A new badge: NGS 2016 Conference Social Media

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) Family History Conference committee recently sent me an email announcing that I’ve been accepted as part of their official 2016 social media team. I’m happy to have the opportunity to share my excitement for the conference with all of you!

The NGS 2016 Conference will be held May 4-7 in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Not that long ago, some of us were joking about how national conferences seem to favor cold locations and dates over warm, tropical climes. Guess we can’t complain anymore. Margaritas, anyone?

NGS has a dedicated 2016 Conference website with all the information potential attendees need—a full program brochure, information on hotel accommodations, and online registration. This year's theme is "Exploring the Centuries: Footprints in Time." They’re offering an early registration discount through March 31. Interest in the conference has been so strong that they’ve added more hotels to the original block.

I’m actually going to Fort Lauderdale a day early so I can participate in the Board for the Certification of Genealogists (BCG) Workshop, "Putting Skills to Work," on Tuesday, May 3. This is a full-day immersion in two topics for intermediate and advanced genealogists. Current BCG President Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG, will delve into “Spreadsheets 201: Manipulating Data to Dismantle Brick Walls.” Past-president Rev. David McDonald, CG, is presenting “Reach for the Power Tools: Transcriptions & Abstractions.” I’m really looking forward to these small group workshops with two of my favorite lecturers.

But that doesn’t mean the conference is just for experienced researchers. Everyone, even those just starting out, will find plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others who share their passion for family history. Add in a bustling exhibit hall and after-hours social activities, and you’ve got a fun-packed schedule. Oh, and did I mention that some of the hotels even have free shuttles to the beach?

If you have any questions about the conference, feel free to ask in the comments box below and I’ll try my best to answer. And do let me know if you’re planning to be at NGS in May. I’d love to see you there!

--Shelley