11 December 2006

Announcement on NEW Society of Genealogists' Family History Show

After several years in the same location with the same format the Society of Genealogists' in the UK is breaking the mold with their annual Family History Show. SOG have previously taken advantage of partnerships with successful companies in the field. This takes it much further. The full announcement is copied below. Congratulations to SOG for trying something new.

Society of Genealogists' Family History Show

is to join forces with

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE

The hugely popular BBC TV series, renowned for taking celebrities on a journey to discover their ancestral roots, is branching out into the event field to create Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE. The Event leverages the UK’s strongest history brand in launching the first national, history show, with personal heritage at its heart.

The Event will take place at the National Hall, Olympia, London from 5-7 May 2007 and will incorporate the Society of Genealogists’ Family History Show. And with an expected audience of around 15,000 visitors it will be the biggest event of its kind by far. The Society of Genealogists and organisers Brand Events will work together on this event, to offer a single, compelling proposition to exhibitors and visitors alike. Other major partners have already signed up, including The Daily Telegraph and The National Archives.

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE will attract established historians as well as people new to the subject and will offer visitors the opportunity to meet more historians than ever before, in workshops as well as one-to-one. The line up includes leading genealogist and house historian Nick Barratt. Nick, a staunch advocate of bringing history to the masses and inventor of the term ‘personal heritage’ has been working closely with Brand Events in the development of
the show. House historian Jonathan Foyle, family history specialists Guy Grannum, Paul Crooks, Else Churchill, Mike Gandy and many more will be there along with military, lifestyle and many more historians. There will be in depth information on how to begin exploring personal heritage and advice on the best use of the technology available, as well as a wealth of product and information for those already some way into their journey.

Wall to Wall, the production company behind the programme, has partnered consumer event specialists Brand Events to create the new event. Brand Events has an incredibly successful track record in bringing new, sustainable event concepts to market, such as The Vitality Show, The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show, La Dolce Vita, MPH’06 and Taste of London.
Exhibitor bookings already made for the Society of Genealogists’ Family History Show will be honoured, with huge opportunities available for greater involvement. All exhibitors will be contacted individually over the next few days and weeks to make individual arrangements.

QUOTES
"We are delighted to be sponsoring this event. Living history and genealogy are a fascination for our readers and 'Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE' will give visitors the opportunity to delve into this topic with the support of some of the field's most respected experts."
Will Lewis, Editor, The Daily Telegraph

“We know that Who Do You Think You Are? has inspired millions of people to explore their family history. We’re thrilled to be working with Brand Events to give people a whole new experience in the form of this exciting live event.”
Alex Graham, CEO, Wall to Wall Media

"The National Archives are very pleased to be a major partner in "Who do you think you are? Live. We look forward to showcasing our expertise and resources to bring history to life for the show's visitors."
James Strachan, Director of Public Services & Marketing, The National Archives

“The Society is delighted with this opportunity to bring the Society of Genealogists’ Family History Show to a bigger audience. An expanded show will enable the genealogical community, local societies, record holders and exhibitors to reach the wider family history interest. The Society of Genealogists, along with its show sponsor Findmypast.com, looks forward to working with Brand Events and our exhibitors to make this 15th Family History Show the best ever.” June Perrin, Acting Director, Society of Genealogists

“I’m very excited to be involved in this innovative and pioneering show. Bringing history to the forefront on such a large-scale is a challenge but we are working with a great team that combines expertise and talent that will no doubt succeed in every way. I’ve always felt that personal heritage is close to all our hearts and this is a great platform for historians such as myself to address audiences that don’t know where to go for help! It’s great to be involved from conception to completion.”
Dr Nick Barratt, Genealogist and Historian

“It is tremendously exciting to have the opportunity to leverage this strong brand in the event arena. With an estimated 3 million exploring their family history and many more with a passion for broader history subjects, I am confident this will be another block buster!” Nicola Meadley, Director, Brand Events

For further information contact:
Nicola Meadley, Director, Brand Events, 020 7471 1080
Jay Kauldhar, Show Manager, Brand Events, 020 7471 1080
Charlotte Campion, Sales Executive, Brand Events, 020 7471 1080
Fi Kahn, Speaker Coordinator, Sticks Research Agency, 07956 166700