Conference FAQ

What is the proper attire for this conference?
Any attire goes - casual or smart. Most attendees dress casually during the day, but dress up for social events. You are advised to wear good walking shoes, as you will walk between sessions and social events. You may also want to dress in layers. Sometimes lecture rooms are slightly chilly or slightly warm, therefore layers will help you cope with any temperature changes.

Are Conference sessions/lectures being taped this year?
NGS is exploring this.

I am a complete beginner - what will be at the conference for me?
Complete beginners are very welcome to the NGS Conference in the States and Family History Fair! We have over 150 sessions and workshops on various aspects of genealogical research which are sure to give you suggestions and point you in the right direction. We also have a special 3-hour Workshop for Beginners on Saturday 19th May - led by very experienced genealogists who will guide you through beginning your genealogical research. In addition to this there are workshops on various genealogical software packages and computers to help you organize and develop your research. You will also have a chance to network with others researching their family history through luncheons and social events. In addition the Family History Fair exhibits hall will feature over 100 exhibitors including booksellers, genealogical software companies, family history societies and professional organizations all to help you with your research.

I do more than just Virginia history, so will this conference be for me?
All NGS Conferences in the States are geared towards ALL researchers, wherever your research interests lie. Each year the conference is held in a different city and state, and of course we do try to focus certain sessions on genealogical research pertaining to that particular area/part of the country. But all our conference programs will contain sessions on many different research locations and records - including ethnic research around the world.

What About African-American research - will the conference help me with this research?
YES! We will have a special African-American track on Saturday 19th May - featuring sessions on starting your African-American research, finding clues in the census to former slaves and slave owners, and the basics of African-American research. The African American Genealogical and Historical Society will also be hosting a special luncheon on Saturday 19th May.

What kind of people attend NGS Conferences?
Young, old and in-between---beginners, hobbiests and professionals---all types. NGS conferences provide something for everyone - from the very basics to advanced methodology, we help you learn about new records, research facilities and Internet sites. You learn new Internet search techniques, new computer programs, how to use land platting to recreate a neighborhood, tricks to help you work faster in Word and Excel. There'll be sessions on English, German, Irish, Scot and Scots-Irish research as well as African-American and Indian. There's sometihing for everyone in the over 150 sessions.

Can I volunteer to help at an NGS Conference?
Yes certainly! We would love to have you! Please contact Jeanne Lund at Lund@ngsgenealogy.org regarding volunteer opportunities.

Do I need to be a Librarian to sign up for the Librarian's Program?
No - but you should be working for a library or an organization that has a research collection since this program is aimed at people who work with the public.

Do I have to pay to attend the conference if I just want to attend a workshop?
Yes. Even if you only plan on attending one workshop on a particular day, you would have to sign up either for the entire conference, or just for that one day, in addition to the cost of the workshop. Exceptions to this are the Beginner's Workshop on Saturday and the Tuesday BCG pre-conference event.

I only want to attend the Banquet on Friday evening - can I do that?
Yes - as long as there are tickets available. First preference is given to conference attendees.

 

If you do not find the answer to your question here, please email your question to Jeanne Lund at Lund@ngsgenealogy.org