DOWNLOADRootsTech 2026 by FamilySearch, the world’s premier family history conference and celebration, proudly welcomes virtual keynote speakers Michael and Matthew Gardiner, a famous Irish dance duo with more than 1 million online followers. Watch their inspiring prerecorded address now, for free, at RootsTech.org and enjoy their unique fusion of traditional Irish dance, modern music, and creative storytelling. The RootsTech 2026 global discovery experience is also now open—giving online attendees early access to schedule free on-demand classes of interest, watch 4 exclusive virtual keynotes, and begin their journey of making new family connections ahead of the 5-7 March event. Register for free at RootsTech.org to join the worldwide celebration.
Throughout their careers, the Gardiner Brothers have collectively won 5 world championships and 40 major Irish dancing titles and have garnered more than 1 billion online views. In preparation for their RootsTech keynote experience, the brothers travelled with a FamilySearch film crew to the origins of their paternal roots in Tipperary and Kilkenny, Ireland. “One of the most powerful moments of the day was visiting this original cottage, where our 4th-great-grandfather and his family survived the Great Irish [Potato] Famine. Hearing that story really hit home,” the brothers mused on Instagram during their filming. “It’s incredible to hear the survival story of our ancestors in rural Ireland.”
The Gardiners also visited an original pub, Steppes, once owned by their great-grandfather and still in operation today. They met the current proprietor and learned about the pub’s rich history. The names of previous owners, including the Gardiners’ ancestors, were inscribed on a vintage, 2-man handsaw on the wall. Summarizing their experience of walking where their Irish ancestors walked, the brothers exclaimed, “It was one of those days that makes you proud … and reminds you how strong those roots really are. We are excited to learn more about our family history.”
RootsTech 2026 Keynote Speakers: In Person and Virtual
In-Person Keynote Speakers
Steve Rockwood, president and CEO of FamilySearch International
Marlee Matlin, Academy Award-winning actress, director, and activist
Tara Roberts, National Geographic explorer in residence, author, and historian
Steve Young, NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP
Virtual Keynote Speakers
Available now on demand
Gardiner Brothers, Award-winning Irish dancers
Jessica Soho, Award-winning Filipina broadcast journalist
José Hernández, Mexican American engineer and NASA astronaut
Zico, Brazilian football legend
RootsTech 2026: Relatives at RootsTech Experience
RootsTech is a great place to learn about ancestors and find living relatives. In 2025, hundreds of thousands of participants viewed millions of ancestral relationships through Relatives at RootsTech. From now until 31 March, participants can use the Relatives at RootsTech feature on a mobile phone to access the internet, explore their FamilySearch Family Tree, and connect with relatives worldwide.
RootsTech 2026 Schedule
The full RootsTech 2026 class schedule is available now, making it easy for both online and in-person attendees to explore hundreds of sessions and mainstage events of interest. Online attendees can create a free, on-demand watch list at RootsTech.org.
RootsTech offers something for everyone, from introductory sessions for those new to family history to advanced workshops for experienced genealogists, as well as inspiring keynote addresses by renowned artists, athletes, and speakers. It also brings together leading genealogy companies and service providers in its in-person and virtual expo hall.
Register today at RootsTech.org to take the next step in your family history discovery journey.
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