"The When" I have in mind is a bit more personal though. When should you attend a genealogical conference?
I know genealogists in every stage of their research and they all agree; attend a genealogy conference as soon as you can, as often as you can, and in as many places as you can.
Think you know all things genealogical and you don't need to attend a conference? Go anyway. Hear about all the new resources available. Check out the latest genealogy tech toys. Share your expertise with a newbie. Lots of genealogical experience is the perfect time to attend a conference.
Think you've attended enough genealogical conferences? Go anyway. What if the one you miss is the one your long lost cousin attends? What if the brick wall technique you need is presented at the conference you skip? Feeling like you're in a rut is the perfect time to attend a conference.
Think you don't have any ancestors in the next conference location? Go anyway. You may be correct, the town could be ancestor-less for you. But every location has value. You can tour a city you have never seen, perhaps seeing something done differently, perhaps gaining a creative idea you can apply later. If this location is closer to the distant cousins you hope to find, maybe this is your chance to meet. Visiting a new location is the perfect time to attend a conference.
Notice a trend? It's just my way of saying attending a conference in any stage of your genealogical life is a wonderful way to be inspired, gain information, find new friends, and give your family tree the boost it may need.
This post is part three of my "Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How" series on my experience at FGS 2011. You can read the first part here.
1 comment:
Excellent advice! I've never regretted any time spent with fellow genea-holics.
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