakers, including FamilySearch employees, are not eligible for hotel and travel allowances.
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RootsTech 2016
Syllabus Materials
In 2016 we will require all speakers to provide a
syllabus for their class sessions in a PDF format.
Syllabi will be posted on RootsTech.org for attendees
to preview and download. If printed copies of syllabus
materials or class handouts are needed, the presenter
is responsible to provide them.
Having syllabi available allows attendees to make
informed decisions about which classes to attend
during the conference. Presenters who do not submit
syllabi by the due date may not be invited to present
at future RootsTech conferences.
Recorded Sessions
We will select a number of class sessions to be
recorded for use on RootsTech.org and at remote
RootsTech events around the world in the year
following RootsTech 2016. These recorded sessions
will not be used for any other purpose. We will notify
you if your class is selected for recording. If you agree
to have your class recorded, you will sign a Release
to Record agreement and provide your presentation
slides, syllabus, and any class handouts in an editable
format such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.You
will be provided with a copy of the recording for
your own use as well.
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Expectations for
Speaking at RootsTech
Speakers will:
RootsTech will:
Provide a 60-minute class
session with relevant
content that informs,
educates, and motivates
attendees.
Provide a RootsTech pass,
and lunch vouchers,
travel allowance, and
hotel accommodations as
outlined on page 6.
Deliver a high-quality
electronic presentation
that is engaging and easy
to view on screen.
Supply a PC laptop, wired
internet connection,
projector and screen,
microphones, stage, and
podium.
Supply syllabus materials
in the format requested
and by the specified
deadline.
Provide a speakers’
ready room for on-site
preparation.
Assist in promoting the
conference wherever
possible (social media,
blog posts, and so forth).
Promote speakers,
in general, through
RootsTech advertising
and by digitally publishing
their syllabus materials.
RootsTech 2016
Submission Process
Proposals will be accepted on RootsTech.org
June 12–30, 2015. To submit your proposal, click
the submission link on the Call For Presentations
web page and provide the following information:
• Session Owner Profile: This is your contact
information as the session owner.
• Presentation Title: In 50 characters or less,
provide a descriptive title that tells attendees what
your class is about.
• Class Description: Using 1,000 characters
or less, describe your class session. The more
specific and focused your description is, the
better. Attendees prefer content depth rather than
breadth. The review team will use the description
to select the classes for the conference.
• Class “Tweet”: Using 140 characters or less,
provide a class abstract. This description will be
used in promoting your class to attendees on the
RootsTech website and in the printed conference
guide.
• Technology List: It is optional to provide a
list of technologies (apps, platforms, software,
gadgets, tools, hardware, and so on) that you are
spotlighting in your class. This should be the
technology attendees will learn how to use to
further their family history activities.
• Class Questions: Submit a list of five questions
your session will answer for attendees. For
example,“How do I use a census to add names to
my family tree?” Each question is limited to 400
characters.
• Class Category: From the list provided on page
2 (Discover, Preserve, Share), select the category
your topic fits best.
• Session Type: Using the descriptions on page 4,
indicate whether your class is a traditional class
session, panel, or computer lab.
• Skill Level (family history and technology):
Using the chart on page 5 indicate the prefered
skill level for your attendees. If your topic is
relevant to all skill levels, choose Beginner.
• Session Length: Select the session length
of your class. 60-minute presentations are the
standard for RootsTech.
• Endorsed Sessions: Indicate whether
your session is endorsed, and if so, provide
the endorsing company’s or organization’s
information. This is optional if you are submitting
your proposal as an individual.
• Proposed Speaker(s): If you are both the
session owner and the proposed speaker, you
can prefill the speaker form with your contact
information. If there are additional speakers
or panelists, add each one to the speaker list.
For each proposed speaker, include contact
information, email address, a 500 character bio,
and a summary of previous speaking experience.
Only add a proposed speaker if you have
confirmed their willingness to participate.
• Class Outline: It is optional to upload a class
outline (PDF or DOC) for the review team
to consider. This outline is not intended for
attendees’use.
Unless noted otherwise, all of the above information is required for your proposal. If you have all the required
information collected before starting, the submission process takes approximately 20–30 minutes. After you
have successfully completed the process, you will receive an email from RootsTech confirming your submission.
You can submit up to five presentation proposals.
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RootsTech 2016
Evaluation Criteria
The RootsTech content selection team reviews proposals and selects classes using the following criteria:
Relevance
Does the proposed session
help attendees discover,
preserve, or share their
family history?
Does technology play a
role in the implementation
of the topic discussed?
Does the topic speak to a
broad audience of family
history enthusiasts?
Innovation
Clarity
Are the ideas, methods, or
subjects timely and relevant
to attendees?
Is the intent of the session
clear and concise in the
abstract and title?
Is the subject matter
cutting-edge or engaging
with new technology ideas?
Are the learning objectives
well-defined?
Is the content fresh and
unique in the family history
industry (not repeated from
previous conferences)?
Is it clear what next steps
attendees can take after the
class?
Presenter
Is the presenter
knowledgeable and
experienced on the topic
submitted?
Will the presenter
engage the attendees in
the learning process?
Is the presenter careful in
the submission process
to meet all requirements
and willing to meet the
expectations if selected?
If your proposal is accepted, you will be given a window of time to review the speaker requirements and
timeline and accept the invitation to participate as a RootsTech 2016 speaker. These tasks will be completed
through the Speaker Resource Center (SRC).
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding the submission process or speaking at RootsTech 2016, please contact us at
[email protected].
“I liked the positive atmosphere and genuine desire to learn that was
apparent in so many attendees. I loved networking with other speakers
and finding ways that we can work together to accomplish similar goals.”
­—RootsTech 2015 Speaker
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©2015 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. A service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All rights reserved. English approval: 3/15. PD10053874