In the Midst of Covid 19 Precautions and being super busy with my Nurse Practitioner day job, I am dreaming of holidays that won’t be cancelled and learning from my fellow DNA and Genealogy friends.
My next big conference is in March 2021 and I am already super excited. I have been selected as an Ambassador to assist before and after the event.
The last conference DNA Down Under ran in 2019 was exceptional and the speakers for this next one wont disappoint either. See my reviews from 2019 here
What a fantastic conference that was!! For the first conference of its type in Australia that was an amazing success. Congratulations to the team at Unlock the Past for creating such a wonderful event. I cant wait for the next one.
Highlights of the last 3 days for me:
* The discussions around informed consent – I know I will be changing my practices, when asking people to take a DNA test
* I have an increased awareness of the need for support, for all who have surprises pop up, when taking a DNA test, and I am more conscious of the ripple effect on families when surprises and secret are discovered
* The exciting changes that are coming for use the DNA testing in the future including the use of DNA to inform about Medical information eg Medications and conditions
* Chromosome Mapping and Visual Phasing – Thanks Blaine Bettinger for allowing the nerd in me, to be excited about this. Linking the ancestoral stories to the chromosomes was a lightbulb moment for me!
* The rise is DNA testing is increasing the awareness of the need for Genealogical societies and showing others the joy of traditional Genealogical research.
I am excited to think that we are going to see many more DNA testers in Australia and that I have potentially have many more cousins to meet.
My 11th Cousin 1x Removed Blaine Bettinger enjoying an aussie meat pie
I made another Cousin connection – Shelley Crawford from Connected DNA
Shelley creates these amazing graphs of your shared cousin matches which look amazing!
I have followed her blog for a little while and wonder what segment of DNA we share that might make us think that this stuff is super fun! Would be cool if we could link it back to our common ancestor.
She is my cousin!!!
I can’t not mention my friend and Mentor Louise Coakley. She has taught me all I know about the world of DNA and I would be lost without her. She was inspiring on this tour and I loved seeing so many people come and say hi as well as, thank her for all she has done to assist and teach others.
Louise, Blaine and Mel
Thanks to all the old and new friends I made – I will be sure to forget someone if I try to list you all, but I look forward to seeing you online or catching you in person at the next DNA Down Under. I am off to get painting some chromosomes!
What a fantastic start to DNA to the Max – I started the morning meeting some of the Unlock the Past staff and then was able to greet some of the attendees with my new found friend – he didnt talk much. It was so nice to see the excitement of people coming through the door.
We are so lucky to have one of the world’s experts Down Under – Blaine Bettinger – His ability to make complicated DNA information super simple with case studies and steps detailing how you can use his information is an art!
I always learn so much from his presentations and couldn’t wait to get back to my airbnb and get exploring the new tips.
I attended sessions about What Aussies think about DNA testing, The potential use of Genetic DNA for Law Enforcement and How to be a super sleuth with limited information from matches.
You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face when I heard that Australians are leading the way with using DNA technology for Medical information – Watch this space for more information!
The other sensational part of my day was catching up with old friends and putting faces to friends that I have known online. The networking and friendships that are made at these events are great. It makes me so happy that people are weird like me and love DNA and family trees as much as I do!
Excited for tomorrow but first im off to test out some of the things ive learnt.
I am proud to be an Ambassador for the DNA Down Under Tour coming to Australia in August 2019.
Conference Locations
The Conference has both one day events in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra; and a Three Day event in Sydney.
Speakers
The speakers are the best in the DNA business. Blaine Bettinger (https://thegeneticgenealogist.com) coming from the US. Experts from Australia and New Zealand, including Louise Coakley (www.genie1.com.au) and Helen Smith (dragongenealogy.com).
In February I heard Blaine speak at Rootstech in Salt Lake City. Blaine has a beautiful way of teaching Genetic DNA which makes it simple and practical to understand. He is up to date with the every changing DNA testing methods. The use of simple language, stories and examples to teach to others is inspiring.
You may have read some of his books when starting out with working with DNA for Family History research. It is fantastic that we are able to hear him speak down under!
Conference Program
I have seen the event programs for each of the cities and we are in for a real treat. There is content for all no matter your level of understanding of the DNA world. There is no repeated content at the three day event. You have the opportunity to attend both a one day event and the three day event.
A huge bonus for this conference is the price. The registration fee includes a light lunch, morning and afternoon tea. This allows you to connect with the speakers as well as other attendee’s. I think the cost is great too and the skills you will learn will be well worth the ticket cost.
Counting the sleeps
I am counting the sleeps and can’t wait to be involved and would love for you to join me. Tickets and further information is available from www.dnadownunder.com
