MOOSE JAW — For the first time in six years, the Saskatchewan Genealogy Society (SGS) is hosting a conference that will include topics such as artificial intelligence and using DNA to support research.
“Past Meets Future” is the name of this year’s conference, which the Moose Jaw and Regina branches are co-hosting at the Atlas Hotel at 4177 Albert Street in Regina on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Early bird registration is $100 and must be paid by Friday, Aug. 29, while regular registration is $125 and must be paid by Monday, Sept. 15. The registration form can be found at www.saskgenealogy.com or email [email protected] for more information.
This year’s speakers include Gordon McBean, whose topic is “Artificial Intelligence: Is it really new?”; Dave Obee, with “DNA: Squiggly Lines and Spit,” to be presented via Zoom; Thomas MacEntee, with “Genealogy Do-Over,” which focuses on changes in research and beginner information, to be presented over Zoom; and Tammy Vallee, with “Uncovering Identity: The Role of Genealogy in Indigenous Ancestry.”
Marge Cleave, president of the Moose Jaw branch, said it’s a great feeling to co-host the conference since both branches collaborate well, although she wished it were happening in The Friendly City. Still, it’s positive that this event is happening since the SGS hasn’t held one — typically held annually — since 2019.
Continuing, she said it’s been a “learning curve” for the co-hosts to organize the conference since it’s been a while since the last one and many things have changed in six years. She pointed out that the conference is a hybrid with two presenters speaking online and two speaking in person.
“Personally, I like to have all of the presenters in person, but it’s so costly to have them travel now that it’s great just to have them by Zoom,” Cleave remarked.
The Moose Jaw branch president said the four speakers are “really good” and qualified to discuss their topics. Furthermore, the presenters have told the organizers that they are excited to speak.
Meanwhile, the organization of the conference is going well, while organizers are hoping to attract at least 60 people, said Cleave. She noted that, for whatever reason, people seem to wait until the last minute before registering; with this event, she thinks some people may still be leery post-pandemic about crowds.
Cleave added that the best reason to attend the event is to network with other like-minded genealogists and family history buffs while learning new information and tips to be a better genealogist and researcher.
For more information, visit www.saskgenealogy.com.
