The countdown is on with less than two months remaining until RootsTech! Taking place from March 6-8, 2025 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, this year’s conference promises to be another unforgettable experience for anyone passionate about family history and truly we couldn't be more excited to participate.
Whether you're a genealogy enthusiast or just beginning your family history journey, this event offers something for everyone! From expert-led classes and an expansive expo hall to inspiring keynote speakers and dedicated family history sessions, these three days will be filled with learning, fun, and meaningful connections.
Our goal over the next few months is to help you make the most of your RootsTech experience. We’ll be sharing tips on everything from local dining spots and must-see exhibitors in the expo hall to introductions to amazing speakers. Consider us your go-to guide on the road to RootsTech 2025!
Today, allow us to introduce you to the amazing keynote speakers for each session: Steve Rockwood, Dana Tanamachi, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall. Each speaker brings something unique to the table, and we can’t wait to hear their stories and insights.
Steve Rockwood
General Session 1 Keynote Speaker - March 6th, 2025

Steve Rockwood was appointed as president and CEO of FamilySearch International nearly one decade ago. Before becoming CEO of the company, Rockwood filled the role of director of the FamilySearch international division (Ensign College).
Prior to his employment at FamilySearch, Rockwood gained experience in business, both as an entrepreneur and “in creating unique service offerings for worldwide customers of such brands as MasterCard International, AT&T, Disney, Office Depot, and Citibank among others” (Deseret News). He is a Brigham Young University and University of Colorado alum, earning both a Bachelor of Art degree and Master of Business Administration degree.
Rockwood was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, Jill. They are the parents of four boys (Ensign College).
Fun fact: this isn't the first time Steve Rockwood has spoken at RootsTech. Check out his 2024 message here.
Dana Tanamachi
General Session 2 Keynote Speaker - March 7th, 2025

Dana Tanamachi, an award-winning designer and artist, got her start in 2009. Since then, her clients have included Nike, American Express, Hilton Hotels, Instagram HQ, Southern Living, Adidas, Entertainment Weekly, TIME Magazine, Target, Starbucks and countless more. I personally have purchased a book of “Thank You” Forever stamps that she designed for USPS, and I bet you have too!
Tanamachi’s signature Art Deco-inspired style has set her apart from many contemporary artists, but her art goes deeper than simply having a trendsetting style. “Throughout her life, Dana has found comfort and strength in the Japanese concept of gaman—a philosophical term that means enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity—and the ways people in her family tree have tapped into the power of creativity and been able to practice gaman during the difficult periods of their lives” (FamilySearch Blog).
Tara Davis-Woodhall & Hunter Woodhall
General Session 3 Keynote Speakers - March 8th, 2025

Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall were most recently highlighted as the adorable couple in the 2024 Paris Olympics & Paralympics. When Tara won a Gold medal in the Olympic long jump, she ran straight from the sand into Hunter’s arms to celebrate. This iconic gesture of joy and support went viral, warming hearts around the world. Just weeks later, Hunter claimed his own Gold medal in the Paralympic men’s 400m T62 race, and once again, the couple shared that same tender moment of victory. Their love and success are nothing short of inspiring, and both hold records in their respective events.
The two were married on October 16th, 2022, but their love story started at a high school track meet in 2017 (The Knot). They dated long distance as they attended universities in Texas and Arkansas, representing their schools as NCAA Division 1 athletes.
Beyond being highly accomplished athletes, the couple strives to inspire their social media followings in other ways. “Tara is a passionate advocate for mental health, sharing her experiences with depression and anxiety to raise awareness and support others. Hunter’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive him as he builds and scales businesses that reflect his values and passions, such as apparel, social media and real estate” (FamilySearch Blog).
This truly is just a snapshot of the amazing speakers that will present during RootsTech. If you love family history, are looking to expand your knowledge, or even looking for a place to start, RootsTech is an amazing event to remind us all that looking back is just as important as looking forward.
To register for RootsTech 2025 and learn more about the conference, click here. We can't wait to see you there!
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