With a little over two weeks to go until Roots Tech London, are you fully prepared and organised for this wonderful show? If not why not follow some of my easy tips and ideas, that will hopefully help you enjoy your “show” experience that little bit more.
The key thing with an event like this is to plan, plan, plan and plan again! preparation is key to maximize your time and make the most of such wonderful resources and opportunities. Whether you are attending just the one day, or the full three days, past experience tells me that the time literally flies by and disappears and you are left with a wish list of things you wanted to achieve, that’s only partially fulfilled. So don’t delay lets start planning today!!
Before we even arrive, do we actually know how we are getting there? Are we coming by Car or Public Transport? Have we checked the routes, do we know of any tube or road closures? Do we know the right station to stop at for the Excel, as there are two? You need the East entrance Prince Regent DLR. So lets assume we have our transport organised and routes planned, what else can we do before we arrive to help us make the most of our time?
Have you downloaded the Roots Tech App to your smartphone or tablet? All the latest info, updates and schedule can be found here, plus you can find “Genie Friends” and add them to your friends list, if you look you will find me there! Why not plan your schedule before you arrive, to save rushing your choices on the day, check out the talks that will be streamed live, plus the talks that have already uploaded their handouts, this will hopefully make it easier to choose the classes you want to attend, when there is a clash.
Check out the list of Exhibitors and what stand numbers they will be at, make a list of those that you simply must visit and an additional list of “nice to have” stands to visit. Make sure you save enough time to socialize and chat with like minded “Genie Friends”, keep an eye out on social media for news of #TweetUps and #MeetUps
Some more practical considerations; make sure your bring a copy of your tree with you! Believe it or not some people do forget. Whether its a paper copy or on your tablet, you will need to keep it handy, if you hope to knock down any brick walls on the day. Think about additional battery packs for your smartphone, plus cables, as there are ample charging outlets in the Main Hall. Bring a bottle of water or drink to keep yourself hydrated and consider the food outlets that are available in the Hall, the list can be found Here
Some additional essentials that I have found extremely useful and have added to my list of items to bring to such an event, a back pack to carry all your “swag” in, plus keeps your hands free when talking and showing people things at the stands, camera, notebook and pen, list of family history questions, old photos, plus THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS, Comfy Shoes and your Ticket (badge)!!!
This is by no means an exhaustive list, I’m sure you will all have a similar list based on your own experiences, but if this serves as a little prompt, then its been worth the read.
I hope to see you there, stop me and say Hi and above all else…………Have Fun!
See my earlier blog on why I am looking forward to #RootsTechLondon Here
The Chiddicks Family Tree 