Presented by Katherine R. Willson on 3 Dec 2024.

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We will focus on many possible income streams in the genealogy field, business costs associated with these ventures (including options for promoting name recognition), and understanding which of these options might be best for our personality.

Katherine R. Willson is an engaging and dynamic genealogy educator/researcher of 25+ years. Former positions include instructor for Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, founder/past president of Virtual Genealogical Association, board member for the Association of Professional Genealogists, and past President for Michigan Genealogical Council.

Presented by Rhonda Lauritzen on 4 Feb 2025.

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This workshop is one part tough love, one part strategic pep talk, and one part practical data. I have been collecting data for years from official and unofficial sources on what the going rate is in our industry. In addition to what to charge, a bigger question can be HOW to profitably bid projects. The single biggest threat to your business is not charging enough, and I will help you overcome imposter syndrome to raise your rates and frame your proposals for success.

Rhonda Lauritzen is a professional biographer and a regular speaker at international conferences like RootsTech. She has an MBA from the University of Utah and served as CEO of her family business, working alongside her six brothers. Her writing journey began with her parents’ family business saga, and in 2016, she founded Evalogue.Life in 2016. Since then, Rhonda has been hired to help tell the stories of families, cities, and nonprofits. She believes that when you tell your story, it changes the ending. Check out her forthcoming co-authored book Creative Insecurity: Lean Into the Unknown and Unleash Your Inner Misfit.

Presented by Rebecca Shamblin on 4 Mar 2025.

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Learn how to use Ancestyr.com and Family Tree Maker together to streamline your workflow and power up your research.

Rebecca Shamblin is a passionate genealogist who helps families bridge the gap between research and storytelling, and empowers researchers to unlock the full potential of their favorite genealogy tools. Her engaging seminars, presented across the country, help make genealogy and authorship accessible for everyone.

Presented by David Ryan on 1 Apr 2025.

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Genealogy has become a popular pastime and a growing profession worldwide. The majority of the public likely develop an interest in genealogy through the various family history themed television series, consumer DNA tests, the creation of an online family tree or membership of a local family history society. Many of the digital collections made available by libraries and archives is in response to this growing interest in family history. Despite this public interest, can we claim the existence of such a thing as public genealogy? This presentation will encourage discussion regarding public interactions with genealogy and the steps those of us who work as professionals can take to encourage positive public experiences.

David Ryan (MA DIPGEN) is a genealogist and oral historian based in Cork. He has a Diploma in genealogy and recently completed a Masters in Public History and Cultural Heritage with the University of Limerick.

Presented by Lori Samuelson on 6 May 2025.

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Navigating the Darker Side of Family History explores the delicate process of uncovering and handling sensitive genealogical discoveries. This presentation delves into the emotional and ethical challenges genealogists face when confronted with family secrets, from unexpected DNA results to historical transgressions, offering strategies for respectful communication and thoughtful preservation of family stories.

Lori Samuelson, M.A. Counseling, M.Ed., is an author, educator, researcher, and lecturer. Her blog, GenealogyAtHeart.com, focuses on sensitive subjects and heartwarming genealogical finds. Lori has presented at various state, national, and international genealogy conferences and has authored an eBook, Perseverance Amidst Adversity: The Ancestry of Three George Harbaughs.

Presented by Alina Khuda on 3 Jun 2025.

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This presentation will cover different institutions to further your genealogy expertise: Brigham Young University, SLIG, Boston University, Genealogical Institute on Federal Records, VIGR, GRIP, Texas Institute of Genealogical Research, IGHR, University of Strathclyde, Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. We aim to discuss benefits and limitations, courses available, study options that influence your decision to further your genealogical education and gain practical knowledge. Moreover we will aim to discuss different conferences that can be helpful in furthering your education, depanding on your research area. We will discuss your niche, geographic specialty and how different genealogical institutions can benefit in building your skills, boost your career and business.

Alina Khuda has a BA (Hons) and MA (Hons) degrees in Social Studies and Politics, studied in the USA (sponsored by the US government).
She participated in GOI Peace Foundation and UNESCO projects from 2009. Moreover she has an extensive experience as a court expert, probate genealogist and a forensic genealogist from 2015. Established KGS (Khuda Genealogical Services) in 2016, with her team of more than 33 onsite correspondents searching missing beneficiaries and documenting family history.
She is an expert criminal genealogist for USA courts and was a course editor for International Institute of Genealogical Studies (formerly known as National Institute for Genealogical Studies) in 2020. With a sufficient experience in journalism Alina and her team provide search of unknown relatives and missing beneficiaries for estates in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, UK, EU. She did research for government, non-government organizations, attorneys, trustees, companies worldwide as well as numerous private clients. Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical SpeakersGuild and Genealogical Organization «Nashi Predky» (NJ, USA)

Presented by Natalie Webb on 1 Jul 2025.

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Need a website? In this engaging session, we’ll dive into the must-know tips for professional genealogists looking to hire the right web developer. Whether you're dreaming of a sleek blog, an interactive family tree, or a robust database, knowing how to navigate the tech world is key. Packed with practical advice and real-world examples, this talk will empower you to confidently bringyour genealogical projects to life online.

Natalie Webb isn’t your average genealogist. With a 25-year career as a project manager, technical trainer, and all-around computer wizard, she’s got the skills to tackle even the trickiest of technical problems. But she noticed that while genealogy is all about connecting the dots, many fellow researchers were struggling with the digital tools and online resources that are essential today. That’s when Family Tree Technology was born.
We're all about making genealogy tools fun, accessible, and a little less daunting. Whether you’re just starting your family tree or you’re deep into the branches, Natalie’s here to guide you through the tech world with a smile and a few mouse clicks.

Presented by Cheri Hudson Passy on 5 Aug 2025.

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Although some have declared blogging dead, it is still alive and well and can be a successful avenue to drive traffic to you and your business. In Blogging for Clients: Bringing in Customers a Post at a Time, learn how and why a blog can be a great way to showcase your knowledge and skills to potential clients.

Cheri Hudson Passey is a professional genealogist, instructor, writer, speaker, and owner of Carolina Girl Genealogy, LLC. She hosts the YouTube genealogy chat show GenFriends and is a genealogical researcher subcontracted by Eagle Investigative Services, Inc., for the US Army Past Conflict Repatriations Branch. She is involved in many genealogy societies and organizations and is on the National Genealogical Society board. Cheri has written the blog “Carolina Girl Genealogy”, sharing genealogy tips, methodologies, and family stories for over ten years..

Presented by Jean Wilcox Hibben on 2 Sep 2025.

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Using case studies to demonstrate various methodology tools can reach a great number of people who are not comfortable with bullet-point lists of steps. Humans are natural storytellers, according to Walter Fisher in his work on the Narrative Paradigm (https://www.communicationtheory.org/the-narrative-paradigm/). When considering the variety of genealogy tools, it is hypothesized that the use of stories (case studies) to illustrate ways of researching, developing, and sharing family history is likely to reach more people (students and/or family members) than simply providing a list or bibliography of resources.

Jean Wilcox Hibben; PhD, MA, former So. Cal. college speech professor (MA – Speech Communication; PhD – Folklore), is a national speaker and author. A member of the DAR, she is the former director and current family history consultant for the Corona, CA FamilySearch Center, has worked on background research for two genealogy television programs, and was a host for podcasts on social history. A former Board-Certified genealogist with over 45 years of research experience, she is a former board member of APG and past president of its So. Cal. Chapter; current 1st Vice-president of the Corona Genealogical Society, as well as webmaster for that same organization; and participant on a number of other society boards. Jean writes the “Aunty Jeff” column for the Informer, the newsletter of the Jefferson County NY Genealogical Society. Her website: circlemending.org.