Prepping for RootsTech

It's that time of year! RootsTech is about 6 months away and the emails are going out notifying speakers and ambassadors that they've been accepted. I am happy to announce that I have been invited to be an official RootsTech ambassador! I will be blogging before, during and after the event. I will also be holding a contest where I will be giving away to a lucky reader a free 4-day pass to RootsTech. Stay tuned for details in a later blog post.

Hotels for the RootsTech block are on sale and I recommend you start booking your travel accommodations now.  Check out the RootsTech page on what hotels are participating in group conference rates. I personally had to call the Marriott this week to have them honor the conference rate and they did so. Don't give up hope if your first choice is showing unavailable online.

I have a couple of tips as you start booking your travel:

1. The Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson are the closest hotels to the Salt Palace Convention Center with the Marriott being directly across the street and the Radisson and Hilton around the corner. The Plaza Hotel is adjacent to the Family History Library. Depending on where you expect to spend most of your time.

2. Salt Lake City downtown is very easy to walk. I felt very safe walking around and spotting my fellow genealogists with their RootsTech badges and tote bags. Most places were easy to walk to so don't worry about getting a rental car.

3. Check your airline rewards accounts. I checked one of mine recently and after buying more points, I found that I was able to get my flight for half the price of a regular flight! You may need to adjust your travel times to make the flight a bit cheaper.

4. Don't forget to also check your hotel rewards accounts to see if you can get a less expensive rate than the conference rate.

5. Check rates on travel aggregator sites like Orbitz, Expedia, etc. I was able to save a few hundred dollars last year combining my hotel and airline. The only drawback was no free breakfast at the hotel (which I basically skipped to get on with my day quicker and eat a more hardy lunch).

6. If time permits, save some time for research at the Family History Library. I will have a whole day there and it's definitely worth it. Get there early when it's not as crowded. Please note that if you don't go before or during the conference, the library is closed on Sundays.

What are your favorite tips for travelling to RootsTech?

I hope to see you there!

Disclaimer: I am an Ambassador for RootsTech 2018. I provide blog posts (in my own words), and social media coverage from now until after the conference. In return, I have free admission to RootsTech.