Top Five Conference Lessons Learned

Finally cleaned up the tote bag with all the info I accumulated at the National Genealogical Society Conference held the first week in May in Ft. Lauderdale.  I learned a lot but these five ideas keep circulating around in my head:

1. Mind Maps - I always encourage my students to use them but I'm negligent in doing so myself.  Elizabeth Shown Mills displayed quite an elaborate spider web map that showed relationships and it was impressive.  I'm adding this to my "to-do" list to incorporate in my practice.
2. Identify Expertise - D. Joshua Taylor mentioned that he always asks antique store owners what their area of expertise is.  Although I chat with store owners it never dawned on me to ask for specific information.  He related a wonderful story about finding a relative's belongings in a shop in New York state by simply asking that question.  Definitely will add this to my genealogical tool box!
3. WorldCat.org - One of the most valuable online resources to find materials I somehow missed the box on the right side that's called "Related Searches."  You have to sign in to view which I often don't do.  This may give you information that you didn't even know existed!  Definitely worth a look.  
4. DNA - I need to really get serious about DNA testing!  I learned a bunch from Tom Jones' lecture but there is still so much more I need to learn.  That is where I'm going to be focusing my continuing education.
5. At the BCG Luncheon, I learned a lot about copywrite and fair use.  Didn't know that there is a free Fair Use Evaluator online that can help you determine whether a work is fair use or not.  

I learned so much more but these items were those that I starred as Ah-ha moments and I wanted to share.  Enjoy!