RootsTech 2026 Concludes in Salt Lake City with Focus on Global Connection and Heritage

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Melanie, speak at the RootsTech 2026 Family Discovery Day at the Salt Palace Convention Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

SALT LAKE CITY — The world’s largest family history gathering, RootsTech 2026, concluded Saturday, March 7, following a three-day event that brought together thousands of in-person attendees and a global digital audience. Hosted by FamilySearch, the conference centered on the theme “Together,” emphasizing the power of discovering and sharing ancestral legacies.

​The event, held at the Salt Palace Convention Center and online at RootsTech.org, highlighted the intersection of heritage and modern technology. Key discussions focused on emerging trends in the industry, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), DNA research, and new digital tools designed to preserve family narratives for future generations.

​Family Discovery Day Highlights

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks with grandchildren at RootsTech 2026 Family Discovery Day, held in the Salt Palace Convention Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

​A cornerstone of the conference was Family Discovery Day, where Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Melanie, addressed participants. The couple spoke on the spiritual significance of uniting families through service and worship.

​"Every act of faith, every testimony shared, every righteous choice strengthens not only our own lives but the generations yet to come," Elder Rasband stated.

​The presentation featured:

• ​A video exploration of Elder Rasband’s English ancestry.
• ​A live on-stage dialogue with the couple's grandchildren regarding temple service.
• ​A dramatized performance illustrating Sister Rasband’s family history in England.

​Sister Rasband emphasized the personal strength found in connecting with one's heritage and faith, noting that such efforts help individuals "withstand trials, temptations, and heartaches better" while finding peace in Christ.

​A Global Stage: Keynote Speakers and Tech

In addition to the Rasbands’ presentation, 11 international emcees helped localize the event for a global audience, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of participants. 

​To accommodate its vast international reach, RootsTech 2026 employed 11 emcees to localize content for different regions. The keynote lineup featured a diverse array of leaders from the arts, science, and athletics:

SPEAKER       &         BACKGROUND 

Steve Rockwood — President and CEO of FamilySearch

Marlee Matlin — Academy Award-winningactress and author

Tara Roberts —  National Geographic explorer and historian

Steve Young — NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP

José Hernandez — NASA astronaut (Virtual)

Jessica Soho — Award-winning Filipina journalist (Virtual)

The final day also included various cultural performances, live music, and interactive classes designed for all ages, reinforcing the conference's goal of making genealogy accessible to a broad demographic.