Wholly Genes, Inc., of Columbia, Maryland, today announced their 2008 Genealogy Conference and Cruise, October 26-November 2, 2008.

Here is their press release...

This extremely popular annual event has a reputation for its unrivaled speaker list, exceeding even that of most land-based family history conferences. Like the three years before it, this is expected to be a sold-out event.

In 2008, eleven of the most prominent professional genealogists and technical experts from the U.S., England, and Ireland will share their experience and advice with several hundred family researchers while sailing to the tropical islands of the Caribbean. This year's event will include at least 16 hours of expert presentations on genealogy methodology and tools (without a focus on any particular software) and will use a schedule of non-conflicting lecture times so attendees can make the most of this unprecedented educational opportunity.

Attendees will also have the rare chance to schedule private one-on-one consultations, to share a casual meal, or to attend other social events with the speakers, many of whom are giants in the genealogy community:

• Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS, longtime editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly.


• Barbara Vines Little, CG, former president of the National Genealogical Society and Virginia Genealogical Society.


• John Grenham, Ireland's foremost genealogist.


• John Titford, LHG FSG, prominent British genealogist and popular author.


• Craig Scott, MA, CG, certified genealogist and military record expert.


• Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak, professional genealogist and popular author.


• Cyndi Howells of Cyndislist.com, an expert at online resources.


• Tony Burroughs, FUGA, popular genealogical author, teacher, and lecturer.

Although not providing lectures, the following additional speakers will host breakfasts and private consultations:

• Robert Charles Anderson, FASG, Director of the Great Migration Study Project for NEHGS.


• Sandra Hewlett, CG, professional researcher and councilor for the New England Historic Genealogical Society.


• Dick Eastman, technology expert and editor of Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.

In addition to attending the main lectures, users of The Master Genealogist (TMG) project manager will find a variety of presentations about how to make the most of that software and its companion programs. Attendees will meet Bob Velke, President of Wholly Genes, Inc., and be able to schedule private consultations with him and many other prominent researchers in the TMG community, including John Cardinal, Lee Hoffman, Jim Byram, and members of the TMG support team.

Planned cocktail parties and other events will give attendees the chance to mingle with other group members, swap research interests, and make new friends. An attendee from North Carolina remembers the last such event as a "wonderful way to vacation, meet new friends with similar interests, and learn a lot in the bargain!"

The 2008 conference will be held on the majestic Caribbean Princess as it sails from New York City to the exotic ports of St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Traveling companions who aren't interested in the lectures might want to relax with a book on a private balcony or take advantage of the many shipboard features, including pools, saunas, exercise equipment, jogging track, golf simulator, putting green, racket games, Internet cafe, and a large casino. The lecture schedule leaves family and friends to spend evenings together for a quiet dinner or to enjoy live shipboard entertainment, night-clubs, and even an outdoor movie theater under the stars. Four tropical ports and optional guided shore excursions will round out a truly memorable vacation.

"A cruise ship makes a relaxing environment in which to learn from the experts and improve our research skills," said Velke. He added, "However, not many educational opportunities also include the ability to spend quality time with family and friends on tropical islands. We are very pleased that so many people have enjoyed this format in past years and we are looking forward to another great event."

Prices for the week-long 2008 Genealogy Conference and Cruise start at about $843 per person (inside cabin, double occupancy) and include the cruise, food, shipboard entertainment, and attendance to all conference events. A roommate-finding service is also available.

Complete details of the cruise can be found at...
http://www.WhollyGenes.com/cruise.htm