Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Sister Susan Gong will be the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day on the final day of RootsTech, the global family history gathering taking place virtually and in person March 2–4, 2023.
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Elder and Sister Gong’s presentation will be broadcast on Saturday, March 4, at 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time), on RootsTech.org, RootsTech on YouTube, Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Gospel Library app.
What Is Family Discovery Day?
RootsTech is hosted each year by FamilySearch International and supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help people unite and draw strength from their families — past, present and future.
Family Discovery Day is a one-day event during RootsTech designed specifically for Latter-day Saints.
This year’s theme for RootsTech is “Uniting” — uniting people, traditions, stories, memories, technology, innovation, communities and families.
“Sometimes we think our decisions affect only ourselves,” said Elder Gong. “Discovering our family reminds us otherwise. We are more connected in our generations than we usually think.”
“The stories we preserve and share through generations can have a lasting impact on our hearts and minds,” added Sister Gong. She hopes discovering, recording and sharing family stories will help people “gain greater appreciation for the struggles, courage, faith and sacrifice of those who have gone before.”
“I love the fact that family discovery adventures do not have a beginning or an end,” said Elder Gong. “These adventures continue in both directions uniting family past and family future.”
- Learn more about sessions created specifically for Latter-day Saints on RootsTech.org.
- Learn about the 2023 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction.
Registration for the entire three days of RootsTech is now open at RootsTech.org. Millions of virtual and in-person attendees are expected to participate March 2–4, 2023, for inspiring keynote addresses, instructive classes, innovative technologies, and the ability to connect people to their family.
“Families are the foundation of society,” said FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood last October. “Connecting and uniting families across generations strengthens individuals and nations alike. We are amazed and gratified to see the role RootsTech has been able to play in helping literally millions of individuals connect with their family, past, present and future.”
As an international conference, RootsTech therefore offers an experience for people worldwide. With currently more than 800 contributions in languages from European countries on family history, culture, and heritage, it is becoming increasingly easy for Europeans and their descendants to learn more about themselves and their origins. Every year, the growing video library is expanded with content from all over the world in many languages.
This year, RootsTech includes an in-person event in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City to complement its online experience.
Join RootsTech Online or Attend in Person
The free online event features:
- 200-plus new on-demand class sessions and classes
- Main stage presentations and keynote speakers
- Chat support and online research consultations
- Connection with cousins using Relatives at RootsTech and messaging
- Virtual expo hall
The three-day, in-person experience at the Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, is $98. It includes access to the virtual option, and:
- 180-plus in-person class sessions with Q&As
- In-person research help at the FamilySearch Library
- Hands-on sponsor demonstrations in the expo hall
- Connection with friends and cousins in person
- Meal options and refreshments
Access to the expo hall in Salt Lake City is free and will include more than 200 exhibitors, product demonstrations and interactions with research specialists.
“For those of you questioning whether to join us virtual or in person, the best part about this year is you get to choose how you join us,” said Jen Allen, director of events at FamilySearch in the live RootsTech Q&A in September 2022. “We hope you will come to Salt Lake if you’re able, but if you aren’t, the virtual experience is going to be incredible. We cannot wait to connect with all of you all over the world.”
As an international conference, RootsTech therefore offers an experience for people worldwide. With currently more than 800 contributions in languages from European countries on family history, culture, and heritage, it is becoming increasingly easy for Europeans and their descendants to learn more about themselves and their origins. Every year, the growing video library is expanded with content from all over the world in many languages.
For more information about RootsTech 2023, visit RootsTech.org. To help learn more about the registration options and process, see the live question-and-answer session on Facebook.