I'm NOT sure why I haven't blogged RootsTech 2017 yet, especially because it is now less than a month away—ack. I can be such a procrastinator! Anyway, RootsTech, which is the most awesome family history and technology conference and trade show will be held February 8-11 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. I am attending and teaching (again) because it's fast becoming one of my FAVORITE things to do all year. And, the BEST part? I have a FREE full-event pass to give away. All you have to do is ...

1. Check your calendar/availability and make sure you really can go.
2. Check your travel options to make sure you can get there. 
3. Leave me a comment telling me which of the keynote speakers shown above is most interesting or exciting for you, and WHY? Note: Their bios are below. 

I will be promoting this giveaway on some social media channels, but you must leave a comment here to WIN. I'll select a winner by the middle of next week. 

This FREE PASS is a $299 value and includes the Innovator Summit (the first day of the event), over 200 classes, all general sessions + Keynotes, RootsTech classes, getting started classes, full access to the Expo hall and all evening events. 

Now, let's learn a little more about the four dynamic personalities above ...

Twin brothers, Jonathon and Drew Scott have been reaping the rewards of an impressive work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit from the tender age of seven—the age they started their first business. At age seventeen they purchased their first fixer-upper, completed renovations, and sold it one year later for $50,000 profit. Today, "The Property Brothers" have built a highly successful entertainment empire—Scott Brothers Entertainment. Together, they follow their mutual passion for film, entertainment, and home renovation, and are always on the lookout for new exciting opportunities. Their popular TV shows garner HGTV's highest ratings, and are syndicated to networks worldwide. 

For New York Times best-selling author Buddy Valastro, mixing eggs, sugar, butter and flour means a lot more than "making a cake." As a fourth-generation baker, it's a constant source of pleasure, pride and creativity. Creating amazing cakes connects Buddy wth the memory of his father Buddy Sr. and his extended Italian family history. His talent and passion for he family business, Carlo's Bakery, has earned the straight-talking cake expert the moniker, and TLC TV show, Cake Boss. For this best-selling author, cake expert, and successful businessman, family is top priority. When Buddy was 11, he began working at the family bakery alongside his father. "My Dad was my best friend and idol, any chance to spend more time with him was important." In the precious years they worked together as a father and son team, his dad passed on his wealth of baking knowledge and instilled in him a cast iron business sense and a drive for success. Now a father himself to a daughter and three sons, Buddy continues to pass on Valastro family traditions. 

LeVar Burton is known by millions as the face of Reading Rainbow, the beloved long running PBS children's television series, and for his role as Geordi La Forge, Chief Engineer in the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation series. Many also remember seeing his talent debut in 1977 when he was cast in the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television miniseries Roots. In addition to his familiar talent as an actor, he is an accomplished director, producer, writer, speaker, educator, and entrepreneur. He is the honored recipient of 12 Emmy Awards, a Grammy and five NAACP Awards. Burton has experienced continual success in his innovative efforts to promote his passion of literature, storytelling, and imagination. He is the Co-Founder and Curator-in-Cheif of RRKIDZ, the online home of Reading Rainbow and SkyBrary. With millions of fans throughout the world, he continues his mission to inspire, entertain and educate. 

What's a genetic genealogist? CeCe Moore is! Come hear what it's like to be a bona fide family history detective that uses DNA to discover hidden truths about family relationships.