Meet the Software MacKiev team and our guests at RootsTech 2018!

Duff Wilson

Duff introduced a major new version of Family Tree Maker in 2007, on which all of the Software MacKiev versions are based today. In the eyes of many users he is the "father" of Family Tree Maker. While still working for Ancestry in the DNA division, for old times' sake Duff agreed to talk about Family Tree Maker in conference sessions on Wednesday and Friday.

What’s New in Family Tree Maker? Room 251E

Wed, Feb 28, 11:00 AM, Room 251E

FamilySearch and Family Tree Maker, Ballroom F

Fri, Mar 2, 1:30 PM, Ballroom F

Family Tree Maker

Stefan Harms

Using his background in applied computer science Stefan has created Family Book Creator, the first Family Tree Maker plugin. He started using Family Tree Maker in 1999 and now has 16 years of experience in genealogy. Family Book Creator has been developed over a long period of time, and because of the enhancements suggested by various family researchers and included in new versions of the software, it is now easy to present your data to other family members in lovely books. Stefan will be talking about Family Book Creator in the Family Tree Maker booth #1017 in the Expo Hall.

Family Book Creator Theater Booth #1017, Expo Hall

Continuous presentations on Expo Hall floor

Family Book Creator

Pierre Clouthier

Pierre founded Progeny in 1995 and has been helping people tell the story of their family. He has been working in genealogy since 1972 when his grandfather gave him a copy of the family tree. Pierre has been programming since 1965, and loves the graphical display of information. Charting Companion, provides six unique chart types not found in FTM, including the Descendant Fan (a combination of descendant and family tree fan charts), plus a great collection of embellishments and lots of special print options. Pierre will be talking about Charting Companion in the Family Tree Maker booth #1017 in the Expo Hall.

Charting Companion Theater Booth #1017, Expo Hall

Continuous presentations on Expo Hall floor

Charting Companion

Maureen Taylor

Maureen is an internationally recognized expert on historic photograph identification, photo preservation and family history research. Sought out by clients all over the world from as far away as New Zealand, her pioneering work in historic photo research is unprecedented, evidenced by her success in solving photo mysteries. The author of several books, scholarly articles and online columns, she appeared on The View and The Today Show for completing Meredith Viera’s family tree. She has been featured in numerous publications including The Boston Globe, The New York Times, Better Homes and Gardens, and was dubbed “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal.

Main Theatre Booth #1017, Expo Hall

Sat, March 3rd, 11:30 AM

Essential Photo Organizing

Laura Richardson

Laura graduated from Wingate University with a Bachelor's degree in English Education in 2007. For the first 4.5 years of her teaching career, she worked at a small school in Granville County, North Carolina. During this time, she also obtained a Masters in Reading from East Carolina University. In December 2011, she joined a year-round school, Durant Road Middle School, and worked there up until June 2016. In July 2016, Laura started her journey as a Pine Hollow Pilot and is still working there currently as an ELA/ SS Teacher in the 8th grade. She is currently the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year for Pine Hollow Middle School.

Kristen Ziller

Kristen's professional background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Florida State University and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. Shortly after earning her Master’s degree, she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to begin a career as a library media specialist at Durant Road Middle School, where she worked for 13 years. In July 2016, She transitioned to open the brand-new library media center at Pine Hollow Middle School.

Family Tree Maker Classroom, Booth #1017. How to teach family history in the classroom.

Come to the booth to schedule a session or write to education@mackiev.com to reserve a seat in advance.

Russ Worthington

Russ Worthington, the author of the FTMUsers Blog (Family Tree Maker), My Headstone Collection and A Worthington Blog, co-hosts several weekly hangouts with his cousin DearMYRTLE. These include including Mondays with Myrt, Wacky Wednesday, and moderates more intense study groups including Beginning Genealogy, Mastering Genealogical Proof, The Written Conclusion, and Genealogy and the Law.

Ask Cousin Russ - The Help Bar, Family Tree Maker booth #1017

"Cousin Russ" Worthington will be at his very own cafe help bar serving up cold
drinks along with tutorials, tricks and expert advice on everything FTM.

Mike Bollinger

Mike Bollinger has a diploma of genealogy and teaches Family Tree Maker courses at the Society of Genealogists in London. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable Family Tree Maker instructors in the UK. Originally from Canada, Mike now lives in the UK and has a wealth of experience in family history research using the Family Tree Maker program.

Main Theater Booth #1017, Expo Hall

Continuous sessions in the main theater.

Facebook FTM User Groups

Meet experts and founders on hand from our independent Facebook FTM User Groups, including Gary Inglish, John Fassbender, Elizabeth O’Donnell and James Clouse. Stop by and say hello. Event times will be posted on the group pages.