A little while back I wrote a post that listed what I wanted to accomplish at RootsTech. Let's see how I did:
1. Try not to get food poisoning this time. I was 100% successful in putting food in my mouth and not having it come back out again. It was grand.
2. Get an education on British genealogy resources. On Wednesday, I attended a class at the Family History Library on lesser known British records. It was taught by industry rock star and friend Audrey Collins. I also talked to Audrey on the exhibit floor. She gave me some advice on my Cornwall interests.
3. Get my book editing questions answered. This went really well. I took my long list of editing questions to Biff and Nancy Barnes at Stories to Tell Books. They patiently answered all my questions and talked me off the ledge. I left with a plan. This interaction alone made the trip worthwhile.
4. Work through my FHL list. I didn't get through as much of this list as I would have liked. I probably needed a week to do so. However, I did make a dent, get one real answer and several clues and hunches.
5. Learn something new in some sessions. I did something I didn't think I would do: I went to three developer sessions. This is generally out of my league, but I was able to follow along just fine. I also spent some time at the demo theater in the exhibit hall learning about new (to me) products.
6. Be a good Official Blogger. Well, I hope I was. You'll have to ask FamilySearch. I did take photos, utilize Twitter, blog, socialize and reach out to random strangers at lunch. I also me fellow bloggers Sistas in Zion. They're delightful and their positivity needs to be bottled.
7. Find out the latest on FamilySearch Family Tree. Done. I learned about it at the Official Bloggers dinner and a session led by Ron Tanner. My questions were answered.
8. Network like a crazy person. I had a list of all the vendors/friends I wanted to see. I did. I met several bloggers I *know* online from Australia and New Zealand. I took most of my meals in a social setting. I feel safe checking this one as "accomplished."
9. Do 5 new things. I attended a new event: the Mormon Tabernacle Choir mini concert. I learned about a new product: Treelines.com. I vowed to meet a new person: I met many but I'm picking Mary from lunch. I tried a new restaurant: Lion House Pantry. I attended session in a subject about which I know nothing: all the developer sessions and a demo of The Next Generation software.
10. I will have fun. Done!
Well, after tallying the score card, I judge this mission a success.
Well, I'd say you rock. You're so organized, you're savvy, and you set goals that you can meet. (I don't even know what a developer session is!) I enjoyed your blogs during the conference, and the pictures. I hear that FamilySearch has some changes, and it's on my list to learn FamilySearch. Sigh. You're leading the way for a lot of us!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to see you at Roots Tech, Thanks for the kind words. We are looking forward to your new book.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had such a great conference session. Thank you for sharing what you saw, learned, and did. Someday a conference of this type might be in my future. Until then, I'll celebrate for those who go.
ReplyDeleteMission definitely accomplished. Well Done.
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