International Black Genealogy Summit

                              THE IBGS IS ALMOST HERE!!!!!


It's 1 week away from the International Black Genealogy Summit.  We will have first time conference attendees as well as the seasoned researcher.  With that in mind, the items below will cover some of the basics to help ensure that your IBGS experience will be enjoyed.  Remember it's best with a two way communication, so if you need it and don't see it, ask a committee person to see if your need can be accommodated. 

Over the last year, the IBGS committee members (scattered across the US) have been busy sorting through all the details required to put on an event of this magnitude to ensure your IBGS experience is treasured; because we want you to tell your friends what they missed and to see you return to the next summit.  I also encourage that you give your sentiments to the volunteers of the appreciation you might be feeling as they are assisting your needs.

Is my name tag important?

YES, because it will identify you quickly as an IBGS participant.  Your name will be visible for others to see just in case your surname is being researched by others--great ice breaker.  The name tag will identify you to gain entrance for our special  section at the Tabernacle Choir rehearsal.  Therefore, please treat these as top secret badges--for your use only.  There will be no replacement badges so please protect the one that was given to you.


I haven't registered yet, can I still do that at the conference?

Yes, there will be registration accepted 5:00 - 7:40 PM on Thursday, Oct 18th during the registration/reception; 7:00 - 7:50 AM on Friday, October 19th and  8:00 - 8:45 AM on Saturday, October 20th.  Registrations must be post marked October 10, 2012 to allow time for processing.  Ater this date, plan on bringing your registration to one of the times above.  Any questions, please send an e-mail to Registration@blackgenealogysummit.com or call (520) 401-2177. 

What will the weather be like in October?

You are encouraged to check the state or weather.com prior to your arrival to ensure you have the appropriate clothing.  But I've been told it could be 65-70 degrees during the day and 55-60 degrees at night.  No matter what, do not forget your coat, knit hat, gloves and a pair of thermals:).

First time participants-what should I expect?

When you visit the registration table, you will receive your name tag, door prize raffle ticket, meal tickets (if purchased), summit souvenir bag that will include the syllabus and goodies from sponsors and supporters.  The syllabus will detail the schedule, lecture and speaker bios, maps of the venues, vendor information, names of the IBGS sponsors, details of where the lectures will held and so much more.  If you chose a CD, then a printed insert will outline the necessary details.

Remember to review the lectures to decide which workshops you will be attending.  The lecture registration that took place over the last several months allowed the committee to place the speakers in the right size conference rooms.  Each participant can decide on what workshops to attend once they are at the conference.

Be sure to allow time to visit the exhibits and vendors.  Feel free to ask questions and learn about the many tools that may help you in your research.

Also, don't forget to introduce yourself to other genealogists around you.  You'd be surprised how small this world can appear.  You may find that the person seating next to you is researching the same family line or can guide you to some special resources you're not familiar.

 

 

The FamilySearch Library is hosting a tour of it's facility to acquaint the researcher with the resources available on Wednesday, October 17th at 1:00 PM.  Meet in the lobby of the library at least 15 minutes early.   After the tour, the participant can take time to do some research and have their questions answered by the many volunteer docent.

What do I do when I arrive on Thursday?

Starting Thursday morning, the FamilySearch Library is hosting tours at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM (participants need only choose one) to give the researcher an opportunity to see the resources available for family research.  Meet in the library lobby at least 15 minutes early.

 

The registration and reception will start at 5:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel, Wasatch 3, where the participants can pick up registration packets, relax, renew old acquaintances, meet new friends and enjoy refreshments.   The packets will include the name tag, meal tickets, door prize raffle tickets, syllabus and additional information from our sponsors and supporters.

At 7:30 PM those wanting to attend the Tabernacle Choir rehearsal should leave in order to arrive by 8:00 PM.  Temple Square is about 2 blocks from the hotel for participants to walk or take the Trax train.  Of course, those with walking challenges can get a taxi outside of the hotel and split the fair with other conference participants. 

 

There is a possibility that we will have two IBGS women singing with the Tabernacle Choir which is so exciting.

What do I do when I arrive at the Conference Area at the Radisson on Friday?

Please plan to arrive around 7:00- 7:45 AM, if you were not able to come Thursday night, to pick up your registration packet and participate in the continental breakfast.  The registration will be in the Red Butte Conference Room.  This will ensure you will not miss the Opening Session starting at 8:00 AM. 

How do I know which rooms the workshops will be held?

There will be maps and workshop schedule (page 151) in the syllabus describing where the workshops are being held.  At the entrance of the conference room will be a description of the workshop and name of the presenter. The workshops will be on different floors so the stairs or elevators can be used.  There will also be volunteers standing around to assist if necessary.  The rooms are very close in proximity and should be easy to find.


How will I claim my door prize?

Approximately every hour, raffle tickets will be drawn for genealogy prizes donated from the speakers, sponsors and supporters.  Reference the insert in the souvenir bag for their names.  The winner's ticket number/name will be written on the board that will be placed outside of the Red Butte, IBGS staff office, is where the prize can be claimed. 

 

The grand prize will be announced at the banquet on Friday.  Winner does not need to be present to win.

During the reception, banquet and luncheon there will be a no host bar, how do I pay for my drinks? 

These are typically cash only transactions.  There's a pretty good bet that there are ATM machines nearby, but if you want to reduce the chance of paying those transaction fees, be sure to take this expenditure into account.

 

 

There will be a limited supply of T-Shirts on sale for $15 each.  You can buy your shirts during registration hours and during the lunch period on Friday, Oct 19th.  You can go to the Red Butte, which is the staff office for the IBGS, to also buy the T-Shirt while supplies last.

What other things of interest are available near the Radisson Hotel?

If you have a traveling companion that is not genealogy minded, the hotel concierge can detail some nearby sight seeing venues that are nearby or easy to get to with the street car (that is just outside the hotel) .


I have taken some really neat photos during the IBGS, is there someone I can send the pictures to share?

While during the IBGS you take any photos you wish to share, please send them to Info@blackgenealogysummit.com

And to keep the file size manageable, please send separate e-mails with a few pictures attached.

Is there a parking fee at the hotel?

Yes, $5 per day self/overnight parking; and $15 per day for valet parking.

Should I really take the time to fill out the evaluation?

The evaluation was kept as short as possible and yet derive the information necessary to assist the next IBGS planning committee.  Your ideas, comments and suggestions will be used to baseline the 3rd IBGS to be held 2014 or 2015.

I have additional questions to ask that aren't represented here, what should I do?

Please e-mail Info@blackgenealogysummit.com or Chairman@blackgenealogysummit.com with any question you may have.  The question and answers will be posted here, so please check back regularly.

Refund Policy

The refund date is August 31st.  IBGS is now financially responsible for many aspects of the conference.  If possible, please find someone in a near society that can take your place.