Although RootsTech 2026 has concluded, many of the sessions are now available on demand for free at RootsTech.org. Users can explore thousands of free online classes and create personalized watchlists of their interests to continue learning and discovering year-round. The RootsTech Online Expo Hall will be available until August 2026.
RootsTech 2026, the world’s largest family history celebration, successfully held its 16th annual event and offered new content in 23 languages. Hosted by FamilySearch, the event drew millions of people in person and online from 235 countries and territories and all 50 states. It offered more than 500 classes, keynotes, an expo hall with more than 200 exhibitors, and the popular Relatives at RootsTech interactive discovery activity. This global experience had millions of participants who made new family connections and viewed millions of ancestral relationships online. FamilySearch hosts RootsTech as part of its purpose to help individuals discover more about their heritage and make more family connections—past, present, and future.
Most Popular Classes
RootsTech 2026 featured more than 500 sessions and 200 expert-led classes. From AI to DNA to using the latest family discovery tools, the list of topics was extensive. Some of the most popular RootsTech 2026 classes were the following:
- “AI and Family History: Help or Hype?” by Andrew Redfern
- “DNA’s FAN Club: Using Shared Matches to Solve Genealogical Mysteries,” by Paula Williams
- “Ahórrate años de búsqueda: El poder del texto completo,” by Nancy Steffy Orellana Vidal Francisco and Javier Gómez
- “Da Hipótese ao Plano de Pesquisa: IA aplicada à Genealogia,” by Tatiana Marin
- “Finding Binkey: When Research Questions Become a Road Map to the Enslaved,” by Michael A. Willis
- “DNA Misconceptions,” by Kelli Bergheimer
- “Gravestone Symbols from A to Z,” by Cathy Wallace
RootsTech 2026 Keynote Speakers
RootsTech draws incredibly fascinating live and pre-recorded keynotes to its mainstage, which entertain and inspire its global in-person and online audience. Top actors, athletes, authors, explorers, and company leaders gathered on stage to share personal stories and insights that enlightened, uplifted, and contributed to this year’s theme, “Together.”
- Steve Rockwood. The CEO of FamilySearch International opened RootsTech 2026 with enthusiasm and perspective as the conference celebrated family and the theme of togetherness.
- Marlee Matlin. In her main-stage address, the Academy Award-winning actress and author proposed that inclusion is not just a social value—it is a historical responsibility.
- Tara Roberts. The scuba diver, storyteller, and National Geographic resident explorer shared her experience investigating African slave-trade shipwrecks worldwide and what it means to her to help bring those lost stories to light.
- Steve Young. The NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP was the Saturday keynote. He expounded on the role his family played in his remarkable success as a professional athlete and business owner, and answered questions about life, his career, and family history.
- Gardiner Brothers. In their pre-recorded virtual keynote, the world-renowned Irish dancers, who currently live in Nashville, Tennessee, returned to Ireland to explore family roots, uncover heritage, and reflect on identity, legacy, and ancestral stories. They also made a surprise in-person appearance in Salt Lake City, performing their signature Irish dance style to the RootsTech 2026 theme song, “Where You Belong.”
- Jessica Soho. The award-winning journalist and television host from the Philippines shared stories from her career in journalism, uncovering family history, genealogy, heritage, and untold stories that connect the past and the present.
- José Hernandez. The NASA astronaut and Mexican American engineer shared his journey to NASA, his migrant roots, and the family history that shaped his path—showing how heritage, resilience, and education can launch incredible dreams.
- Zico. The Brazilian football legend, celebrated worldwide for his skill and leadership on the field, shared his journey of determination and perseverance, inspiring viewers to explore their family stories.
RootsTech 2026 Forums
The annual RootsTech forums are popular events for those interested in staying up to date with emerging technologies in the field of family discovery. These forums featured panel discussions from industry leaders and subject-matter experts. Watch this year’s forums:
- FamilySearch Global and Tech Forum 2026. Leaders from FamilySearch International showcased new features and highlights from around the globe that are helping increase family discoveries and connections.
- RootsTech Innovation and Tech Forum 2026. Industry innovators gathered to reveal the latest technology advancements created to simplify your family discovery experience.
Family Discovery Day 2026
Family Discovery Day is a live event for families, offering fun activities and inspiring sessions. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, spoke about coming unto Christ by uniting families for eternity.