When I attended my first genealogical conference in 2012, it seemed that collecting ribbons and affixing them onto my conference badge was an essential part of the event experience. I roamed the vendor hall and picked up every ribbon with which I had some connection.

I was new both to genealogical conferences and ribbon collecting, and it seemed a lot like the first day of junior high school. What could be worse than being the only guy at the conference without a knee-length ribbon beard?

Fortunately, I realized by lunchtime on that first day that the ribbons were a lot less about “having the most” and a lot more about connecting with others who share common genealogical interests and experiences.

And for me, that ability to connect with fellow genealogists, whether or not we have in common research interests, is the most valuable benefit of conference attendance. The basis of connection often is a similar geographical research emphasis or sometimes a shared experience with a study group. Other times connections are made with others who participate with genealogical societies or family associations in which I am also a member.

To meet others with whom I share a passion for family history is my primary motivation for attending genealogical conferences. While there is always a financial cost associated with conference attendance, the connections made, for me, have been worth the investment.

But connections are only one benefit of the conference experience. National events, such as the Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference, offer multiple presentations from which to choose, each an opportunity to explore new resources, repositories or methodologies. Experienced lecturers expose attendees to strategies or records previously not considered, or perhaps spark and interest in taking another look or reconsidering a source.

The upcoming 2015 FGS Conference in Salt Lake City on February 11-14 will be the perfect mid-winter event to refresh my genealogical research and writing energies, just in time to snap me out of any lingering winter genealogy hibernation. Networking with friends and colleagues, attending lectures and learning about new vendor offerings all will reinvigorate the search for my heritage, recorded in the stories of my ancestors.

Genealogical conferences are as colorful as the varied ribbons often attached to badges. Like the ribbons, these events represent the multitude of experiences and interests of conference attendees. From across the country, individuals of diverse backgrounds assemble to connect with other genealogists, explore for new treasures, and refresh themselves for their journey ahead.

Since my first genealogical conference, I have stopped affixing ribbons to my badge. I still collect them at every event, but now I save the ribbons and someday hope to fashion them into a sort of quilt, representing the many wonderful experiences I have had through the years at genealogical conferences.

Dr. Colletta is a nationally acclaimed genealogical lecturer and author. He serves on the faculty of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. Additional information about the presenter is available at GenealogyJohn.com.

Prominently showcased at this year’s conference is the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ Preserve the Pensions Project, a fundraising effort to help digitize the U.S. War of 1812 pension files located at the National Archives and Records Administration building in Washington, D.C.

The Federation of Genealogical Societies counts among its members more than 500 genealogy and family organizations. A listing of member organizations is available in the FGS Society Hall.

The Federation of Genealogical Societies is a wonderful resource and advocate for genealogical societies. Along with the annual conference, FGS supports the work of societies and their leaders with webinars, magazines, newsletters, and other helpful publications along with review of bylaws, newsletters and websites submitted by members. It was an honor in the past to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors. I take every opportunity to promote the good work of FGS and how it serves the interests of the genealogical community.

Maybe I will see you in San Antonio!

Information is available on the FGS website.

Live streaming for two tracks of the conference is available for a fee, but registration for this service ends on April 30.

Additional information is available on the NGS website.

The presenter will be J. Mark, Lowe, CG, FUGA, a professional researcher and lecturer. He is a Tennessee resident with deep roots in Kentucky. Mr. Lowe is a frequent lecturer to audiences across the country.

J. Mark Lowe is a former president of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and former vice president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. He is an instructor for the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburg (GRIP), and the Regional In-depth Genealogical Studies Alliance.

Registration information is available at the NGS website.

The presenter will be J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA, a professional researcher and lecturer. He is a Tennessee resident with deep roots in Kentucky and has been researching families for more than forty years. Mr. Lowe is a frequent lecturer to audiences across the country.

J. Mark Lowe is vice president of the Southern Kentucky Genealogical Society, former president of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and former vice president and secretary of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. He is an instructor for the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Regional In-depth Genealogical Studies Alliance.

Additional information about J. Mark Lowe is available at his website.