This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

A thoughtful and personal gift is one that allows someone to connect with their past, and with today's resources and technology, it's never been easier.

If you've been to downtown Salt Lake City in late winter, you've probably noticed large crowds and multiple conventions. One of the most popular annual conventions held around that time is the RootsTech conference. RootsTech, hosted by the largest genealogy organization in the world, FamilySearch, is all about helping you discover your story, history and family legacy.

If you know someone interested in family history, a ticket to attend RootsTech is a thoughtful and amazing gift.

This year, the event is being held Feb. 27 through March 3, with more than 300 breakout sessions, an exciting lineup of celebrity keynote speakers and other activities, all designed to help make exploring your family connections an unforgettable experience.

RootsTech's reputation has been growing steadily each year, gaining recognition even on a global level. With speakers from past years including LeVar Burton, the Property Brothers, Scott Hamilton, Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro and Brandon Stanton, RootsTech has garnered the attention of thousands worldwide, expanding into conferences being held in London.

Saroo Brierly, of 'Lion" movie fame is keynote speaker

This year's keynote speaker, Saroo Brierly, is one of RootsTech's most famous keynote speakers yet; one who knows well the power of family connection. After losing contact with his family as a 5-year-old boy at a train station in India, Brierly was later adopted and raised by an Australian family. But he was unable, and unwilling, to forget the land of his childhood.

Determined to rediscover his past, Brierly pored over Google Earth and eventually managed to recognize his hometown — and track down his birth mother.

Their reunion in 2012 made headlines across the world, his full story recounted in his No. 1 international best-selling autobiography, "A Long Way Home." Brierly's story has since been made into the film "Lion," which went on to be nominated for six Academy Awards in 2016.

Stories like this are not uncommon at RootsTech. With technology and popular genealogy sites such as FamilySearch and Ancestry growing and offering billions of historical records, finding your past has never been this exciting.

One particular aspect of genealogical research that has piqued the popular interest recently is DNA testing. With one easy test, it is now possible to see exactly where you came from and get answers about your genetic makeup. Sourcing from more than 350 geographic regions worldwide, these tests can show your ancestors' movements and give possible explanations about why your ancestors migrated as they did. These tests, according to Ancestry, can even go so far as to explain where your freckles come from, where that cleft chin could have started or from where your cilantro aversion stems.

There has never been a better time to discover your roots, and RootsTech is the best place to begin. Dedicated to celebrating family connections, both past and present, the upcoming RootsTech conference is the perfect gift for a loved one to discover their past and, in turn, discover themselves.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

If you live in Utah, it’s likely you have a family or two to give gifts to this holiday season. Giving to families can be overwhelming, with each family member having their own likes and preferences. One way to handle the dilemma is to give gifts everyone can enjoy, preferably together.

Here are 10 gift ideas that will please family members of all ages.

A day at the spa

Granted, it takes a certain type of family to enjoy this particular gift, but few adults wouldn’t enjoy some extra “me” time. If you know a small family, particularly with teens, that needs a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, give a gift certificate to the nearest spa. Whether it’s a mani-pedi session or an hour massage, everyone can benefit from a little rest and relaxation this holiday season.

Zoo and aquarium passes

Children and teenagers often like animals, so this is a gift that will appeal. Utah’s Hogle Zoo has a collection of animal sights, along with eateries and a splash pad to boot. Or if the family you’re playing Santa to prefers indoor fun, consider buying them a pass to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, where there’s much more to see than just fish. Penguins, butterflies, frogs, and sloths abound at this indoor wildlife adventure.

The gift of family connection

Family history and DNA tests have grown in popularity as the world becomes more connected. Interest in one’s past or origins is common, so any family could benefit from the chance to attend 2019’s Roots Tech conference. As a family learns more about how to connect with the past, they will also strengthen their bonds to each other. Register to give a family (including your own) this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A ski trip

Depending on your budget and the ages of the family, you could sponsor part or all of a family ski trip. Lift tickets are a good place to start when it comes to helping your favorite family have fun on the slopes. Helping with ski and snowboard rentals or even paying for a few nights in a canyon getaway will provide a swanky gift that shows how much you care.

Personalized items

Every family can use a little more pride, and giving a personalized gift shows appreciation for their unique attributes. Giving a personalized plaque or a family throw pillow will promote the family unity that makes holidays worthwhile. Personalized mugs are also a treat for families with tweens, teens and adult children.

Indoor play passes

Utah winters can be a tricky time to take out young children, but there are places that will get their wiggles out. If you provide a way for parents to do this, they’ll love you forever. Consider gifting a children’s museum membership to help the family you love get through those long winter (or summer) days. The Museum of Ancient Life in Lehi or Discovery Gateway in Salt Lake City are just two options.

A night out on the town

Families with young kids usually have hectic evenings, without much of a chance for a date night. If your wallet is thin this season, but you want to give something great, consider offering to babysit for a young family and giving them a restaurant gift card to sweeten the pot. Knowing their kids are safe and will have fun with you lets parents enjoy their date night. It may not seem like much, but any young parent will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Game night kit

This provides the perfect ready-made opportunity for some much-needed family bonding. In the age of technology, it’s easy to sit together not talking, but this present changes that. Gather a few board games or a card game or two, some popcorn and treats, and voila. You’ve got an awesome game night kit for the whole family to enjoy.

Movies at the theater

While at-home movie streaming has never been more common, there’s something about seeing a movie on the big screen that makes it special. Most families have a hard time making it to the theater these days, so if you give a monthly MoviePass subscription, they’ll thank you for the chance to see blockbuster hits before anyone else.

Technology

Most families enjoy entertainment, so you can’t go wrong on the latest and greatest device or streaming technology. A Roku or Apple TV will go a long way in solving family TV woes, with plenty of space for everyone’s favorite programs. Or, if you want the whole family to get involved in a video game, consider giving a Nintendo Switch, perfect for multiplayer gaming.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

If you thought family history required long hours in dark library basements poring over microfiche, think again. Today, genealogy is an innovative, cutting-edge science that’s become a booming American pastime — and for good reason; Ever-evolving technology has made family history easier — and cooler — than ever before.

Here are a few of the ways technology is improving the methods for connecting with your ancestors.

DNA is getting even smarter

Family history is in your blood, literally. Genetic genealogy isn’t just helping researchers link family lines, it’s reuniting or even introducing immediate family members, uncovering important health information and — wait for it — solving cold-case murders.

When researching your roots, your DNA is invaluable. According to RootsTech, today’s genetic genealogy allows you to look beyond surnames by identifying haplogroups — essentially human clans — and tracing your line throughout history. The organization promises genetic genealogy is only becoming more advanced.

“Genetic genealogists are already working on creating virtual ancestors by reconstructing genomes through an ancestor’s descendants,” the RootsTech website reports. “We can all look forward to exciting discoveries as we keep our attention on the ever-evolving world of genetic genealogy.”

Family trees are more colorful than ever

Birth, death and marriage records might provide the bones of your genealogy, but your family’s stories and traditions breathe life into your ancestry. If you’ve ever said, “we need to write these stories down,” you probably don’t know just how easy that is, thanks to technology tools available today.

FamilySearch’s Memory app makes it easy (and maybe even fun) to post memories, record audio biographies or add photos at home or on the go. Whether you’re cataloging photos of deceased relatives or documenting your child’s first birthday, you’re building a family history your children (and theirs) will enjoy for generations.

Mobile devices house millions of records

Last year’s RootsTech conference offered its most prestigious recognition to OldNewsUSA, a genealogist’s dream app. This technology allows users to search historical newspaper databases right from your smartphone. The app is a uniquely user-friendly way to search the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America website that houses more than 11 million newspaper pages dated from 1789 to 1924.

Finding published information about your ancestor is simple; just enter a name, a location and a date range. The app will even suggest possible name variations and other publications in close vicinity.

Building your history is easier than ever

Family history isn’t just about microfiche and census records. Genealogy starts with your detailed, personal record. In case you’re not sure where to start, StoryWorth, winner of the RootsTech 2015 Innovator Challenge, takes journaling in bite sizes.

When you sign up at StoryWorth.com, you’ll receive weekly questions via email that prompt you to talk about a specific time of life. Your responses, which you’ll deliver via email or phone, are transcribed and available for download or printing by up to six recipients. You can even order printed compilations of the responses.

If you want to learn more about genealogy research and the most up-to-date technology, sign up for the 2019 RootsTech conference.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

There was a time not long ago where doing genealogy research meant going to a family history center, library or even civil record sources to find information pertinent to your family history. Thankfully, along came Google and changed the way to research genealogy. Now family history work can be done faster, more accurately and in greater quantity than ever before.

Here are five tips for using Google for your genealogy research.

Create Google Alerts

Google is a robust tool for family history, especially when it comes to lending a hand when you can't be searching yourself — all through Google Alerts.

Google Alerts will take the keywords or phrases you’ve developed and run them through an internet 24/7 until you tell it to stop. When new information is posted online that matches your search, Google will email you links to the content.

To create a customized Google Alert, go to google.com/alerts. In the search bar near the top of the page, type the query or keyword you want to search. In the box below that, type the email address you wish to have results sent to and click Create Alert.

It is like having a personal assistant doing the work for you around the clock and will make your time spent working on research much more effective when you already have results to sift through.

Use quotations

Family Search explains that using quotation marks in your search query is one of the best ways to get relevant results from a Google search. Quotation marks tell Google to display only an exact keyword or phrase in all results.

For example, if you wanted to search for newspapers in New York, you would put "newspapers" and "New York" in quotes, telling Google that the results must contain those exact keywords or phrases in the results.

Use the minus sign

Sometimes in searching for ancestors, the same people turn up again and again, and they have nothing to do with your family.

Family History Daily explains the power of the minus sign for such situations. Place a minus sign directly before the term you want to exclude in the search results with no space between the minus sign and the term you want to exclude. That could be a city, a name, a date, etc. It will immediately weed out unwanted search results that could be muddying the waters in finding who you are looking for.

Search specific dates

An often underused Google search tactic is the ability to search multiple dates at one time without having to search each one individually, making it especially helpful if you aren't sure of the exact dates of a marriage, birth, death, etc.

Family Search explains that all you need to do is add a date in your search, followed by two periods. For example, 1800..1830. Keep in mind that this will not necessarily exclude other dates from popping up in your search, but will make sure that everything from 1800 to 1830 will be included. If you wish to exclude other specific dates, remember the power of the minus sign.

Search for multiple terms near each other

"One of the most frustrating things about searching for ancestors in Google is that, while the engine will search an entire page for your terms, your terms may not have any association to each other," states Family History Daily. Thankfully, there is a way around this.

To find terms that are literally close to each other in text, enter AROUND and then the number of words you want your other term to be mentioned within in a parentheses, such as, (10).

Family History Daily gives this example: “James Wilcox” AROUND(10) 1837. That means we want Google to look for pages where the exact name James Wilcox appears within 10 words of the date 1837. You can change the modifying number to anything you want (“James Wilcox” AROUND(3) 1837 or “James Wilcox AROUND(1) Mahala) a lower number means a closer association and thus, usually, fewer results. We can also apply this to multiple terms (Example: “Wilcox, James” AROUND(10) Mahala AROUND(5) 1837)."

It may take a little getting used to, but it will greatly improve your search results as they pertain to your research.

Use Google Books and Google Translate

If you find yourself gaining expertise in the field of genealogy research and want to take your searches to the next level, Google Books and Google Translate are excellent next steps.

For example, if you have European ancestors, you may want to start researching in European books for information. However, it can be tricky if you don’t speak their languages. Rather than trying to learn a foreign language or two, just use Google.

Try going to Google Translate and type in what you're looking for, then let Google Translate convert it to the needed language, then copy and paste the result into Google Books, and run your search.

It is a little more time-consuming, but when deep mining is necessary Google Books is a great place to search for the history of a place, the history of a church and through old magazines.

Want to learn more about genealogy research and the tools available? Look no further than RootsTech and its informative conferences.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

Gardening might be the country’s most popular hobby, but right behind it is, well, more roots and trees.

Over the past four decades, genealogy has transformed from a diversion for scholars and senior citizens to a national pastime, and it's now a hobby second only to gardening in popularity, according to Time. Why the upswing? There’s just something about family history and all the ways it can benefit you.

It’s a teaching moment for kids

Every child loves a good bedtime story, but when those stories center on ancestors, kids gain more than just sweet dreams. Learning about your family history and then teaching your children what you’ve found can help build a strong sense of identity. In fact, a 2010 study from Emory University found that “children who know stories about relatives who came before them show higher levels of emotional well-being.” According to the study, “there is something powerful about actually knowing these stories.”

It builds empathy

Getting to know your family history can open your eyes and your heart. As you learn stories of strength and resilience through hardships, you start to draw parallels between your life and those of your ancestors. At the RootsTech Conference in 2016, keynote speaker David Isay said, “the power to build bridges between people, bridges of understanding, is infinite.” Genealogy has a way of helping you see that, at the core, people aren’t so different after all.

It makes you healthier

Family history is a selfless endeavor, but that doesn’t mean you won’t reap the benefits directly. As you get to know your ancestors, you’ll gain important insights into their health and yours. Genealogy uncovers diseases and conditions that span generations and could affect your life.

According to Mayo Clinic, your health care provider can use your family medical history to assess your risk of certain diseases, determine which diagnostic or screening tests to order or identify other family members at risk for a disease, to name a few.

It keeps you connected

Names on a centuries-old census might seem impersonal to you, but imagine finding a cousin — or even sibling — you never knew. As you grow and expand your family tree, you’ll make countless connections, some with family members living today. In fact, you might just stumble upon photos, journals or other information on deceased ancestors submitted by your living relatives. That’s the beauty of genealogy; it connects your family — past and present.

You’ll get to know those you know

Sometimes, the people you know best, well, aren’t really. According to a Harris Poll survey, 28 percent of adults do not feel like they know, or knew, their mother as well as they would like. The same poll identified areas in which people would like more information on their mothers. These included her family history, personal history, medical history, life advice and career highlights. Genealogy isn’t just about finding your relatives; it’s also about getting to know those closest to you.

If you want to learn more about your family connections, sign up now for Rootstech 2019.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

RootsTech is the perfect place to learn more about the fascinating world of DNA, and this year’s conference will have plenty of classes available on the subject. Come learn how people from all over the world are combining DNA findings with traditional research to discover their roots.

This post highlights just 13 of the many classes offered on DNA throughout the four-day conference:

Wednesday, Feb. 28

A DNA Match with No Tree? No Problem!

Have you been frustrated by finding a DNA match only to discover they have not linked their family tree? Their tree is probably not the only tree that includes their matching ancestor, and with some creative and persistent sleuthing, it can be found.

Join us as we walk through the case study of a DNA match without a tree, and learn the techniques to not only find a tree, but then incorporate additional strategic techniques to possibly uncover the connection between you and the match. Join DNA expert Diahan Southard and Google guru Lisa Louise Cooke for this ground-breaking session.

Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Ballroom I

DNA—One Family, One World

There seems to be so much division in the world, but at RootsTech, we’re all about breaking down barriers. Come learn about the one thing that connects us all—our DNA! Instructor David Nicholson of Living DNA has prepared an entire session describing how we’re all connected. Attend this session to learn all about the project that is breaking down the concept of separate human races and how it might impact your own family history research.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Ballroom A

How Close Are We Really? Evaluating Shared DNA

Are you ready to get into the nitty-gritty of DNA? In this course, instructor Paul Woodbury of Legacy Tree Genealogists will teach beginners how to discover exactly how much DNA they share with others in order to reveal likely relationships. Join this session to develop foundational skills that will prepare you to interpret important information and help you tackle common genetic genealogy research problems with greater confidence.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Ballroom J

Thursday, March 1

Advancing Your Genealogy Research with DNA

You’ve scoured the census, dug through probates, and even visited the county courthouse. What’s left? DNA. It’s the oldest record of your family, and technology and science are coming up with more ways for you to use it. Come learn from Anna Swayne what new tools AncestryDNA has developed to advance your research and discover how to get the most out of your own DNA results.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Room 251 E

MyHeritage DNA 101: From Test to Results

Learn what you have to gain from taking a MyHeritage DNA test and how the process works, from taking the test to the lab analysis. Find out more about MyHeritage DNA's over 40 ethnicities and how to optimise your DNA matches. We will also look at adding new DNA information to your family tree and discuss the future of DNA testing and new features in development. This session is sponsored by MyHeritage.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Room 251B

Your DNA Support System

There are a plethora of online and offline resources out there designed to be used with your DNA test results. Some of these tools are “for fun,” some may help you understand health outcomes in light of your DNA test results, while others are very useful for furthering genealogical research goals. Learn about the pros and cons of these tools and where to go to continue to learn more about how to use them to make breakthroughs in your genealogical research.

Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: 155 E

High Definition DNA Testing

One of the challenges for family historians is identifying the regional locations of our ancestors. Where did they come from before they ended up in the United States? Instructor David Nicholson of Living DNA will explain how recent technology is helping people hone in on ancestral locations like never before. This session will explore the fundamental principles behind the new wave in high-definition DNA testing, how the process works, and how this can help your research.

Time: 4:30 p.m. Location: Ballroom J

Friday, March 2

Tracing Slavery with DNA and Genealogy

The history of slavery in America has made many people’s DNA a complex cultural stew. In this session, instructor Nicka Smith will teach how to combine traditional genealogy and DNA research to confirm or deny slave, slaveholder, and ancestral ties to one of history's most peculiar institutions.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Room 251A

The DNA of the Jewish People

Do you have Jewish ancestry? Now’s your chance to shed some light on your roots. In this session, Bennett Greenspan will discuss the DNA of the Jewish people, focusing on the Ashkenazim. He will also compare DNA typically found among Jews with that of purported cousins in the Middle East and of the Europeans among whom the Jews have lived for the past 2,000 years. Come learn what DNA is telling us about Jewish ancestry.

Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Room 251A

“Looks Like We’re Cousins”: DNA Collaboration

Interacting with your genetic cousins can provide clues regarding your family relationships. In this session, Paul Woodbury of Legacy Tree Genealogists will explore tips and tricks to successfully collaborate with others. Learn some best practices for gathering information and requesting assistance from your genetic cousins, and discover reasons you shouldn’t limit your genetic genealogy correspondence to names and surnames only. Tap into the full power of DNA test results by improving collaboration with your genetic cousins.

Time: 4:30 p.m. Location: Ballroom F

Saturday, March 3

Behind Your DNA Results

Go under the hood of your DNA results with instructor Ross Curtis to discover fascinating details about your roots and why you have so many cousin matches. This session will arm you with a firmer grasp of the underlying science behind ethnicity estimation, genetic communities, DNA matching, and other helpful genetic genealogy tools. Get ready to go behind the scenes of your DNA results.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Room 250A

Organizing Your DNA Testing

DNA testing has become an essential part of most genealogical research, but keeping track of the details can be complicated. In this session, Drew Smith will discuss how to manage the testing process for multiple individuals, how to save DNA data so it can be uploaded to other websites, and how to keep track of correspondence with other DNA testers.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Room 151

Getting the Most Out of Your AncestryDNA Results

After a brief review of the tools available on AncestryDNA, we will dive into the techniques used by professional genetic genealogists to discover the connections between you and your pages of AncestryDNA matches. We will immediately apply these techniques in the workshop with hands-on instruction and assistance from members of the Ancestry Research Team who work on the TV show, Long Lost Family.

Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: 250E - LAB

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

Google can be one of the most useful tools in a genealogist’s toolbox. It’s likely that we’ve all turned to the massive search engine at some point during our research, typed in the name of a missing ancestor, and optimistically hit Enter, hoping for favorable search results. While this type of opportunistic search can be valuable, popular genealogist Lisa Louise Cooke, owner of Genealogy Gems, a multimedia family history company, says there’s a lot more to it than that.

We caught up with Cooke at RootsTech, and she explained how to use Google for genealogy like a pro. Take a look:

1) Create Google Alerts

If you don’t have time to do a customized search every day, set up Google Alerts. Google Alerts will take the keywords or phrases you’ve developed and run them through an internet search every hour of every day until you tell it to stop. When new information is posted online that matches your search, Google will email you links to the content.

To create a customized Google Alert, go to google.com/alerts. In the search bar near the top of the page, type the query or keyword you want to search. In the box below that, type the email address you wish to have results sent to, and click Create Alert.

Note: If you are already logged into Google, it will automatically set up an alert to your Gmail email address.

2) Use Google Books and Google Translate

If you’re an experienced genealogist, Google Books is a resource you should be using daily, said Cooke.

If you’ve got European ancestors, it’s a good idea to be researching in foreign language books. However, this can be tricky if you don’t speak these languages. Rather than trying to teach yourself German or Italian, Cooke says to use Google.

“Go to Google Translate and type in what it is you’re looking for,” she said. “Church records for [a certain] parish, or whatever. Let [Google Translate] convert it to the German language. Copy and paste it over into Google Books, and run your search.”

Use Google Books to search for:

The history of a location.

The history of a church.

Old magazines.

3) Refine Your Search

Cooke says the number one complaint she hears about Google search results is that it yields so much information and much of the search results aren’t relevant to the person’s family line.

“Anytime you run a search, put in what you’re looking for, and if you’re looking for the last name Lincoln but you’re not related to Abraham Lincoln, subtract out the word ‘Abraham’,” says Cooke. “Things related to what you don’t want, you [can eliminate by putting] a minus sign and the word.”

Registration for RootsTech 2018 is now open! Reserve your spot for the world’s largest family history conference today.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

There's nothing more awkward than going to a family reunion and not know who you're talking too. Is this your first cousin twice removed? Or your second cousin once removed? Is that Uncle Gary's daughter's son? Who is he in relation to you?

Luckily for you, here's an infographic provided by RootsTech to show you who's who on your familiy tree. For all you innovators out there, RootsTech is also holding an Innovator Summit where innovators gather together to bring technology to the world of family history.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

It's likely that we've all turned to Google at some point in our genealogical research. After all, simply typing in our search topic, hitting "Enter," and hoping for the best is one of easiest ways to be led to heaps of helpful (and sometimes not-so-helpful) sources. But there's a better way to use Google for family history research says Lisa Louise Cooke, host of The Genealogy Gems Podcast.

"I've discovered that there actually is a methodology to using Google for genealogy," said Cooke in her presentation at RootsTech 2016. "There really is a science to it."

While there are many ways you can use Google to aid your research, here are three of the most beneficial:

1. Formulate Specific Queries

The first and most important step to using Google successfully is identifying what you want to find. That may sound simple, says Cooke, but many people will simply pull up Google and search "Johnson." Instantly, the searcher will be overwhelmed with results that likely aren't relevant due to the commonality of the name "Johnson."

"We've been a little too global in what we're requesting," says Cooke. "So don't throw your genealogy brain out the window just because it's going to Google.com. Structure a question about what you want in really specific terms. Are you looking for a particular record collection? Are you looking for a particular ancestor in a family? Are you just trying to figure out how to upload your family tree?"

Cooke says it's a good idea to formulate your question to Google just as you would to a reference librarian.

"How would I describe it to a reference librarian? Ask yourself that. That will help you in doing this."

2. Use Quotation Marks and Minus Signs to Narrow Search Results

One of the best ways to get relevant results from a Google search is to use quotation marks in your search query. Quotation marks tell Google to display only an exact keyword or phrase in all results.

"If I'm doing newspaper research in the San Francisco area, I put 'newspapers' in quotes and also 'San Francisco.' I'm telling Google something very specific about—it's got to have 'newspapers,' and it's got to have 'San Francisco,'" said Cooke.

To further refine search results, you can also use the minus sign (-) to get rid of keywords that you know have nothing to do with your family.

3. Set Up Google Alerts

After you've flushed out the perfect search query for your ancestors, turn to Google Alerts. Google Alerts will take the keywords or phrase you've developed and will run it across the internet every hour of every day until you tell it to stop.

"Setting up Google Alerts is like getting your own genealogy personal assistant, somebody who's going to do this for you in the background," says Cooke.

To create a customized Google Alert, go to www.google.com/alerts. In the search bar near the top of the page, insert your query or the keyword you want to search. In the box below that, type the email address you wish to have results sent to, and click "Create Alert."

Your customized Google Alert will then send you links to web pages that match your query.

After you set up the alert, Google will email you updates on new and updated web pages. Cooke also said, "You can have up to a thousand [alerts]. You're going to sign in, make one query after another, and in your sleep, Google will be searching and finding ancestors. And you will wake up, and it's just like Christmas every day. I love it."

You can learn more about using Google for genealogy by watching Cooke's RootsTech presentation here.

Interested in more tips on geneaology and new innovations in the industry? Visit RootsTech.org and discover their Innovator Summit.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Palace Convention Center filled with thousands of guests Thursday morning for the opening general session of RootsTech, the largest family history technology conference in the world.

Mike Mallin, chief product officer for MyHeritage, said during his keynote address that the way people experience and research family history is like magic.

"Great products and technology are sophisticated, often developed over the course of several years, yet they hide their complexity in their engines to such an extent that we experience them as magic," Mallin said.

MyHeritage allows users to connect with people around the world to find their ancestors. Its large database also allows users to share stories and post pictures of their relatives to enliven connections with family members.

"We are focusing on key themes such as discovery, instant gratification and mobile devices," Mallin said. "We are after everyone, tens of millions of families across the globe."

Mallin emphasized the need for people to join in family history research for the benefit of themselves and other genealogists, but acknowledged that people who are just beginning family history need some instant gratification to keep going.

He offered the story of a woman named Rachel, who began doing family history while taking the train to work. In minutes, Rachel went from searching "family tree" on her phone to entering basic information about her grandparents on MyHeritage to receiving a notification that she had been connected to 34 other family members.

Those people came to Rachel as a result of a match with a man named David, whom Rachel has never met, and who has amassed a family tree of over 6,000 people.

"We need to realize that people, particularly nongenealogists, need help, and they need it right away," Mallin said.

The RootsTech conference is taking place this week at the Salt Palace Convention Center and is expected to draw more than 20,000 guests.

Taylor Hintz is a Deseret News features reporter and currently a journalism student at Brigham Young University in Provo.

This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.

It's only appropriate that the state that prides itself on being family friendly, hosts the world's largest celebration of families across generations.

RootsTech, taking place February 12-14th, 2015 at the Salt Palace, is expecting record crowds when close to 15,000 people from all over the country converge on downtown Salt Lake City.

The RootsTech family history conference and expo, hosted by FamilySearch, began as a small gathering four years ago. It took up one small portion of the Salt Palace Convention Center. Since then, its growth has surpassed all expectations. It now takes over the majority of the facility with standing room only at some of its events.

Although this is the fifth year for the event, a significant number of people will be coming for the first time ever. They will be discovering the top six reasons why RootsTech is the premier event to discover and share family memories and connections.

1. Be Inspired: World Class Speakers

World-famous entertainer and singer Donny Osmond will be sharing his thoughts about one of his favorite topics: families. He will share stories of his family as he celebrates how his family shaped him.

Esquire Magazine Editor and New York Times bestselling author A.J. Jacobs is the creator of the World's Largest Family Reunion. He'll share how he is discovering we are all part of one big family. Each day at RootsTech will feature a fascinating lineup of other speakers.

2. Have Fun: Enjoy Exciting Entertainment

American Idol finalist David Archuleta will entertain crowds on the closing day of the conference. He will be joined by the cast of Studio C, who will make an encore performance this year. The cast of the popular sketch comedy TV show is back after being one of the top draws at last year's event.

Additionally, the opening night social features YouTube sensation Alex Boye and the stars of his popular "Let it Go" cover, One Voice Children's Choir.

3. Learn Something: Over 200 Engaging Classes

How can Pinterest and Facebook help with family history? How can you use your smartphone or tablet to preserve and share family memories? How can DNA help you find where your family is from?

More than 200 different classes will answer these questions and more. Experts will teach the latest tricks and techniques on how to track down ancestors and preserve your family stories.

4. Tech it Up: Latest Technology and Apps

New technology is revolutionizing the way people do family history today. Photo and storytelling apps, cloud storage solutions, social sharing services and new software are making family history easier than ever.

Get your first look at the powerful new tools that will save you time and make family history easier than ever. Wednesday's Innovator Summit will also unveil the newest apps and devices that haven't even hit the market.

5. Try it Out: Hands-on Exploration

The RootsTech Expo Hall is packed with ways to put all that learning into practice. The biggest companies in family history, including Ancestry.com, My Heritage, and and Findmypast will be on hand to walk guests through exactly how to find, preserve and share their family histories.

Attendees can record stories, scan photos and get personal advice and training in using the latest tools.

6. Don't Miss it: Something for Everyone

RootsTech 2015 is designed to help people of all skill levels. There is a special Getting Started set of classes for beginners, as well as advanced classes for more experienced family historians.

Most of the attendees during the multi-day event are adults, but they get outnumbered on Saturday, as close to 5,000 kids and teenagers are expected for a special schedule of events, activities and classes for Family Discovery Day.

Watch video highlights of RootsTech 2014 and reserve your place for the event by registering at rootstech.org.