Genealogy is a fast growing market segment with broad consumer interest. The second annual RootsTech Conference brings genealogy technology users and consumer technology creators together to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of family history. Genealogy technology users at this conference are progressive, forward-thinking, and early adopters of devices and tools that simplify family history research. Technology creators include innovators, writers of code, developers, and other individuals who produce tools, services, and devices that could be used to simplify and increase involvement in family history.

Unique tracks will be offered that address the specific needs of genealogy technology users and technology innovators. We invite proposals that address technology challenges and solutions that have the potential to improve family history and genealogical research. Special emphasis will be placed on submissions that find ways for genealogy technology users and technology creators to work and interact together. Particular consideration will also be given to proposals that provide a hands-on or interactive experience, with presenters giving step-by-step approaches to using technology, software, hardware, algorithms, APIs, plug-ins, extensions, etc.

Possible session topics include:

GPS and geo-mapping
Mobile Devices
Social applications
Imaging and visualization
Gamification
Cloud-based solutions
Submissions are due by June 30, 2011, with an extended deadline of October 15, 2011 for limited, late-breaking technology research submissions.

Types of Sessions

Presentations: Classroom settings that engage participants.
Panels or Discussions: Formal panels of experts discussing specific topics, led by a facilitator.
Hands-on Workshops: Labs where attendees have hands-on experience in a specific task or objective.
Unconferencing: Informal, participant-led discusssion groups.
Submission Information

Proposals will be accepted online at RootsTech.org from May 25, 2011 through June 30, 2011. Complete submission guidelines will be available on the website at that time. Syllabus materials will be due from participating presenters on November 1, 2011.

Presenters participating in the RootsTech Conference will receive a complimentary conference registration and a syllabus. There is no monetary compensation for presenters at this conference. Out-of-state speakers selected to present four or more lectures will also receive hotel accommodations.

Community-Requested Session Topics

Check back frequently as the community weighs in on RootsTech session topics. Recent suggestions include: geo-mapping, setting up a blog, archiving, gene research, how technology can accelerate the research process, scanners, how tech gadgets can be used for genealogy, video podcasting, genealogy on a Mac, digitizing photographs and papers, voice recognition, and mobile apps.