Bringing people together across generations, cultures, and continents through family history.
All videos below are part of the RootsTech 2026 Interactive TV B-roll package. Teleprompter available for ALL in Korean and Japanese unless noted. Click any video to expand the full script.
Welcome to RootsTech 2026
Welcome to RootsTech 2026! My name is __________, one of this year's ten global emcees, here to guide you through the many incredible experiences we have planned for our worldwide audience. You are joining me in the brand-new RootsTech Studio.
This year's theme is "Together," which was chosen to reflect one of the most important aspects of RootsTech: bringing people together across generations, cultures, and continents through family history.
Over the next three days, we will learn about RootsTech classes (available in over 40 languages), our inspirational live and virtual keynote speakers, the FamilySearch Experiences you can participate in, and meet our many amazing exhibitors, societies, archivists, and sponsors!
Exciting opportunities are in store, including Relatives at RootsTech, the vibrant Expo Hall—both online and in-person, in-depth expert forums, and of course Family Discovery Day.
Navigation Guide: Tap the globe icon to change language & find regional pages. Use tabs at top for Class Schedule, Speakers, Expo Hall, Watch Videos, and Help (? icon).
Filming Order
Introduction to Main Stage and Virtual Keynotes
Hello, RootsTech family! Welcome to the main stage for RootsTech 2026. Each year, exciting keynotes take the stage at RootsTech!
Thursday: Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin
Friday: National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts
Saturday: NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Steve Young
During each General Session, you will hear messages from our platinum sponsors about their newest innovations, and FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood will kick off the event on Thursday.
Virtual Keynotes from Philippines (Jessica Soho), Brazil (Zico), Ireland (Gardiner Brothers — Michael & Matthew), and California (Jose Hernandez). Now live on RootsTech.org!
Filming Order
Discover RootsTech Classes
As people from all over the world come together for RootsTech 2026, we're excited to share some of the classes you can explore this year! This year, RootsTech is offering hundreds of new online sessions, taught in more than a dozen languages.
For online audience: Recommended sessions by homeland. [Insert by homeland]
New this year: FamilySearch 101 series — basics on beginning your family tree on FamilySearch.org
Find sessions at RootsTech.org → RootsTech Event → Class Schedule (sort by online/in-person, by day). Browse past classes under Watch Videos (filter by year, skill level, content type, speaker).
*(English, ASL, Spanish & Portuguese versions needed)
Online Expo Hall Tour
RootsTech has grown tremendously over the last 16 years. This global reach wouldn't be possible without our industry partners! In the Expo Hall, exhibitors share exciting new innovations and products.
This year, more than 180 sponsors, exhibitors, and societies have joined us in person. All now have online booth pages! Currently in English only—use browser auto-translation (e.g., Google Chrome).
Search for companies you know, or browse tags like Technology, DNA, or Storytelling. Many exhibitor pages feature videos, classes, demonstrations, live chat, and exclusive promotional deals.
Filming Order
Visit to the FamilySearch Library
[B-roll of FamilySearch Library visit]
Filming Order (Tue Mar 4)
Visit to FamilySearch & Homeland Booths
Hey, RootsTech family! We've left our home in the RootsTech Studio for just a moment to show you what this year's FamilySearch—Homeland Booth experience looks like here in Salt Lake City!
These booths were created to help connect you with people who can support you in your part of the world. The FamilySearch booth has interactive activities, expert guidance, and tools to help you preserve memories and make connections.
Potential Interview Talking Points: What is a FamilySearch homeland? What makes your homeland unique for family history? What records/resources are most common? How does FamilySearch work with local communities? Challenges in researching from your region? Story of someone who discovered a meaningful connection?
Interview Guests (Wed Mar 5)
Family Discovery Day
RootsTech is all about family, and there's no better way to end this incredible conference than with Family Discovery Day—a celebration that places families at the heart of it all. Designed to be experienced together and inspire and empower people of all ages.
We're honored to welcome Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband. They will share messages about uniting families for eternity through Jesus Christ.
We'll also enjoy a special presentation from the British Pageant, which brings to life the true story of Sister Rasband's ancestor's legacy of faith and sacrifice.
Family Discovery Day also offers classes, FamilySearch tools, and experiences for everyone—young or old.
Thank You for Attending RootsTech 2026
Hi, RootsTech family! Wow, what a conference this has been. RootsTech 2026 has truly been a time of learning, and growth together.
Keynote highlights: Marlee Matlin (breaking barriers), Tara Roberts (uncovering lost stories of African American slaves), Steve Young (love and strength from family and teamwork).
Virtual keynotes from Brazil, Philippines, Mexico to America, and Ireland—sharing stories that unite us no matter where we live.
The expo hall buzzed with innovation. Classes in the latest family history advancements. Family Discovery Day and Relatives at RootsTech brought families together in powerful ways.
Visit RootsTech.org to revisit your favorite sessions or catch anything you missed. Together, we can make family discovery a shared journey for generations to come!
Filming Order
See You at RootsTech 2027
Hi, RootsTech family! What an amazing experience this year has been—a true celebration of connection, discovery, and the power of family and working together.
RootsTech 2026 highlights: unforgettable main stage moments, surprise performance by the Gardiner Brothers, 7 keynote speakers, classes in over 13 languages, expo hall innovations, FamilySearch Forums.
RootsTech 2027: March 4–6, 2027
Registration opens in September! Visit RootsTech.org to revisit your favorite sessions or catch anything you missed.
Together, we can make family discovery a shared journey for generations to come.
Pickup Location
Tree House — Salt Palace Room 254
Radios on tables in chargers, labeled by first name (alphabetical order)
Operating Instructions
Contact
Cyndi Sheffield-Buhler and Kathryn Charles
See attached PPTX for full radio instructions
You are invited to be on stage during the final song of General Session 3 on Saturday, March 8!
Who
All FamilySearch Coordinators and Captains — wear your jacket
Rehearsal
Friday, March 7 at 5:00 PM — 30 minutes
Reply if you cannot make it
Day-of Call Time
Saturday, March 8 — Backstage by 11:45 AM
Significance
You in your jacket will represent the hundreds of people you've been leading through the event. A meaningful way to say goodbye to RootsTech 2026.
Conference Days (Thu–Sat)
- Breakfast: 5:30–8:00 AM
- Break: 5:30–8:00 AM (varies by day)
- Lunch: 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
- Dinner: 5:00–6:30 PM
Dress Code (Interpreters)
- Women alternate Purple / Blue by day
- Men alternate Blue / Purple by day
- Thu: Women Purple, Men Blue
- Fri: Women Blue, Men Purple
- Sat: Women Purple, Men Blue
Conference Dates
Thursday–Saturday, March 6–8, 2026
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City
Pre-Production
Tuesday Mar 4 & Wednesday Mar 5
Buddhist Temple Base Camp
RootsTech Studio
Home base for online emcee segments, interviews, and live recaps
RootsTech 2027
March 4–6, 2027 • Registration opens September 2026
Help During Event
RootsTech.org → ? icon → Live Chat available during conference
Or reach out to another attendee