Genealogy conference bling is something that I first learnt about at RootsTech 2013 as it’s not something that we do in Australia, though I’d love it if the idea was picked up, but somehow I doubt it. Anyway I find that the conference bling is part of what makes the conference so much fun.

Blogger beads, conference ribbons, badges (or buttons at the US folk like to call them), and ever wristbands it’s all part of it! And here’s my stash of conference bling from RootsTech 2015 …

Thursday 12th of February was the first day of RootsTech. The first day that talks started, and the first day that the Expo Hall was open for business. And to say it was a crazy day would be an understatement. The place was swarming with people.

The day started early with my roommate Helen Smith and I up early to be in time for the Geneablogger Tour of the Expo Hall at 7.30am. Paul Nauta from FamilySearch was our tour guide, and lead a bunch of maybe 40-50 bloggers around explaining how there was over 180 exhibitors, and based on those who had pre-registered for RootsTech, they come from 37 different countries.

Wednesday the 11th of February was setup day for exhibitors at RootsTech. Wednesday the 11th of February was also the first of four days of the FGS conference.

Going as an exhibitor (Unlock the Past Cruises), obviously my focus was the setting up of the stand. I must say that having been involved in exhibitions for many, many years, the actual setting up is often a drag, but seeing the setup, and everything getting organised is really exciting.

The FGS Conference runs for four days (Wednesday-Saturday), while the RootsTech one is three (Thursday-Saturday). So with a day to spare before set up and the FGS Conference talks start, it was nice to have a quiet day (which in some respects probably translates to trying to get over jetlag).

So after a good sleep, and yummy buffet breakfast, it was off to wander Salt Lake City and see what I could see.