Saturday at RootsTech-Keynotes, Vendors and Genfriends

Ready for another day of learning and fun!

With Judy Russell 

With Scot and Maureen Proctor

There was a buzz in the air as we gathered for the opening session of the last day of RootsTech 2017. Buddy Valastro,"The Cake Boss" was to be the keynote speaker.
Another confession:
I have never watched his show, but my 14 year old son has. And he was excited for me. He requested a picture and a full report.
Buddy talked about his family, especially the influence of his father and the beginnings of his restaurant.
The recording can be found here.

I fulfilled Josh's request and was able to get these pictures.

The Cake Boss

With Buddy Valastro

In the media hub, I was impressed at the warmth and the caring for those who were there to speak to him. He stopped the official media several times in order to reach out to those who were beyond the barriers. One elderly lady was pushed in her wheelchair up to the outside of the media hub in order to give Buddy a basket of Italian goodies. He stopped in the middle of our interview to reach over, give her a hug and thank her for her gift. He did this with several fans. It was done with sincerity from the heart and not out of any sense of duty.
I may not have watched "The Cake Boss" but I became a fan of Buddy.

Speaking of "The Cake Boss"-what a great opportunity to have a cake contest! The entries were incredible.
Here are just a few of them.

Genetic Genealogist, Cece Moore was also part of the Saturday opening session. Her words on what lesson had been learned so far from DNA testing were moving. She described identities reexamined, families redefined and secrets unlocked.

Cece Moore

 Cece's presentation can be viewed here.

Meeting with Cece Moore in the Media Hub

One of my favorite places to hang out during the week was the Media Hub. Thanks to the folks at RootsTech media and ambassadors had a place to relax, interview and report on the events of the day. They even provided free lunch and snacks!
Pictures show just a few of those who used it each day.

I spy DearMYRT, Angela Walton-Raji,
and Michelle Roos Goodrum

Jill Ball, Ruth Blair, Marie Cappart, Lara Diamond,
Jennie Fairs, Amy Lenertz, Amy Johnson Crow, and Kirsty Gray

Kirsty Gray, Peggy Lauritzen, and Jennie Fairs

Dick Eastman

The Annual RootsTech Genealogy Bloggers Photo!

Some of the Bloggers at RootsTech 2107

Time for helping out with another booth!

Helen Smith finds me at the APG booth          

A Progen meet up

Then a trip around the Expo Hall

Twile

I visited Twile.com which produces online timelines from your pictures.They also take your family tree via .gedcom file and print out a graphic called Family Tree by the Numbers. 
Ambassadors were able send in their information ahead of time so we could pick our up at the booth.
Here's mine:

My Family in Numbers produced by Twile.com

Thanks Twile.com!

Scenes from the Expo Hall

Finding friends 

Gordon Erickson and Roger Moffat

Lisa Louise Cooke and
Amie Bowser Tennant

Toni Carrier and Angela Walton-Raji

Louis Kessler, Alona Tester,
 Judy Russell, and Helen Smith 

Can't pass up a picture with Alona and Helen!

A big part of the Saturday schedule at RootsTech is Family Discovery Day sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Three of the keynote speakers were Sheri Dew -CEO of Deseret Book, speaker and author, Vai Sikahema -BYU and NFL football player, NBC affiliate sports director, and Reno Mahe-NFL football player, assistant coach for BYU.
Each is well known in the church community.
I was able to participate in an interview with them in the media hub following their talk which they presented together. They spoke of the love of families, traditions and what family history work means to each of them. I was touched as Reno Mahi spoke to our small group about his young daughter who passed away from a tragic accident.  All three spoke of loved ones beyond the veil whose presence can be felt during important events in their lives.
As we took pictures at the end of the interview, Reno and I consoled each other briefly for being part of the club no parent wants to be in. We both lost children in tragic circumstances a little over a year apart.
Interested in hearing their presentation? Click here.

Interview with Reno Mahi, Sheri Dew and Vai Sikahema

 Sheri Dew

 Reno Mahe and Vai Sikahema

Before I knew it, RootsTech 2017 had come to an end.
Those of us who were headed to a Genealogy Blogger party at the home of DearMYRT (Pat Richley-Erickson) headed out to catch our rides.
A special thanks to Thomas MacEntee for providing the transportation.

Pat and Gordon's hospitality provided just what we needed to unwind from a hectic week. We talked, ate, laughed and enjoyed each other's company.

Party Pictures

A great group of Bloggers!

One last thought from RootsTech 2017
A favorite quote from this year.

Steve Rockwood, President of FamilySearch International

 A special thank you to all those who worked so hard to put this amazing conference together! 
Your efforts are recognized and appreciated! 

RootsTech 2017 Bling