Dispatches from the RootsTech Exhibit Hall

I had the opportunity to tour the RootsTech exhibit hall a few hours before the official opening. I like doing this each year so I can get good photos before the crowds descend. Below are some of those photos. You'll notice the convention center crew was still setting up, so don't mind the mess.

This photo was taken at 7:15 a.m. It is the line of people waiting to get in to the General Session that started at 8:30 a.m. I've never seen such a crowd so early. I'm guessing the Property Brothers as keynote speakers had something to do with it.

This is the main entrance. There's a RootsTech logo in the carpet under that white square. 

This portion of the exhibit hall is referred to as Innovators Alley.

MyHeritage is really plugging their new DNA testing service. They also have a dedicated seating area for presentations. Several larger exhibitors has similar meeting areas.

Another example of a vendor seating area.

This is the Demo Theater. Vendors give 20-minute presentations on their products. It's RootsTech Lite. I enjoy this format because I can learn about several new items in a short amount of time.

Yep. Those are phone booths and you really can call your relatives. There's a real push to record family stories, so this is one easy way to do it.

New at RootsTech this year is "Heirloom Show and Tell." Experts are on hand to assist you in determining an heirloom's value and other information. 

That's it for my report from the exhibit hall. After the tour, it was on to the general session to kick off RootsTech 2017.