Global Family Reunion Recap

Posted June 9, 2015 by Amanda | No Comment

We had a great time at the Global Family Reunion! The event drew thousands to the New York Hall of Science on Saturday, June 6. Hosted by best-selling author A.J. Jacobs, the Global Family Reunion was an epic event bringing together people from all around the world.

Although the morning saw a little rain, the Geni and MyHeritage teams were eager to welcome everyone. Visitors could easily find us by the large Geni and MyHeritage balloons we had floating above our tent.

The Geni and MyHeritage teams together again!

As soon as the doors opened, we had a crowd of people eager to learn how they could connect to Geni’s World Family Tree and discover how they were related to AJ Jacobs.

Crowds at the Geni and MyHeritage tent

At the center of the tent, a children’s table was available to little ones to draw their own family trees while their parents learned more about our great products. Several newbies had success connecting to the World Family Tree right then and there. All were able to walk away with souvenirs of MyHeritage frisbees and Geni water bottles. Cousins Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe were even available for pictures!

Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe

We also had one of our largest gatherings of Geni Curators at the Global Family Reunion. Many of them were quick to jump right in to talk about Geni with everyone who stopped by. We are incredibly grateful to have such an awesome team of volunteers!

The Geni team with Curators Victar Mas, Dan Cornett, Kristi Mas, Jeff Gentes and Brendan Molloy

The event had a full line up of speakers and entertainment throughout the day, including MyHeritage CEO Gilad Japhet, who shared some amazing family tales. One of the day’s biggest highlights took place on the main stage when the band Sister Sledge performed “We Are Family.” And everyone came out to sing!

Sister Sledge singing “We Are Family”

Soon after, all cousins came together for one epic family photo. It was announced that the Global Family Reunion set the world record for the most family reunions happening simultaneously around the world!

We had a fantastic time at the Global Family Reunion. The event succeed in raising thousands of dollars to benefit Alzheimer’s research and in bringing thousands of people together as a family. If you missed the Reunion, the livestream is archived here.