RootsTech 2026: Bringing People Together Through Family Discoveries

RootsTech 2026 was held March 5–7, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online at RootsTech.org. The theme for this year’s event was “Together,” inviting participants to connect, uncover, and share new insights about their ancestors and heritage.

The annual genealogy conference is hosted by FamilySearch, an international genealogy organization and website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. RootsTech 2026 highlighted emerging trends in genealogy, including advancements in DNA research, artificial intelligence, and innovative tools for discovering and preserving family stories.

Family Discovery Day

For Latter-day Saints, a highlight of the three-day conference was Family Discovery Day, which featured remarks from Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Melanie.

Downloadable B-roll and SOTs

The couple spoke about coming unto Jesus Christ by uniting families for eternity through service and worship in the faith’s temples.

The Rasbands’ message was supplemented by a brief video about the Apostle’s ancestors in England, an on-stage conversation with some of their grandchildren about genealogy and temple service, and a dramatization from a small cast that illustrated episodes from a part of Sister Rasband’s family story in England.

Sister Rasband said Latter-day Saints need the power promised to the faithful who worship in the temple to “let God prevail in our lives; repent and draw closer to the Lord; bless, comfort, lead, and minister; withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better; and find peace and joy in Christ as we walk the covenant path and accomplish the Lord’s work and be prepared before His Second Coming.”

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Elder Rasband invited Latter-day Saints to participate in this critical work that binds past, present, and future by using the “Ordinances Ready” feature on FamilySearch.

“The choices we make today echo far beyond our own lives,” Elder Rasband said. “We not only live for ourselves, but in time we will be the ancestors to our own posterity. Every act of faith, every testimony shared, every righteous choice strengthens not only our own lives but the generations yet to come as we seek to leave a legacy of faith and devotion, anchored to the beloved Son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.”

In closing, Elder Rasband shared his witness of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

“I look forward to the sacred moment when I will bow before Him in profound gratitude for His Atonement, His restored gospel, and for binding families together for eternity in temples under the priesthood power of God,” Elder Rasband said.

Additional activities for all ages — including cultural performances, storytelling, live music, classes and family history experiences — took place throughout the day.

RootsTech 2026 Keynote Speakers

In addition to the Rasbands’ presentation, 11 international emcees helped localize the event for a global audience, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of participants. The three-day event also featured several in-person and virtual keynote speakers.

In-person Keynote Speakers