What If You Can't Go To NGS 2013?

Prior to various conferences I have provided a list of ways that you can participate in the conference even if you can't attend. Let's face it, there's not enough money or time to attend every genealogy conference. If you are interested in those earlier posts they are:  What If You Can't Go To FGS 2011? What if You Can’t Go to RootsTech 2012? and What if You Can't Go To NGS2012? Each time I try to update the ideas to match the conference.

 So what if you can’t go to NGS2013? All is not lost, there are still ways you can participate.

Paris a la Vegas (c) PhotoTree.com. Used with Permission

Download the App. I know, you're thinking "I'm not downloading the app because I'm not going." Well, you should anyway. The app provides speaker bios, presentation titles, information on exhibitors, all good information that you might want to follow up on by checking out their websites or following them on social media. Plus the app includes social media posts on Twitter and Facebook. The app is available on the Android and iTunes stores. I posted information about the app here.

Follow #NGS2013 on Twitter. By using the NGS hashtag #NGS2013 you can follow the latest news from  the conference including information about vendors, presentations and events.

Use RebelMouse to Check out the Latest. Rebel Mouse is like a personal social media aggregator where you can check out what other people are posting  all in one place. Several genealogists use Rebel Mouse including Caroline Pointer of 4YourFamilyStory. Caroline has set up a NGS2013 page where you can get the before, during and after scoop on NGS2013. My Rebel Mouse page is here.

Check out the NGS Official Bloggers. Whether you follow them on Facebook, Twitter,  or their blogs, you are sure to learn about what is happening both during and after the conference.  A list of official bloggers can be found on the NGS website. Now here's the great thing, not just official bloggers are posting about NGS. Once the conference is over you will see other conference participants posting about what they did at NGS. By doing a Google search or even a Google Blog Search on keywords like NGS, NGS2013, you will be able to find other postings as well.

Learn More by Reading  the NGS Blog.  Exhibitor and speaker spotlights found on the NGS  Blog  provide important information that you can follow up on by checking out vendors and speaker's websites, blogs and social media postings.

What About Next Year? In my original posting for FGS 2011, I wrote "The FGS conference (or RootsTech or NGS) is yearly,  start planning now to attend next year. With 12 months until the next conference you can work on finances, clearing your calendar and arranging for someone to take care of family members or even bring them with you. (Those who know me often see my kids trailing behind me.) I have written before on this blog and also in an article for Internet Genealogy about saving money so you can do more genealogy.  Yes, I use coupons, specials, and discounts so that I can save money and go to conferences. Save money now to store away but also consider ways to save during the conference like finding a roommate, shopping for travel deals, etc. Start now, it's always great to have something to look forward to."



It's impossible to go to every genealogy conference. Fortunately, conference organizers are finding ways for those unable to attend to still participate. Take advantage of these opportunities and let conference organizers know how much you appreciate attending from home.