If you are in or near the Phoenix, Arizona area, you will want to know about a great genealogy expo to be held at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona on January 20 and 21, 2012. This annual event typically attracts more than 1,000 attendees. I have attended several of them and can vouch that they have all been great events.
An "expo" is a bit different from a conference, such as those hosted by many genealogy societies. An expo focuses on vendors and also on attracting genealogy newcomers. However, I do know that the Family History Expos also offer a number of programs for intermediate to advanced genealogists as well. As stated on the Expo's web site, attendees will benefit from "genealogy skill building, professional research assistance, technology developments, vendor interaction, networking opportunities and unlimited fun."
Another service that is unique is this year's offering of a free book scanning service. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah is world renowned as the largest research collection under one roof anywhere in the world. FamilySearch is offering to scan your family history book at the Arizona Family History Expo and give you a digital copy on a flash drive provided by FamilySearch for your convenience.
The benefits of scanning your book include:
- Share it with others easily and inexpensively
- Have a copy of your book preserved by FamilySearch
- Provide access to others who may share your ancestral lines by making the book available free of charge on FamilySearch.org
Note that there is a limit of 300 pages and you MUST sign-up in advance to reserve a block of time when your book can be digitized. You may sign up at http://familysearchbookscanning-az.eventbrite.com
The opening keynote speech will be made by Arlene H. Eakle, Ph.D. Dr. Eakle is president and founder of The Genealogical Institute, Inc. She also is a professional genealogist with more than 30 years’ experience in research, consulting, lecturing, and writing.
Registration for the Mesa, Arizona Family History Expo costs $59 per day or you can attend both days for $69 if you register in advance. If you register at the door, the charge is $99. Admission to the Exhibits Hall is free.
You can learn more about all the Family History Expos, including this weekend's event in Mesa, Arizona, at http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com.
