SALT LAKE CITY — It started 10 years ago as an event dedicated to bringing genealogists and technologists together, with about 2,000 people at the first gathering in 2010.

This week RootsTech organizers expect 30,000 to pack the Salt Palace Convention Center, including patrons from at least 37 countries and 45 of the 50 states, along with 100,000 online viewers.

The 10th annual RootsTech Conference promises to be the best yet, said Tyler Stahle, marketing and communications manager.

“To see how it’s grown over the past decade has been inspiring for all of us,” Stahle said.

The 2020 conference will feature prominent keynote speakers and entertainers, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, new events and activities, more than 300 classes for people of all ages and interests, new family history technology and innovations, and more.

The theme centers on “The Story of You,” Stahle said.

“We recognize that in the genealogy industry, we’re really good at looking back, analyzing and recording the stories of our ancestors,” Stahle said. “But sometimes we forget the importance of our own story, and how important it is that we’re documenting and preserving our story for our future generations. We’re hopeful that the messages and some of the classes that you’ll experience here will help you think about your story.”

Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, will likely introduce the theme, as well as look back on the last 10 years, when he opens the conference Wednesday afternoon.

Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother who inspired the book and film “The Blind Side” will be the keynote speaker Thursday.

Jen Allen, event director, said Tuohy’s story has “captured hearts across the country.”

“She has a powerful understanding of the meaning of family, inclusion and supporting one another,” Allen said. “Her message is perfect for the RootsTech stage.”

David Hume Kennerly, a Pulitzer Prize-winner and White House photographer, will take the stage on Friday.

Comedian Ryan Hamilton is scheduled to perform stand-up comedy Friday evening.

If you’re a Dallas Cowboys or NFL fan, you might want to go Saturday to hear the league’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, deliver his keynote remarks.

“Emmitt is a passionate individual and one of the best examples of determination and grit —two traits that are often found in many of our ancestral stories,” Allen said.

“Family history and football are two of my favorite things,” Stahle added.