Columnists Get Free Family History Tips, News and Updates. However, there are some things that one should consider NOT doing when attending a daylong or several daylong genealogical conference. Treating a conference like a marathon may not be in your best interest. Pacing yourself is a good idea. Questions at the Conference Conferences are a great place to meet professional genealogists, lecturers, and others who may be able to provide some insight into a problem that has stymied you for some time.
Some genealogists attend a lecture solely to ask a question of the speaker.
Many speakers are happy to answer questions posed by attendees in their lectures and really enjoy meeting those attending the conference. There is not time for long, drawn out questions. The speaker may refer you to a printed reference guide or may suggest specific record sources in an attempt to solve your problem. If you don't think you can phrase your question in a short, specific way, consider asking just a specific part of your question. Pointed questions about specific resources or items have the best chance of getting answers.