The following media release was issued on October 24, 2024, by Aqua Public Relations on behalf of the Genealogical Society of Queensland. For the contact details refer to the original media release.
Brisbane to host Australasian family history conference Connections 2025
Family historians from throughout Australia and New Zealand will converge on Brisbane next March as the Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ) hosts the family history conference Connections 2025 at Brisbane Technology Park, Eight Mile Plains.
The conference is the first of its kind to be hosted by the leading Queensland family history society and will combine the 17th Australian Conference on Genealogy and Heraldry and 5th History Queensland State Conference.
“For local and family historians at any stage of their research journey, the conference will be a hub of knowledge, bringing together history amateurs and professionals under one roof to uncover the past, celebrate the present and tap into the future from March 21-24,” GSQ conference convenor David Barnes said.
“Family history research is identified as one of the top leisure pursuits in the world and globally is a part of a multi-billion-dollar industry. In Queensland alone, there are hundreds of family history associations and societies. We expect to bring local and family history researchers, ancestry researchers, genealogists and representatives to Brisbane from around the world.
“Delegates will be able to choose from 48 sessions delivered by international and national experts in family history or take a Master Class with an expert on a range of fascinating topics including navigating the ethics and legalities of family history research; exploring new tools such as AI and DNA; learning techniques for digitising records; and researching English ancestors prior to 1700, to name a few,” Mr Barnes said.
Extensive program over three days
Four featured speakers are internationally known lecturer and faculty member at various genealogical institutes, Judy Russell of the United States; academic, author and TV presenter best known for his work on Who Do You Think You Are, Dr Nick Barratt of the United Kingdom; professor of heritage and digital humanities at the University of New England, Dr Hamish Maxwell-Stewart; and language specialist and former University of Queensland academic, Emeritus Professor Roland Sussex of Brisbane.
Six speakers will represent the conference sponsors – FamilySearch.com; Imaging Australia and New Zealand; Ancestry.com; National Archives of Australia; Queensland Family History Society Inc and Gould Genealogy and History while other speakers will include family historians, professional and amateur genealogists, academics, researchers and storytellers.
The conference will also include an exhibitors’ trade fair showcasing products and services offered by family history businesses and groups. Delegates will gain exclusive access to GSQ’s resource centre on Friday, March 21, a gala dinner featuring guest speaker Professor Roly Sussex will be held on Saturday, March 22 and heritage tours of historic Brisbane landmarks and sites will be offered on Monday, March 24.
Connections 2025 will be held during Brisbane’s Bicentennial Year which marks 200 years since the establishment of the penal settlement on what is Brisbane’s CBD today.
Conference details at a glance:
Venue: Brisbane Technology Park, 1 Clunies Ross Court, Eight Mile Plains
Cost: Early Bird rate $395 (if booked by November 30), $515 (full rate)
Extensive program of 48 presentations and six Master Classes
Exhibitors’ trade fair
Exclusive access to GSQ’s resource centre, 25 Stackpole Street, Wishart on March 21
Gala dinner on March 22
Heritage tours of historic Brisbane sites on March 24
Issued: October 24, 2024
Recommendation from Fran: Register now to save
I recommend you register to attend before the early bird pricing finishes on 30 November 2024. Early Bird, Three-day Tickets are $395 per person. After this date, the Full Three-day Package is $515. Also available are Daily Passes at $260 per person, per day and Master Classes at $75 per person, per class. Master Classes are filling up fast, so don’t wait too long, or you might miss out!
As the Queensland Ambassador for the Connections 2025 Conference, I’ve received complimentary entry to the main conference, Friday night function, and conference dinner. However, I’m covering my other expenses, including flights from Spain to Australia, accommodation, meals, and master-class tickets.
My insights on attending Connections 2025 come from years of experience attending AFFHO and Queensland conferences, along with others across Australia, New Zealand, RootsTech, USA, and more.
If you’re feeling uncertain about attending Connections 2025 as a first-timer, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to share insights about what it’s like to attend a conference. For specific details, you can also contact the event organisers directly.