Monday, February 17, 2014

Where Memories Are Made


The first conference I went to. . . . I packed my entire office. That was the last time I ever did that. OGS, Akron 2005.

How can I forget the OGS Conference in Cincinnati when I bought so many books in the exhibit hall that I stalled an elevator between floors on my way to check out from the hotel.

And then there was the OGS Conference in Columbus when my grandson decided to be born early. Watched that on unfold on Facebook.

And we don't talk about the time in Columbus when my Suburban was rear ended while I was in a lecture about Genealogy software programs.

You can be sure that if you attend a conference, be it your first or your tenth, there will be memories. 

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This year's conferences - OGS, NGS and FGS - are beginning to look like excellent memory-makers, especially the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. There is something for everybody including the kids. Take the whole family. Enjoy the fantastic indoor water park. Your kids and grandkids can explore the wonderful world of genealogy in the exhibit hall. On Friday you can all enjoy an honest to goodness Ohio pig roast. Perhaps your family can attend a lineage society's luncheon. (Guests are welcome to attend special events).

And, on Saturday, OGS has scheduled the Junior Safari Expedition Camp. Family history for kids ages 5-18. This will be a fun way for the youngest members of your family to find out what "this genealogy thing" is all about. 
Admission in $30 and includes a fun afternoon at the water park. 

The OGS Conference runs from 30 April - 3 May 2014.
For the discounted early registration you must have your registration in by March 30,2014. You can register online and pay with a major credit card. 
                                      
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This year the National Genealogical Society will hold its conference in Richmond, Virginia at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and the Marriott Hotel. With 4,000 room nights already reserved, this conference is looking like one of the most popular conferences in recent years. And, why not? The conference is surrounded by American history. The Colonies, the Revolutionary War, Civil War. Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Washington D.C. to the north. 

Unfortunately, all six downtown conference hotels are completely booked. There are hotels available in the suburbs and near the airport, but there are no shuttles available. Rental cars are available at discounted rates from Dollar Rent A Car. Parking in the convention center parking garage is $6. Other garages in the area are more expensive.

Roommate connections are available on the NGS website.

March 24, 2014 is the final day for early registration. You can register online at ngsgenealogy.org 

The conference brochure is available online. There is too much going on at this event to even begin to cover here so check it out online.

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The Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference is in San Antonio, Texas, this year. I have never been to San Antonio, but I have spent a lot of time in Fort Worth, Texas, at horse shows and I must say Texas is one of my favorite states. Love the people! They are so friendly. Love the land, you can see forever. However it can be hot there and this conference runs from 27-30 August 2014. So my first piece of advice is hydrate. Drink lots of water.

I have been to two FGS conferences and I would highly recommend that you attend this conference if at all possible. You will not be disappointed. There is a huge variety of topics with some of the best speakers in the world of genealogy. Great door prizes and special events. 

One of the best parts of the FGS conference is Societies Day. If you are an officer or want to be active in the genealogy community, you will want to attend this part of the conference. This year, for the first time, there will be a half-day workshop designed to bring your society up to speed in the 21st century with management principles that will help promote your group. 

The schedule for this conference is still being finalized so you will have to wait a little for all the great details of this conference. Registration begins in March 2014. In the meantime you can make your online hotel reservations at the Marriott Riverwalk. .fgsconference.org/lodging

I must admit these three societies have planned some amazing events for this conference season. It will be difficult to choose. But I promise. you will make memories wherever you go. 

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