Genealogy conferences have long been a cornerstone of learning and networking for family historians, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts. But as we near the end of 2024, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the room: why are some conferences still not offering virtual options? This isn’t just a logistical question—it’s about inclusivity, accessibility, and the future of family history education.

A Pandemic-Driven Revolution

One silver lining of the pandemic was the rapid expansion of virtual options in family history education. While some virtual events existed pre-2020, they were limited. COVID-19 changed that, proving online formats could deliver value to a broader audience.

Take two major events in 2025: the National Genealogical Society (NGS) annual conference and the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations’ (AFFHO) three-yearly congress Connections 2025, hosted by the Genealogical Society of Queensland. Neither event will offer virtual attendance. While NGS is providing recording packages, they are only available to in-person attendees. For Connections 2025, no recording options will be offered at all. 

In a post-pandemic world where hybrid and virtual events have proven their value, these decisions feel like a step backwards. And they’re not just frustrating—they’re exclusionary.

Why Virtual Options Matter

In today’s interconnected world, a virtual component is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation. The absence of virtual access creates barriers, limiting participation only to those who can afford the significant financial and logistical cost of in-person attendance.

Virtual offerings open doors by:  

• Breaking financial barriers: Many genealogists can’t afford the travel and accommodation costs, required for in-person attendance.
• Diversifying voices: Virtual access enables participation by those who might not traditionally present at or attend in-person events, especially emerging voices in the field.
• Increasing flexibility: Health concerns, family obligations, and other life challenges often make travel impossible.
• Encouraging innovation: Organisations can experiment with new presenters and topics without the pressure of filling expensive venues.
• Preserving content: Recording packages allow knowledge-sharing to extend well beyond the event itself. As family historians focused on preserving the past, this should be seen as essential.

Yes, running a hybrid conference can be complex and resource-intensive, but if schools, universities and even small nonprofits can manage it, why can’t major family history organisations? The Association of Professional Genealogists, for example, has successfully offered hybrid/virtual solutions for several years.

“It’s Too Difficult” Is No Longer an Excuse

Hybrid events require effort, but organisations have had years to:

• Develop virtual capabilities
• Train volunteers in digital event management
• Invest in the necessary technology
• Create sustainable hybrid models.

The technology is mature, the processes are well-documented, and the benefits are clear. If small local societies can manage virtual events, larger organisations have no excuse to lag behind.

The Path Forward

Rather than debating whether to offer virtual access, organisations should be focusing on how to implement it effectively. Options include:

1. Entire hybrid conferences with live-streaming
2. Recording packages for post-event access
3. Virtual-only tracks alongside in-person events
4. Hybrid presentation options for speakers.

Even starting small—such as offering recordings for purchase—would be a step in the right direction.

Let’s move the needle

It’s time for the family history community to demand better. Conference organisers need to hear that:

• Virtual access is a must-have in 2025 and beyond
• Exclusionary practices will reduce attendance and support
• Modern audiences expect modern solutions.

Conclusion

The question is no longer whether genealogy conferences should offer virtual options – they absolutely must. If we’re serious about fostering inclusion, innovation, and community, it’s time to leave outdated models behind. Virtual options, whether live or recorded, aren’t just a convenience—they’re a lifeline for those who can’t be there in person.

The future of genealogy conferences isn’t hybrid – that’s already the present. Organisations still debating this need to catch up or risk becoming irrelevant. It’s time to stop making excuses and start making changes.