#RootsTech 2014 -- Overall impression and what can you get out of it?

My overall impression of RootsTech 2014 is very positive. Here are some of the areas where I saw marked improvement over past years:

• The larger venue with better access in the Salt Palace made a huge difference
• Using the Salt Palaces registration area and the computerized registration process was far better than past years
• The food service was more available and accessible
• The mood of the Conference changed for the better as there were significantly more paticipants
• I enjoyed seeing children and huge crowds of younger attendees on Saturday mixed into the Exhibit floor
• Everything seemed to proceed more smoothly. This may be due to experience, but it was nice in any event
• There were a larger number of vendors and the product showing area was enlarged and more prominent
• The vendors had more efficient booths and space
• The areas for the classes accommodated most who desired to attend in most cases
• The Media Hub operated very well and efficiently
• Having more open space allow more interaction between the attendees
• I really liked the Keynote speakers, but I am wondering how you can top this year's
• I noticed the bags for the attendees had a tendency to break, especially the loop at the top. Perhaps look for a better quality vendor in that area.

I may think of some more, but that is a start. Well, RootsTech 2014 is not going to get off without some suggestions for improvement:

• The videoed classes should be made available to all attendees online on the RootsTech website but preferably on YouTube 
• There should be a better way to announce and or show the upcoming vendor area presentations, perhaps a computer sign of some kind, the paper list didn't work very well
• If possible, the vendors should be grouped according to subject area, societies near societies, story and photo people together etc.
• There should be a better maps to find the vendors and more of them. The printed copies had tiny little numbers that were hard to see
• The music was too loud in the main conference Hall E
• There should be more signs pointing to restrooms
• There could be a better selection of conference hotels and earlier in the registration process
• They could warm up the weather in Salt Lake :-)

Now to what anyone, anywhere who is interested can get out of the conference:

• Watch the online videos on YouTube and the RootsTech.org website
• Go through the syllabuses for the classes
• Read the blog posts being made online from the bloggers
• Plan to come next year
• Talk up this years conference even if you couldn't attend

Thanks to all those who made this year's conference available.