Jamboree 2016 - Helpful Tips for Conference Attendees

Getting the Most out of Jamboree

As members of the Jamboree committee have been out and about representing SCGS and the conference, many first-time attendees have asked if we had some tips on how to maximize their conference experience.

Genealogy conferences are a great place to learn new skills, network with fellow researchers and review new products and services. Whether you are attending for the first time or are a conference veteran, a successful conference depends on your experience at that conference,

You could spend hours searching out information on how to improve your conference experience. To make it easier for you, we have listed links previous Jamboree blog posts and other articles to assist you in improving your conference experience. Although the posts were written a while ago, they contain valuable and relevant information for 2016 (thank you to former Jamboree co-chair, past SCGS Officer and board member Paula Hinkel for compiling the information and making it available to everyone).

Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference - Part 1
Early Planning = Success

Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference - Part 2
If you Can't be in 10 Places at Once, Attacking the Exhibit Hall , What to Pack

Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference - Part 3
At the Conference

There are many articles written by bloggers, speakers, and conference attendees. A simple Internet search for "tips for attending a genealogy conference" brings up some great links. Please check them out. There are a lot of great tips out there. We've posted some of them on the Jamboree website for you (bottom right column, under "More Insights").

10 Things to Know for a Great Jamboree 

1. Jamboree Blog - Updates will always go out on the blog and, as Jamboree nears, there is more information to share. Sign up to have blog announcements sent to your e-mail to stay informed.


2. JamboFREE - Friday morning free classes, including Beginning Genealogy, GenealogyWorld and DNA World Roundtables, Why and How to Become a Professional Genealogist, Librarian's Boot Camp, and Use Social Media to Benefit Your Society and Your Research. JamboFREE is free and open to all


3. Jamboree Mobile App - Available for download in May for Mac, Android, and all web-enabled smartphones. A one-stop resource for schedules, speakers, exhibitors, many syllabus articles, maps. You can make friends, access class materials, fill out session surveys, and keep up with all the latest about Jamboree on Facebook and Twitter, all on the Jamboree App!


4. Pink Sheets - The most important tool you will use during the weekend. Legal-sized pink sheets give you the schedule, information on parking, scanning, book signings, food and, a map of the Marriott. Hint: also available on the App.


5. Syllabus - All attendees receive a free digital syllabus that contains material for Jamboree, and Genetic Genealogy 2016. Printed copies of the Jamboree syllabus are available for purchase at Jamboree while quantities last. Several syllabus articles are available on the Jamboree App with permission of the speaker. Copyright laws apply.


6. Volunteer- Jamboree volunteers are a special lot. They have devoted time and effort to bring you the best conference possible. Stop by the Volunteer station to join in the fun! If it weren't for the volunteers, there would not be a Jamboree. Full disclosure: the author of this post is also the volunteer coordinator.  She may be a little biased, but she thinks the Jamboree volunteers are THE BEST group of friendly, talented and fun people she knows.  Come join the fun.  You'll even get a ribbon!


7. Seating Policy - Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Seats cannot be saved within 3 minutes of the start of a session. Once a session is full to capacity, no one will be allowed to enter (fire marshall rules). 


8. Safety First - Always make sure you have all of your belongings and watch your step! Room monitors and other volunteers will be on their toes to make sure that everyone is safe. Please report any issues or concerns immediately to one of the Jamboree managers or Marriott staff. Thank you for your cooperation.


9. Be Kind - Jamboree draws 1500+ family historians and genealogists, volunteers, speakers, exhibitors. Everyone associated with Jamboree is trying to have a perfect Jamboree. Treating one another as we would like to be treated will ensure that we all have a great experience. 


10. Get Social!  Network, talk to your neighbors, say "hi" as you are walking to the next session. Talk to the speakers - honestly, they don't bite!  They want to help and share your passion for family history and genealogy.  When you are in the exhibit hall, connect with the exhibitors and vendors - they are more than happy to talk! Don't forget to bring along plenty of business cards for exchanging with everyone.

If you made it to the bottom of this post and are still unsure of what to expect at Jamboree, please know that the Jamboree Committee is here for you. Our experience is that attendees often know the ropes better than anyone else, and are more than likely willing to help someone in need. If at any time you need assistance, you can always go to the Information desk in the Convention Center or to the registration kiosk for directions, help, or general information.  

Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

www.genealogyjamboree.com

jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com