NGS “Virtual” Sessions: Recorded Not Live
Unlike hybrid sessions at RootsTech and virtual genealogy institutes, the NGS definition of ‘virtual’ conference class attendance means access to recordings 48-72 hours later.
The National Genealogical Society’s annual family history conference is held this year in Louisville, Kentucky 23rd-26th May 2025. See: ngsgenealogy.org
In 2025 the traveling public is faced with less reliable flight schedules, US official IDs flight requirements, and issues at US border crossings. A few weeks ago NGS began offering an “virtual” attendance option, likely to respond to these unanticipated challenges.
Today’s visit at the NGS Conference website includes this popup notification:
Unlike attending a virtual GRIP or SLIG institute course live, NGS conference explains:
“Attendees* can catch all the lectures in the Whova app through 15 July 2025. Every lecture will be recorded and available for viewing whenever and wherever you wish.”
“Virtual” registration is $385 with the following description: “Virtual <sic> registrants receive access to sessions 48-72 hours after the session ends. Access to virtual Expo Hall , contact all attendees, download compendium, virtual meetups, and more.”
Ol’ Myrt here thinks access to class recordings through 15 July 2025 is a great alternative to attempting in-person attendance. No more worries about contracting a miserable case of conference crud or being turned away from a session that exceeds room capacity.
To avoid confusion, please don’t call this a virtual option, as it is generally defined in the genealogy vertical.
Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
Your (not so) retired friend in genealogy.
*The asterisk quoted above does not have a corresponding notation on the bottom of the NGS Conference page.
I agree. "Virtual" in 99% of situations means a live video feed. Access at a later date is should be called "recorded," "on-demand," or "a replay."