Conference FAQs
When will registration open for the conference?
Online registration for the NGS 2013 Family History Conference opens on Saturday, 1 December 2012. Registration brochures will be mailed to members with their December 2012 NGS Quarterly. E-mail Courtney Holmes to request a brochure to be mailed to you when it is available.
What is the proper attire for the conferences?
Most attendees dress in casual or business attire during the day and in business clothing for social events. Wear good walking shoes and bring layers; air-conditioning is difficult to regulate in large facilities, and lecture rooms can be overly warm or chilly.
Are conference sessions being taped this year?
Yes. JAMB, Inc., will record lectures by speakers who granted permission to record. Sessions not being taped are identified in the conference program with a pen that indicates "notetaking." JAMB will sell audio CDs on-site during the conference and afterward from the JAMB, Inc. website . Please note that JAMB will record only the sessions of speakers who gave permission.
I am a complete beginner. Are NGS conferences suitable for me?
Absolutely. Beginners revitalize our field. NGS welcomes and encourages genealogists of all levels to attend NGS conferences. Each speaker targets lectures to a certain level of research expertise, from beginner to advanced. Beginners will especially enjoy lectures labeled “Beginner” or “All,” but they will also learn from lectures targeted to more advanced audiences. Beginners will also benefit by visiting the exhibit hall, which features genealogical software, books, research aids, genealogical and historical societies, and much more.
Click here for "Tips for First Time Conference Attendees."
My research is mostly in the East. Will this conference benefit me?
Yes, all NGS Family History Conferences are geared towards all researchers, wherever their interests lie. NGS holds conferences in different parts of the country to enable our members throughout the United States to attend. Each year the main focus is on a certain geographical area and research in that area. However, all NGS conferences contain sessions on varied ethnicities, methodologies, migrations, record groups, regions, and technologies.
Where are the sessions and all events held?
All sessions and exhibits will be held at the event center at the LVH—Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. See the Conference Registration Brochure for specific details.
What does my conference registration include?
The full conference registration includes admission to all sessions and lectures. Single-day registrations include admission to all sessions and lectures on that particular day. Social events (breakfasts, luncheons, and the NGS Banquet) require an additional fee and must be purchased during pre-registration.
Must I be a librarian to sign up for Librarian's Day?
No, it is not a requirement. However, the program is tailored for genealogical librarians and librarians who serve genealogists. This pre-conference event requires advance registration.
Do I have to pay for a conference registration if I just want to attend a workshop?
Yes and no. Conference registration is not required for the BCG Education Fund Workshop, Librarians’ Day, or Youth Camp. However, each does require registration for the particular event.
I only want to attend a luncheon or dinner at the conference. Do I have to register for the conference?
No, you may select the "Meals Only" registration option and pay to attend the social event(s) you choose.
Can I purchase luncheon and dinner tickets on-site?
Unfortunately not. All meal tickets must be purchased prior to 23 April 2012, because NGS must give a meal count to the caterer.
I have registered for the conference and need to make changes. How can I do that?
To add luncheons, dinners, or workshops to your existing registration, log on at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org, click on My Account, and then My Events. If you are asked to select a registration type, choose Meals Only. You may print a copy of your Agenda, add workshops and meal events, or add events to your calendar. For cancellations and questions, please e-mail our conference registrar, Courtney Holmes.
Where can I rent a scooter?
Rent scooters and wheelchairs through the LVH bell captain’s desk by calling 702-732-5313. NGS recommends reserving equipment by 1 March 2013 to ensure availability. Pick up and return rented equipment at the LVH bell captain’s desk.
I would like to Volunteer at the upcoming conference, whom should I contact?
Click here to sign-up to volunteer. A representative from the Local Host Societies will contact you.
I would like to make a special request. Whom should I contact?
Contact the NGS Conference Manager at conference@ngsgenealogy.org.
Questions? Contact NGS Registrar Courtney Holmes at registration@ngsgenealogy.org or refer to FAQs.
