CAGGNI‘s 7^th biennial GeneaQuest Conference will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Wojcik Conference Center at Harper College in Palatine, IL.

The conference will be a one-day, in-person event, featuring regional presenters covering a wide range of genealogy topics of interest to all skills and interest levels.

Early Bird Discount Registration Now Open!

Registration

GeneaQuest registrants receive admission to the one-day conference, session handouts, access for one month to session recordings of all presentations*, entries for door prize drawings, beverages, and lunch.

• Conference Attendee Admission
• Members, $75 Early Bird Discount Registration (Regular Registration Members $80)
• Non-members, $85 Early Bird Discount Registration (Regular Registration Non-Members $90)
• Registration Deadline
• Early Bird Registration Deadline: Saturday, May 30, 2026
• Regular Registration Deadline: Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Advanced registration is required. Admission will not be sold at the door as we are unable to accommodate walk-ins.
• Non-registered guests are not permitted within the conference facilities.
• Session Selection
• We ask that attendees select their session schedule during the online registration process so that we can gather the approximate attendee count and plan the appropriate room sizes.
• Lunch Selection
• Lunch is included in admission.
• Box lunch included with a sandwich (choice of turkey, ham, or veggie) served with a cookie and a bag of chips.
• Sandwich selection and special dietary restrictions will be collected during online registration.
• Beverages
• Beverage station is included in admission.
• Coffee and Hot Tea will be available in the morning.
• Iced Tea, Lemonade, and Ice Water will be available from morning to mid-afternoon and served during lunch.

• Session Recordings
• Recordings will allow attendees to view other sessions they missed while attending another session that occurred at the same time or to rewatch their favorite presentations.
• Recordings will be posted on a secure website within a few days of the conference and be available via login for 30 days.

Register for GeneaQuest

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Session Schedule

All presentations will be 100% live, with speakers presenting in person and available for questions.

• Venue opens at 8:00 AM for Attendees
• Venue will open at 7:30 AM for Exhibitors & Speakers for setup
• Conference check-in begins at 8:00 AM in the lobby
• Name tags will be issued at check-in
• Attendees are encouraged to gather in the Dining Room (W116) to socialize and visit exhibitors after they check-in.
• Sessions occur between 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
• Welcome session begins at 8:45 AM in the Dining Room (W116)
• Brief welcome and introduction to start the day
• Sessions are scheduled for 75 minutes each for the presentation and questions
• There are 2 session timeslots in the morning before lunch and 2 session timeslots in the afternoon after lunch
• Mid-Morning and Mid-Afternoon Breaks are scheduled for 15 minutes each
• Lunch is scheduled mid-day for 90 minutes
• During lunch there will be announcements, prize drawings, and opportunities to socialize.
• Last session ends at 4:00 PM
• Venue closes at 4:30 PM

Note: All times listed in local format (US CDT)

Tentative Schedule - Subject to Change

Syllabus & Session Handouts

• Syllabus will be distributed in PDF format via email on Friday, July 17.
• Additional handout file(s) may be distributed in PDF format via links in the syllabus email to a secure website for download. These separate file(s) may require downloading to avoid email size restrictions and allow for more attendee flexibility to better suit their individual printing and storage preferences. 
• Printed paper copies of the syllabus and session handouts will NOT be available for distribution the day of the conference.

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Conference Theme & Session Topics

CAGGNI GeneaQuest 2026 – Pursuit of Ancestry: Life, Liberty & Heritage will be an America 250 tribute event celebrating the 250^th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The conference will focus on topics related to researching our ancestors’ American experience and uncovering their path to “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

The following core themes of the conference are inspired by the commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Legacy of Liberty: Honoring Those Who Built, Defended, and Improved a Nation

• Generations of courage, service, sacrifice, and perseverance shaped the country.
• Celebrate our ancestors who fought for freedom, equality, and opportunity.

Journeys to America: Stories of Hope and Heritage

• Every family has a founding story.
• Discover the immigrant journeys that define our nation.

Tech Meets Tradition: Genealogy at America’s 250^th

• Harness technology to honor the past.
• Unlock the story of America written in your DNA.

Legacy of Liberty

Each struggle tells a story of strength – our ancestors' gift lives in us.

250 Years Later – Everyday American Patriot Heroes, Robert Campbell Sr and His Family by Vicki Ruthe Hahn at 10:30 AM

• 2026 is the 250 years anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the United States signing the Declaration of Independence. Explore the time period around the War for Independence through the lives of Robert Campbell Sr and his family, and their Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania neighbors. Learn about Robert Campbell, (and other pioneers including Daniel Boone) expanding westward through the Allegheny Mountains to settle on Native American’s land, the resulting French Indian War, the War of Independence, and afterward. While away from his farm bravely serving as an American Revolutionary soldier, Robert Campbell Sr had a compelling tragic experience. From his headstone – Robert Campbell Sr “was one of the early settlers of this valley and with them suffered much from Indian cruelty. In the year 1775 his wife and infant daughter were barbarously murdered, his house burned, and the rest of his children, five in number taken captives, one of whom never returned.” What is the rest of their story?

Civil War Research (Title TBA) by Debra Dudek at 9:00 AM

• Description TBA

Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestor by Bill Wheeler at 1:15 PM

• An introductory discussion of identifying and locating the documents that are required and accepted by the SAR & DAR lineage societies. Presentation coverage will include the SAR Patriot Research System (PRS) and DAR GRS, as well as an abundance of other resources to help with patriot research.

Journeys to America 

Your ancestors crossed oceans – now cross time.

A Tale of Two Immigrants by Caron Brennan at 9:00 AM

• Explore the journeys of two German immigrants whose paths to a new life could not have been more different. As a third-generation descendant, the presenter uncovers the contrasting stories of her great-grandfathers—both from Germany, yet shaped by distinct circumstances, challenges, and choices. Through research and personal discovery, she retraces their steps across continents and generations, revealing how their experiences shaped her family’s history. This presentation weaves together immigration, perseverance, and genealogy into a personal narrative of identity and heritage.

Immigration and Naturalization Research (Title TBA) by Suzanne Hoffman at 10:30 AM

• Description TBA

• Description TBA
  

Tech Meets Tradition 

Innovate the way you research, remember, and reconnect.

An Introduction to One-Name Studies by Marty Acks at 9:00 AM

• Family historians often start by researching their ancestors and cousins. A one-name study, by contrast, focuses on individuals with the same (or similar) surname, even if they are not related. These projects can span many countries, continents, and centuries. In this presentation, the speaker will provide an overview of one-name studies methodology and terminology, relying on the approach of the Guild of One-Name Studies (GOONS). Family Tree DNA's Y-DNA projects and WikiTree surname projects will also be studied. The presentation will conclude with a review of his own case studies, including one that broke open a decades-old brick wall, and examples of other unique one-name projects.

Evolving Role of Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy: Summer 2026 Edition by Eric Vavra at 10:30 AM

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) is no longer just a trendy buzzword. Rapid advances and expanding capabilities now make AI a valuable addition to your genealogy toolkit. When thoughtfully integrated into your workflow, AI can enhance your family history research experience and improve both the quality and speed of your results. This presentation will showcase the latest AI tools, including genealogy specific offerings, and examine responsible usage, practical considerations, current limitations, and emerging trends.

Introduction to Investigative Genetic Genealogy by Suzanne Hoffman at 1:15 PM

• Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) represents the intersection of DNA analysis, traditional genealogy, and law enforcement. This presentation introduces the history, methodology, and legal framework surrounding IGG, including its relationship to forensic genealogy, investigative genealogy by law enforcement and the available databases. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, accreditation, privacy concerns, and evidentiary standards. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of how IGG assists criminal investigations, cold cases, and identification efforts while maintaining professional and legal accountability.

Pursuit of Ancestry

Genealogy Vignettes in a Lightning Talk Style at 2:45 PM

presentations by Larry Olson, Marty Acks, Nancy Zander Reese, and additional speakers to be announced

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Speakers

The conference includes a great lineup of a variety of several quality speakers.

• Marty Acks
• Tina Beaird
• Caron Brennan
• Debra Dudek
• Vicki Ruthe Hahn
• Suzanne Hoffman
• Eric Vavra
• Bill Wheeler

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Sponsors, Exhibitors, & Donors

The following are the generous sponsors whose support helps make GeneaQuest possible. Please visit their websites for more information about their organizations and offerings. 

Platinum Level

• Sponsors to be announced

Gold Level

• Sponsors to be announced

Silver Level

• Golf By The Book golfbythebook.com
• Conference Keeper conferencekeeper.org
• Additional sponsors to be announced

Bronze Level

• Sponsors to be announced

If you wish to be a Conference Sponsor, please visit caggni.org/event-6557206

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Door & Raffle Prizes

Door Prizes

Two (2) door prize drawing entry tickets are included with each paid conference admission. 

• CAGGNI One-Year Membership [1 available, $30 value]
• Donated by caggni.org 

• Donated by one-name.org
• Storied Starters (Story Prompts Cards) [1 available, $30 value]

• Donated by Cathy Gulbrantson, CAGGNI President

• World War I Genealogy Research Guide Book [1 available, ≈$10 value]
• Donated by debradudek.com

• Additional prizes to be announced

Note: Door prize tickets will be provided at check-in. Each ticket(s) should be placed in the "bucket" for the specific prize drawing(s) you wish to enter. The drawing will be conducted in-person and announced in the dining room during lunch (approximately 12:30 PM). You must be present to win. Prize winners must pick up their prizes by the end of the conference (4:00 PM). Additional information will be provided in the syllabus and at the entry table.

Raffle Prizes

Raffle entry tickets may be purchased Two (2) tickets for $5.00 or Five (5) tickets for $10.00 (CASH ONLY - There is NOT an ATM available in the building). 

• America 250 Challenge Coins (Official Limited Edition, 1.75" Gold Plated Collector Coins) [3 available ≈$40 value each]
• Donated by Cathy Gulbrantson, CAGGNI President
• Additional prizes to be announced

Note: Ticket sales will be limited to only the day of the conference between doors opening (approximately 7:30 AM) and the beginning of the lunch announcements (approximately 12:30 PM). Each ticket(s) should be placed in the "bucket" for the specific raffle prize drawing(s) you wish to enter. The raffle drawing will be conducted in-person and announced in the dining room during lunch (approximately 12:30 PM). You must be present to win. Prize winners must pick up their prizes by the end of the conference (4:00 PM). Additional information will be provided in the syllabus and at the entry table.

Only persons aged 18 years or older may participate in the raffle (Village of Palatine Code of Ordinances Chapter 11 Article VII Raffles).

If you wish to donate Raffle/Door Prize(s), please visit caggni.org/event-6557216.

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For More Information

• GeneaQuest on Facebook – Look for the latest news about GeneaQuest 2026 on our Facebook page.
• Contact: conference @ caggni.org

Venue

GeneaQuest is returning for our 2^nd conference at the Wojcik Conference Center at Harper College in Palatine, IL. The conference center is a state-of-the-art facility with enhanced technology for meetings.

Harper College

Wojcik Conference Center (Building W)

1200 W Algonquin Rd

Palatine, IL, 60067

Directions

Free parking is available in Lot 14 adjacent to the building. (No permits are required.)

The information contained herein relates to third-party use of the facilities, property, and equipment of William Rainey Harper College. Use of the College’s names, logos, trademarks or affiliation by the third-party identified in this advertisement or promotion does not constitute or imply the College’s endorsement, recommendation or approval of the third party and its products or services.

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Notices

• * Sessions will be recorded, technology permitting, and available for registrants via a secure website for approximately one month after the conference.
• CAGGNI reserves the right to make schedule and/or other changes should unforeseen circumstances arise.
• Photographs and/or video/audio recordings may be taken during the event. By attending the conference, you grant the event organizers rights to use the resulting media for future promotional purposes.
• Links to external sites are only provided as a convenience. CAGGNI assumes no responsibility or liability for the content or functionality of those sites.