RootsTech 2026

Coordination Dashboard — GMC / Interactive TV

Mar 6–8, 2026 Salt Palace, Salt Lake City
Key Reminder: Finale rehearsal Friday 5:00 PM (30 min) • Be backstage by 11:45 AM Saturday for General Session 3 finale stage appearance
Together

Bringing people together across generations, cultures, and continents through family history.

⚠ Action Required
🎤
Friday, Mar 7 — 5:00 PM General Session 3 Finale Rehearsal (30 min). All FamilySearch Coordinators & Captains in jackets.
🏟️
Saturday, Mar 8 — Be backstage by 11:45 AM General Session 3 finale. You + your jacket = representing hundreds of volunteers on stage.
📻
Pick up radio from Tree House (Room 254) Look for your name (alphabetical by first name). Hold mic button, wait 1 second, then speak.
Main Stage Keynotes
THU
Marlee Matlin Academy Award-winning actress • FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood opens event
FRI
Tara Roberts National Geographic Explorer • Uncovering stories of African American slaves
SAT
Steve Young NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback • Family Discovery Day • Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Virtual Keynotes (Live on RootsTech.org)
Jessica Soho Philippines • Broadcast journalist
Zico Brazil • Soccer legend
Gardiner Brothers Ireland • World Champion Irish Dancers
Jose Hernandez California • Migrant worker turned astronaut
Event At A Glance
180+ Exhibitors 40+ Languages Relatives at RootsTech Online Expo Hall Family Discovery Day In-Depth Forums FamilySearch 101 Series Innovation & Tech Forum RootsTech 2027: Mar 4-6
Locations
RootsTech Studio Main Stage Buddhist Temple (Base Camp) Tree House — Room 254 FamilySearch Library
Meal/Break
Studio Time
B-roll / Video Filming
Rehearsal / Training
Interview
General Session
Key Deadline
Tue Mar 4
Wed Mar 5
Thu Mar 6 ★
Fri Mar 7 ★
Sat Mar 8 ★
TUESDAY, MARCH 4 — Pre-Production Day 1 (B-roll Filming)
7:00 AM
Breakfast
Buddhist Temple
9:00 AM
Orientation & Walkthrough
Meet at Salt Shaker
10:00 AM
Introduction to Main Stage and Virtual Keynotes
Main Stage • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese) • Filming order: 10:00 Denise → 10:15 Nicole → 10:30 Isaac+Janella → 10:45 Junior → 11:00 Rosca/Hannah → 11:15 Hiromi → 11:30 Jin Young → 11:45 Katrina
12:00 PM
Lunch
Buddhist Temple
12:45 PM
Travel to Location
1:00 PM
Interview Training
FSL Classroom B
2:00 PM
Refresh for Filming
2:15 PM
Visit to the FamilySearch Library
FamilySearch Library • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese) • Filming order: 2:15 Isaac+Janella → 2:30 Nicole → 2:45 Junior → 3:00 Rosca → 3:15 Jin Young → 3:30 Hiromi → 3:45 Katrina → 4:00 Denise → 4:15 Hannah
5:30 PM
Est. Wrap Time
5:45 PM
Drive Nicole to Recording
6:00 PM
Isaac Rehearsal 6–8 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 — Pre-Production Day 2 (Main B-roll Filming)
7:00 AM
Breakfast
Buddhist Temple • H&MU Available
8:00 AM
English/French GS Intros
RootsTech Studio • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese) • Isaac + Janella / Rosca
8:30 AM
Election Night TV Training
RootsTech Studio
9:30 AM
Welcome to RootsTech 2026
RootsTech Studio • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese) • Filming order: 9:30 Isaac+Janella → 9:45 Nicole → 10:00 Junior → 10:15 Rosca → 10:30 Denise → 10:45 Hannah → 11:15 Hiromi → 11:30 Katrina
11:00 AM
Family Discovery Day (Video)
RootsTech Studio • Jin Young (11:00) → Hiromi (11:15) → Katrina (11:30)
12:30 PM
Online Expo Hall Tour
RootsTech Studio • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese) • Filming order: 12:30 Isaac+Janella → 12:45 Nicole/Junior/Rosca → 1:00 Denise/Hannah → 1:15 Katrina → 1:30 Jin Young/Hiromi
1:45 PM
Discover RootsTech Classes
RootsTech Studio
3:00 PM
Interviews with Kirby
Isaac + Janella / Junior
3:30 PM
Visit to FamilySearch & Homeland Booths
RootsTech Studio • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese) • 3:30 Isaac+Janella/Ann Metcalf → 3:45 Katrina/??? → 4:00 Denise/Andrew Trexler → 4:15 Hannah/Henriette Baumann → 4:30 Hiromi/Hiroko Biesinger → 4:45 Jin Young/Hyewon Lee
5:00 PM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior + Nicole • 5:00 Junior/Jairo Lopez & Amalia Para → 5:15 Rosca/Gilles François → 5:30 Nicole/Daniel Dornelles
5:45 PM
Isaac Rehearsal 5–8 PM
6:00 PM
Est. Wrap Time
Korean and ASL Interpreters Needed
THURSDAY, MARCH 6 — Conference Day 1 ★
7:00 AM
Breakfast
Buddhist Temple • H&MU Available
7:30 AM
Meet up at Fishbowl
7:45 AM
Event Kick off with ALL Emcees!
RootsTech Studio
8:00 AM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior
8:30 AM
Africa Studio Time
Rosca and Nicole • Nicole Rehearsal on stage
9:15 AM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior
10:00 AM
North America Studio Time
Isaac
10:15 AM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior
11:00 AM
Watch General Session 1
Main Stage • Nicole on Stage
12:00 PM
Live General Session 1 Recap
RootsTech Studio • Denise, Hannah, Katrina
1:00 PM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior and Nicole
1:30 PM
Africa Studio Time
Janella and Isaac
2:15 PM
ASL Studio Time
Katrina
2:30 PM
Break
Greenroom
3:00 PM
AED Interviews
Isaac and Hiromi • Isaac Rehearsal 3–5
3:30 PM
Europe Studio Time
Marco's Team
4:15 PM
Africa Studio Time
Janella / Isaac
4:45 PM
APAC Studio Time
Hiromi
5:00 PM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior and Nicole
6:00 PM
Est. Wrap Time
FRIDAY, MARCH 7 — Conference Day 2 ★
7:00 AM
Breakfast
Buddhist Temple • H&MU Available
7:30 AM
Junior, Janella, Isaac Stage Rehearsal
8:00 AM
Thank You for Attending RootsTech 2026 & See You at RootsTech 2027
Overlook Area by South Escalator • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese) • Filming order: 7:30 Jin Young/Hiromi → 7:50 Katrina/Hannah → 8:00 Rosca → 8:10 Denise → 8:15 Isaac+Janella → 8:20 Junior/Nicole
9:30 AM
Break
Greenroom
10:00 AM
Jonathan Wing Interview
Janella and Isaac
10:15 AM
AED Interviews
Denise and Isaac
10:45 AM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior
11:00 AM
Watch General Session 2
Main Stage • Junior on Stage (11:00) • Janella on Stage (11:30)
12:00 PM
Live General Session 2 Recap
RootsTech Studio • Denise, Hannah, Katrina
1:00 PM
LatAm Studio Time + Nicole Rehearsal
Junior
1:15 PM
Keynote Interview
Janella (lunch brought for Janella) • Need lunch brought for Junior
1:30 PM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior and Nicole
2:45 PM
Break
Greenroom
3:15 PM
Europe Studio Time
Marco's Team
4:15 PM
LatAm Studio Time
Nicole
4:00 PM
Isaac Rehearsal 4–5 PM
4:45 PM
ASL Studio Time
Katrina
5:00 PM
FINALE REHEARSAL — ALL ON STAGE
30 minutes • All FamilySearch Coordinators/Captains in jackets required
6:00 PM
Est. Wrap Time
SATURDAY, MARCH 8 — Conference Day 3 — Final Day ★
7:00 AM
Breakfast
Buddhist Temple
7:30 AM
Give Away Rehearsal
8:00 AM
LatAm Studio Time
Junior
8:00 AM
Thank You / See You at RootsTech 2027 Filming
Overlook Area • Jin Young (7:30), Katrina/Hannah (7:50), Rosca (8:00), Denise (8:10), Isaac+Janella (8:15), Junior/Nicole (8:20)
8:30 AM
Nicole Rehearsal on Stage
8:45 AM
North America Studio Time
Isaac
9:00 AM
Break
Greenroom
9:30 AM
ASL Studio Time
Katrina
10:00 AM
LatAm Studio Time
Nicole
10:15 AM
APAC Studio Time
Janella
11:00 AM
Watch General Session 3
Main Stage • Steve Young Keynote • Elder Rasband • Isaac/Nicole on Stage (11:30) • All on Stage (11:45)
11:45 AM
BE BACKSTAGE BY 11:45 AM
All Coordinators & Captains in jackets • Finale stage appearance during closing song
12:00 PM
Live General Session 3 Recap
Junior • Nicole, Isaac + Janella also on stage
12:30 PM
Wrap-up notes
Denise, Hannah, Katrina wrapping up • Isaac gone for good
1:00 PM
Lunch
Greenroom
1:30 PM
Watch Family Discovery Day General Session
Main Stage • Rosca backstage
2:00 PM
Denise on Stage
3:00 PM
Est. Event Wrap Time!

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

3:45 • Wed Mar 5, 9:30 AM • RootsTech Studio • Teleprompter ALL

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

9:30 AM
Isaac + Janella
9:45 AM
Nicole
10:00 AM
Junior
10:15 AM
Rosca
10:30 AM
Denise
10:45 AM
Hannah
11:15 AM
Hiromi
11:30 AM
Katrina
🎬

Introduction to Main Stage and Virtual Keynotes

1:40 • Tue Mar 4, 10:00 AM • Main Stage • Teleprompter ALL (Korean/Japanese)

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

10:00 AM
Denise
10:15 AM
Nicole
10:30 AM
Isaac + Janella
10:45 AM
Junior
11:00 AM
Rosca / Hannah
11:15 AM
Hiromi
11:30 AM
Jin Young
11:45 AM
Katrina
🎬

Discover RootsTech Classes

1:45 • Wed Mar 5, 1:45 PM • RootsTech Studio

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

1:30 • Wed Mar 5, 12:30 PM • RootsTech Studio • Teleprompter ALL

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

12:30 PM
Isaac + Janella
12:45 PM
Nicole, Junior, Rosca
🎬

Visit to the FamilySearch Library

2:15 • Tue Mar 4, 2:15 PM • FamilySearch Library • Teleprompter ALL

[B-roll of FamilySearch Library visit]

Filming Order (Tue Mar 4)

2:15 PM
Isaac + Janella
2:30 PM
Nicole
2:45 PM
Junior
3:00 PM
Rosca
3:15 PM
Jin Young
3:30 PM
Hiromi
3:45 PM
Katrina
4:00 PM
Denise
4:15 PM
Hannah
🎬

Visit to FamilySearch & Homeland Booths

~1 min + Q&A • Wed Mar 5, 3:30 PM • RootsTech Studio • Teleprompter ALL

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)

3:30 PM
Isaac + Janella — Ann Metcalf
3:45 PM
Katrina — guest TBD (???)
4:00 PM
Denise — Andrew Trexler
4:15 PM
Hannah — Henriette Baumann
4:30 PM
Hiromi — Hiroko Biesinger
4:45 PM
Jin Young — Hyewon Lee
5:00 PM
Junior — Jairo Lopez, Amalia Para
5:15 PM
Rosca — Gilles François
5:30 PM
Nicole — Daniel Dornelles
🎬

Family Discovery Day

1:25 • Wed Mar 5, 11:00 AM • RootsTech Studio

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

2:20 • Fri Mar 7 & Sat Mar 8, 8:00 AM • Overlook Area by South Escalator

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

7:30
Jin Young, Hiromi
7:50
Katrina, Hannah
8:00
Rosca
8:10
Denise
8:15
Isaac + Janella
8:20
Junior, Nicole
🎬

See You at RootsTech 2027

1:20 • Same shoot as Thank You video • Overlook Area

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.

Radio Assignment

Pickup Location

Tree House — Salt Palace Room 254
Radios on tables in chargers, labeled by first name (alphabetical order)

Operating Instructions

1
Find your labeled radio in Room 254 (Tree House)
2
Ensure the radio is charged before heading out
3
To speak: Press and hold the microphone button
4
Wait 1 full second after pressing before speaking
5
Speak clearly, release button when done

Contact

Cyndi Sheffield-Buhler and Kathryn Charles
See attached PPTX for full radio instructions

General Session 3 Finale Participation

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.

Emcee Team
Isaac
English / North America
Janella
English / APAC
Nicole
English / ASL
Junior
LatAm (Portuguese)
Rosca
Africa / French
Hannah
Europe
Katrina
ASL
Hiromi
APAC / Japanese
Jin Young
APAC / Korean
Denise
English / North America
Marco's Team
Europe
Base Camp (Buddhist Temple) Hours

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
Key Info

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