23 March 2015

Gathering for Genetically Linked People

What an interesting idea for a conference...and so inexpensive and for a good cause!



Extracted from announcement today:

Family Tree DNA has partnered with The Global Family Reunion to create the first-ever gathering that brings together genetically linked people (However, I did have a three-day conference in 2012 which brought together genetically linked people in my Talley project.) This gathering will "deepen your understanding of your genetic past and meet your cousins from around the world..."

The announcement continues as follows:

All Family Tree DNA members are being offered a limited-time early-bird price of $25 for the event.

Event Details

When:  June 6, 2015
Where:  New York Hall of Science, New York City

Click here for early bird tickets and more information.

Click here for exclusive reward packages!

The offer is only available until April 1, 2015.

All proceeds from the Global Family Reunion go to benefit the Cure Alheimer's (sic Alzheimer's) Fund and the Alzheimer's Association NYC.

If you can't make it to New York, there will be simultaneous festivals around the world with a livestream of speakers.

The Global Family Reunion will be an entertaining, eye-opening festival for all ages - a TED conference meets a World's Fair - so bring your kids, nephews, grankids, and grandparents.  All proceeds from the event go toward fighting Alzheimer's Disease.

What can you expect at Global Family Reunion?
...See more than 30 top speakers with fascinating presentations on genetics and family heritage, including Henry Louis Gates of PBS's Finding Your Roots, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, NPR host Scott Simon, and Family Tree DNA President Bennett Greenspan
...Meet thousands of cousins and figure out how you are related
...Explore more than 450 interactive science exhibits from the New York Hall of Science
...Enjoy live entertainment, including music by Sister Sledge, who will be singing "We Are Family," of course.  There will also be comedy from The New Yorker's Andy Borowitz and comedian Nick Kroll
...Take part in family-themed trivia contests, scavenger hunts, games, and potato sack races for those who are bold
...Help build the biggest family tree ever
...Meet the staff form Family Tree DNA, as well as Family Tree DNA partners such as MyHeritage and Findmypast, and get exclusive tutorials
...Break world records, including the biggest family photo ever

The Global Family Reunion has already been featured in the New York Times, TED, Good Morning America, NPR, People magazine and many more.

The Huffington Post called it "so fun." Conan O'Brien said it is "fascinating," and NPR's Scott Simon said "I wouldn't miss it."

All Family Tree DNA members are invited.  Those who are genetically linked to Global Family Reunion founder and author A.J. Jacobs will be tallied in our attempt to break the record for most number of related people gathered in one place.  Our hope is to beat the current world record of 4, 512.

If you'd like to contact AJ directly, you can reach him at info@worldfamily.us

Regards,
Bennett Greenspan
President, Family Tree DNA

Join in the fun!
Emily

2 comments:

A.J. Jacobs said...

Thank you Cousin Emily! What a lovely writeup.
A.J.

Genealem said...

Actually, FTDNA wrote most of it. I wish I could be in NYC the first part of June, but I'm doing a lot of traveling at this time. I would love for you to write about the gathering and I would be willing to post your review here as a guest writer. Hopefully, there will be another gathering later that I can attend!