RootsTech 2019 is right around the corner, February 27 to March 2, 2019, and there are so many exciting reasons to attend! With more than 30,000 people expected to make the trek to Salt Lake City and the Salt Palace Convention Center, RootsTech has quickly become one of the largest and most recognizable genealogy conferences in the world.

“This is the best family history conference,” said Curt Witcher, senior manager at the Allen County Public Library. “And it’s not necessarily because it’s the biggest, even though it is the biggest—awesome number of vendors, awesome number of attendees that you can network with and interact with. But it’s a different model, to have a day start with keynoters that aren’t necessarily talking about research methodology but talking about life and the impact of story.”

In a recent blog post, we examined “9 Reasons to Attend RootsTech 2019,” but there are more! Here are five more reasons you won’t want to miss the upcoming conference:

Feel the Excitement of the Opening Event

We’re excited to announce that the world-famous a cappella group the Edge Effect will be performing at RootsTech 2019 during the opening event. The event will take place on the main stage on Wednesday, February 27, directly following a keynote address by Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International. The Edge Effect, which travels the world performing covers and original pieces, is sure to excite and entertain RootsTech attendees. The group’s music covers a wide variety of styles. They’ll also be sharing their family heritage stories during their performance.

You can hear some of their music on their website or on their YouTube channel.

Be Entertained by Jason Hewlett as Host and Emcee

We’re thrilled to announce that Jason Hewlett will be returning to the RootsTech stage as host and emcee for the third time. Hewlett, the multitalented speaker, entertainer, comedian, and impressionist, will bring his family-friendly antics to the stage to entertain RootsTech attendees during the daily general sessions.

Take Advantage of the Family History Library

Located a block north of the Salt Palace Convention Center, the Family History Library offers a host of records, genealogical publications, documents, and research guides from more than 100 countries. Bring your unsolvable genealogy dilemmas, and spend some time with experienced genealogists who are willing to help you find that missing ancestor.

Solve Tough Problems at the Coaches’ Corner

For the third year at RootsTech, we’ll have certified genealogists on hand to help you find answers to your toughest questions! Located in the RootsTech Expo Hall, the Coaches’ Corner will be a place where you can spend some time researching and collaborating with professionals trained to help you break through brick walls. This type of one-on-one expert help is something you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy Free Lunch on Wednesday

On Wednesday, free box lunches on large food carts throughout the main concourse will be offered during the lunch hour while the Expo Hall and food areas are under construction. Please feel free to help yourself to a lunch and enjoy some networking time with friends and colleagues. Seating will be available in the main stage area. If you choose not to take a boxed lunch, you can enjoy a number of restaurants within walking distance of the Salt Palace. For a complete list of restaurants available in downtown Salt Lake City, click here.

Whatever your reasons for attending, make sure to register for RootsTech 2019. It will be an experience you won’t want to miss!