Together In Real Time
The 2023 International German Genealogy Conference will bring attendees together in real-time, whether they are coming in-person to Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, or online around the world. We plan to have many exciting and informative discussions happening in all time zones, so no matter where you are, you can be part of the IGGC Experience in real time!
Save The Dates
The conference takes place June 9-11, 2023, in Fort Wayne, Indiana and online. The local host is the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library, a renowned institution for genealogical research. In-person attendees will have opportunities to visit the Genealogy Center to learn about its collection and do research on their own.
Librarians Day
It's also thanks to the Genealogy Center that IGGP is offering a first in 2023: Librarians Day on Thursday, June 8. The target audience is staffers at libraries and archives of all sizes. Speakers and panelists will offer guidance on how librarians can assist their patrons who come in with questions about German genealogical research. This fits into the IGGP mission to, among other purposes, "collect and share German genealogical knowledge, references, resources, and information." Join in-person or online.
Expert Speakers
A call for presentation proposals is coming in the next few weeks. We expect to continue the tradition of earlier conferences in presenting the most experienced, respected experts on researching German-speaking ancestors. Some presentations will be in-person while others will be offered through Zoom. And for those who want the convenience of watching recordings at their own pace, a selection of programs will be available "on-demand."
Getting Connected
Connection sessions, which previously were held around the daily program, now are at the heart of the schedule, with slots in the morning, afternoon and evening. Many will be held virtually to allow participants to connect across time zones. One example is scheduling sessions to connect Australian researchers with those in Germany during hours when residents of both countries are awake. Our team is working to identify those topics that will be of most interest. With almost 30+ slots on the proposed agenda for the weekend, you're sure to find at least one session to connect with other attendees.
Conference Phone/Computer App
IGGP will be using Whova as the conference app for mobile devices and computer. Attendees of the 2021 all-virtual conference may remember Whova as a tool that offered unprecedented opportunities to connect with others. Participants could leave messages on the Community Board or organize casual "meet-ups." In 2023, both in-person and virtual attendees can use Whova to connect to each other and establish relationships that outlast the conference.
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Outreach to sponsors and exhibitors is taking place with our first sponsors already onboard. We will have on-site and virtual-only exhibition areas, allowing both elements of our audience to learn about products and services related to German genealogy.
We are hopeful that many of our partners, along with non-profit organizations, will join commercial exhibitors in taking a booth in order to educate attendees on the vast wealth of knowledge and resources available to German researchers around the world. info@iggp.org
Hotels
Information on making your hotel information went out in July 2022. Fort Wayne traditionally has a tight hotel market in June due to other events in the area, so we strongly encourage anyone considering a visit to the IGGP conference reserve a room as soon as possible. The best place to get hotel information is the IGGP Hotel Reservation Page.
And More!
This is just the start of activities being planned for the 2023 conference!
- There will be the partnership's Leadership Day on Thursday, June 8th.
- Our banquet is slated for Saturday evening, June 10th.
- Among the ideas being considered are social events around German Fest, which takes place in Fort Wayne the same week.
- We are exploring creating a showcase for non-profit organizations.
- We are blocking time so that individual partner societies can get together with their members who are attending.
- We expect to offer research consultations with experts and just generally create opportunities for in-person attendees to enjoy the social experience of a major international conference after several years of limited interaction.
- And we look to give virtual attendees a fun and informative weekend from home.
Stay tuned. Send comments or questions to info@iggp.org.
