2007 FGS Conference - Day 1

Today was the opening day of the annual conference of Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). I arrived at the conference site in Fort Wayne, Indiana this morning and found the place to be a beehive of activity.

My primary activity today was to set up this newsletter's booth in the Exhibits Hall. Indeed, I accomplished that rather quickly. I believe everything is all set for tomorrow's opening. (This is a four-day conference but the Exhibitors' Hall is only open three days.)

I had an experience that is a combination of delight, disappointment and amusement. Most convention centers either do not provide free wireless for attendees or else charge a small fortune for such access. I have collected hardware and software to provide free Internet "Wi-Fi" access to conference attendees. All you need is a laptop or handheld computer with wireless networking, or "Wi-Fi," capabilities. Indeed, all laptops sold these days do include such capabilities.

I had planned to offer free Internet access to conference attendees and have written about that in this newsletter. Upon arrival at the convention center, I discovered that FREE Wi-Fi Internet access is available for everyone!

This was not announced in the conference brochures. Indeed, the resident computer guru employed by the convention center told me this morning that free access was a last-minute decision. This convention center usually charges for such access. However, the Allen County Public Library (co-sponsors of the conference) had asked for the access to be opened up to everyone at no charge and the convention center agreed.

So I am:

1. Delighted to see that everyone has free high-speed Internet access at this conference.
2. Disappointed that I brought along all my hardware, including a Linux-based router, only to find that it is not needed.
3. Amused that this happened in recent weeks.

To the conference organizers who negotiated with the Fort Wayne convention center, I tip my hat and say, "Thank you" for a job well done. I hope that more organizers of future genealogy conferences follow your example. My equipment will probably remain available as a backup but I would prefer to see the convention centers provide the free access.

Today was filled with seminars, luncheons and more. Details may be found at http://www.fgsconference.org/program.php.

Several announcements were made and are detailed in other articles:

Elizabeth Shown Mills' new book, "Evidence Explained," is now available as a downloadable electronic file. I suspect that many people will prefer this to purchasing a 885-page hardcover book.

The Federation of Genealogical Societies unveiled a revamped web site.

FamilySearch issued an RFI for the Records Access Genesis Project. I expect the results of this action will become a major resource for genealogists for the next several decades.

And that was only Day #1; there are three more days to go.

Comments

[Kelly]

Will you have photos? Please?!? I love to see the photos. Each are worth a thousand words. I hope you have a great time at the conference!

[Loretta Krumwiede Barlow]

Sorry I missed you yesterday, Dick. You had taken a lunch break when I stopped by. Your network may not have been needed, but your Laptop Lounge will still be welcome, I'm sure.

I likely will see you later.

[Janis Gilmore]

Where can I download Elizabeth Shown Mills new book? I bought a hard-cover copy, but would love to have it as a download for when I am out of town. I am at our second home, and have wished for it all week.

[nancy]

i am disappointed. I already purchased Evidence Explained and there was no mention of a download version.That is what you get for purchasing too early.

[Ernst Stjernberg]

Dick,
I hope you will take a look at the demonstration of v.7 of The Master Genealogist and give us a review. It would also be interesting to know when they will release it.

[theKiwi]

Is there going to be a Newsletter Readers dinner tomorrow night? Drop by Booth 827/926 to let me know :-)

Cheers

Roger

[Dick Eastman]

The dinner crowd will meeting the the Lobby of the Hilton at 6:45 PM. However, you MUST sign up on the list by noon on Saturday to be sure of a seat. (I have to call the restaurant by noon on Saturday to give them a headcount.)

Stop by Booth #321 to sign up.

- Dick Eastman

[Dino (All Dino, All the Time)]

Dick, please let us know about how to get our hands on a copy of the electronic Evidence. The BCG, who I bought my book through, has no knowledge of this item.

[Dave S.]

The electronic version of Evidence is available on Footnote.com

[Roger Moffat]

And what a dinner it was. 48 people to the Gas House restaurant in Fort Wayne. This was the first such Eastman Newsletter Dinner I've attended, but I sure hope it won't be the last.

The group were directed to their own room at the restaurant, and even after 4 long days at the FGS conference it was for the most part fair humming!!!!

Then for Lisa (my wife) and I it was a 2 hour 45 minute drive back home to Grand Rapids, Michigan - the last 2 hours in the rain. Got home just after 1240AM.

THANKS Dick for setting this up - it was great to meet up with you again, and the others we got to dine with - Drew and George the Genealogy Guys, Michelle from New Jersey, Sandra McLean Clunies and the others who made this more than worth the drive back to Grand Rapids in the wet and dark.

Cheers

Roger

[Dick Eastman]

---> please let us know about how to get our hands on a copy of the electronic Evidence.

It is available at http://www.footnote.com

[Dick Eastman]

---> I hope you will take a look at the demonstration of v.7 of The Master Genealogist and give us a review. It would also be interesting to know when they will release it.

There will be a VIDEO of an interview of Bob Velke that will appear here within a few days. Part of that interview is Bob's description of the new features in TMG version 7.

- Dick Eastman

[Shell_NJ]

Dick,

Thanks for hosting a wonderful dinner! And, I agree with Roger... we had a great group at our table (Julia, Cindy, Sandra, Drew, George, Lisa and Roger) and a fantastic time with the after-dinner contest!

Looking forward to the next after-conference Eastman dinner.

Michelle/NJ