About 18 years ago I attended my first Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. I was instantly enthralled. Little did I know that years later I would have the opportunity to attend as both an exhibitor and a presenter, which I did for several years. Now, in its 43rd year, this regional conference is one of the largest annual genealogical events in the country. Approximately 1,700 people are expected to attend this year’s four-day event, and it’s not too late to sign up.
Held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, pre-event specials begin on Thursday, June 7, with the main conference running Friday, June 8 through Sunday, June 10. There are over 100 classes to be taught by professionals in all areas of genealogical research, preservation, publications, technology, and more. Plus, the exhibit hall features over 70 booths with everything from commercial vendors to various genealogical societies.
The show is operated by the Southern California Genealogical Society, who donate thousands of hours to make sure this annual show runs without a hitch. In addition to all the classes and the exhibit hall, other special evens help make this show unique. Here are a few things you will see this year [from the Jamboree website]:
- “Research Assistance. Southern California Chapter of APG is hosting our Research Assistance resource in 2012. Throughout the weekend, research experts will provide one-to-one consultation. They’ll review your existing records, suggest new record types and sources, help you plan your research strategy, and even help you find a professional genealogist to do the work for you. You’ll find Research Assistance located down the High-Tech Highway in the main hotel, directly across from the elevators by the pool and exercise room. Watch the blog for more details.
- Genealogy World is a 3-hour activity that is all about exchanging information. One of our JamboFREE events on Friday morning, Genealogy World is an informal round-table discussion that allows people with similar interests to sit down at a table and compare notes. If you’ve had success, tell others. If you need a little help, bring up your question and see what others can suggest. A table host will be on hand to keep the conversation going. You’ll find tables dedicated to many types of topics: ethnic or geographic, record types, technology, whatever comes up. If you’d like to recommend a topic, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a note at jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com.
- 1600+ genealogists and family historians. Don’t forget the other 1600 or so people that will be sharing the weekend with you. Talk to them at lunch, while you’re waiting for the speaker to start, every chance you get. Introduce yourself to the first-time attendees. Your cousin may be sitting beside you but you’ll never know until you say hi. I met one of my Armfield cousins in the ladies room! True story!
- Interpretation of DNA Results. You’ve had your DNA tested, you’ve gotten notice that your results are available. Once you figure out how to sign on, you’re faced with mysterious numbers and words that just make no sense. Stop by the DNA Interest Group table on the exhibit floor and bring your results. Alice Fairhurst and her team of gurus will make sense of the information.”
- Free Exhibit Hall. The exhibit hall is open to the public. If you live in the area, but are unable to attend classes, you can still come by and visit with vendors, societies, and professionals.
Life has moved me on to other pursuits, at this time. I no longer live in the area or work in the same field that brought me to the Jamboree as a professional. But, for those with the time and ability to attend this conference, I promise you will not be disappointed.
For full details on the event, visit the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree page at: http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/Jamboree/2012jam-home.htm.
Oh, and if you do make it to the show, don’t forget to stop by and say hi to Leland and the gang over at the Family Roots Publishing booth [#501-504].