In this virtual event, Ancestry’s Corporate Genealogist, Crista Cowan, guides viewers through the landscape of genealogical conferences and events for 2026. Crista opens by emphasizing that while educational classes are valuable, the primary benefits of attending these events often lie in the community atmosphere, networking with fellow family historians, and exploring exhibit halls filled with unique vendors like StoryWorth and Family Chart Masters. The key objective of the session is to help researchers of all levels identify which major national or local events best align with their research goals, highlighting how these gatherings provide opportunities to break through brick walls by connecting with archivists and professional genealogists.
The presentation follows a clear roadmap, beginning with why a researcher should attend a conference before diving into a detailed preview of the Big Four conferences Ancestry sponsors: RootsTech, NGS, IAJGS, and AAHGS. Crista provides specific details on RootsTech in Salt Lake City, noting its massive hybrid format and proximity to the FamilySearch Library. Crista also covers the National Genealogical Society (NGS) conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which will celebrate the America 250 theme near the Allen County Public Library. The session also covers specialized events like the fully virtual International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) conference and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) annual meeting, concluding with tips on finding local society events and using Ancestry’s education page for ongoing learning.
Chapters:
- Why Attend a Conference?
- RootsTech: The Global Gathering
- National Genealogical Society (NGS)
- Specialized Conferences
- Finding Local & Online Education
Visit ancestry.com/education to register for upcoming virtual events! 2026 is the perfect year to connect either in person or virtually with the family history community.