RootsTech 2023 features keynotes, activities, hundreds of classes

For the first time in three years, thousands attended RootsTech in person in Utah, and many more participated online March 2-4.

The three-day global family history event in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City featured a list of celebrity keynotes, fun activities, a bustling expo hall and hundreds of informative classes, which will continue to be available online for the rest of the year at RootsTech.org.

This year’s theme focused on “Uniting,” said Jen Allen, director of events for FamilySearch.

“This year we are uniting, specifically uniting families — past, present and future,” Allen said in a video interview. “It has been an incredible growth ... and it feels perfect as we emerge out of that virtual-only experience and bring people together not just here, but all over the world.”

RootsTech organizers sought to enhance the online experience by localizing content for all regions of the world. They incorporated 15 emcees from various cultures and backgrounds who speak 11 languages to help customize content for people following RootsTech around the world.

“We have been getting better at tailoring the content in a local way to help individuals wherever they are around the world make the connections through family history that will ultimately lead to uniting families,” said Jonathan Wing, RootsTech product manager.

RootsTech keynote speakers

Audiences were treated to a strong list of keynote speakers during RootsTech.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, filmed their visits to several locations in Hawaii where his family lived, as well as places in Ireland where Sister Gong’s ancestors lived, as part of Family Discovery Day. Their presentation also featured a music video with singer Alex Sharpe of Celtic Woman.

On Thursday, March 2, Jordin Sparks, a multiplatinum recording artist, actress and former winner of “American Idol,” shared her personal story and performed four musical numbers. Watch her keynote at RootsTech.org.

Steve Rockwood, president and CEO of FamilySearch, focused on how to unite past, present and future family.

On Friday, March 3, Me Ra Koh, a prominent portrait photographer, shared her story about overcoming adversity to find hope and how to be a living portrait of resilience.

“This idea that history is alive, it’s alive in us, and what your great-great-great grandparent did actually might have meaning for you,” Astin said.

There was a surprise guest who appeared on the final day of RootsTech. Adassa, who plays the voice of Dolores in the Disney animated feature film “Encanto,” appeared on stage with Chad Truman and performed with the One Voice Children’s Choir.