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As I stood at the National Genealogical Society Conference registration booth, conference goers buzzed around me, scurrying off to seminars.

The registrar handed me my name tag. "You're all set," she said. "Now which version of the conference syllabus would you prefer? This 47lb book or this CD weighing 1.4 ounces?"

Glancing around at the other conference attendees, I noticed that many of them, clutching a printed syllabus in their left arms, walked with a distinct lopsided tilt to the left.

"I'll take the CD."

Receiving a conference syllabus is a hefty benefit when attending a national genealogy convention. All of the conference speakers submit up to 4 pages of notes and references regarding their seminar topics. Conference attendees can only physically sit through a limited number of seminars, yet we receive notes for all of them.

The conference syllabus isn't the only benefit. The individual seminars are naturally interesting and educational.

At this conference I learned about finding ancestors who worked for the railroads. I learned about tracing British ancestors in 18th century England. I learned about finding colonial war records, and much more.

In addition to the seminars at national conferences, dozens of vendors jockey for our genealogical dollars. We can see the latest genealogy Web site and software developments. Booksellers and publishers display their genealogical wares. Genealogy societies and clubs entice us to join their organizations.

Also, there are plenty of eating opportunities at national genealogy conferences. Sponsored luncheons and evening banquets are on tap each day.

Think you're game for a national conference? There are two major genealogical conferences each year. One sponsored by the National Genealogical Society and one sponsored by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

Check their Web sites for upcoming conferences.

If a national conference isn't on your horizon, try going to a state genealogy conference. Many state genealogical societies sponsor one- or two-day conferences. The format is usually similar to the national conferences, just on a smaller scale.

Check the state genealogical society Web sites for the states where your ancestors lived for details about their upcoming conferences. Find a list of state societies on this FGS sponsored Web site (http://www.familyhistory.com/societyhall/search.asp).

If a conference doesn't appeal to you, try attending local genealogical society meetings, which usually include special educational programs. Generally, you don't need to be a member to attend.

Locally, check out the meetings for the New Mexico Genealogical Society, the Albuquerque Genealogical Society and the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center.

Meetings and conferences are a fun way to learn new research techniques, to learn about the latest developments in the genealogical field and to meet others interested in genealogy.