A popular feature returning in 2026 is "Relatives at RootsTech."  What it does:

• Compares your tree in FamilySearch to others attending the conference
• Shows how you’re related to other participants and lets you message them
• Works globally for online attendees
• Relatives can be sorted by where they're located and what ancestor you share

Direct chat with relatives generally shuts down when the conference ends, but the relationship lists and connection paths remain visible until April 30.

Many experienced users recommend saving screenshots or notes of interesting cousin connections before April 30. Once the feature closes, it may be difficult to re-locate those living matches.

​Personal note: On Thursday I had 1708 relatives at the conference. This morning the number has grown to 1883 so people continue to register and sign up for this feature. Yesterday I blogged about my husband's paternal Irish line; he has only TWO relatives at RootsTech, both from the Rowan family line.