Motivation Monday -- 2012 Conference Planning



 About now your only motivation may be to just get through the holidays. Let me distract you from that hustle and bustle for a minute. Go get your 2012 calendar.  If you don't have one yet (YIKES!), make note of this article.  My 2012 calendar is already filling up.  Oh, I don't mean the birthdays, anniversaries, society meetings and pesky annual exams.  I'm talking about the fun stuff -- the genealogical research vacations and conferences! 

Consider the conferences below, just to name a few.      

1. Roots Tech in Salt Lake City, 2-4 February 2012
2. *National Genealogical Society Conference in Cincinnati, 9-12 May 2012 (see previous blog article)
3. Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree in Burbank, 8-10 June 2012
4. *Federation of Genealogical Societies in Birmingham, 29 Aug - 1 Sep 2012

Have you attended a large genealogical conference?  I think every researcher should at least once. 

Why?

1. Lectures: dozens to choose from on a variety of topics and themes by presented by subject matter experts. Many sessions are taped so you can purchase the one you missed.
2. Luncheons and banquets: keynote speakers often have major announcements or provide an insiders view; meet other researchers from all over the world sitting right there at your table.  (Tip: great opportunity to pass out your business cards with your surname list)
3. Exhibit Hall:  talk directly to a wide variety of vendors including local/regional societies and repositories. (Tip:  lots of great freebies in the exhibit hall too)
4. Location: will the location of the conference entice you?  I mapped the proximity of Cincinnati to the three counties where my Ohio ancestors lived and it's only 60 miles!  All I need is my research plan and the hours and locations of the libraries and archives, etc. and I'm good to go.  Maybe you won't have a car so look for research sites within walking distance or by taxi.
5. Networking: the opportunities to talk to attendees, lecturers and vendors abound.  Don't be shy about attending solo - conference attendees are very gregarious and you'll make friends right away.
6. Sightseeing: don't leave your mate or kids behind.  While you're at the conference they can tour the local and regional sites and many private tours are arranged by the host society/organization.

Additional conferences are listed on:

• Geneabloggers.com
• Eastman's Online Genealogical Newsletter
• Cyndi's List
• Calendar link for conference number two and four above
• Genealogy Society: check the calendar if you are a member a society where your ancestors lived

If you have half a notion of attending one of the conferences listed above, I highly recommend you make your hotel reservations now. Host hotels fill up fast.  Several Root Cellar members will be attending Roots Tech and the Jamboree.  My husband and I will be attending the NGS Conference.  What about you - which conference will you be attending?  Post a comment below.

Reminder:  calendar the Root Cellar Spring Seminar with George G. Morgan, 31 March 2012.

* Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society is a member

Motivation Monday is just one of several blog themes suggested by Geneabloggers.  Get your ancestors noticed by thousands of blog readers.  Send a story and picture to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Icon Source:  deleket
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond