The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies announces an invitation to submit lecture, workshop, and panel proposals for the 36th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy, locally hosted by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State. The Conference will be held at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel in Seattle, Washington, from August 7 to 12, 2016.

We seek proposals relevant to the interests of all genealogists researching Jewish ancestors. In addition to proposals for lectures, proposals for workshops or panel discussions are also welcome. New presentations are encouraged, as are presentations and workshops that provide practical research methodologies that will help conference participants in their research. Highly original topics that will attract participants will also be given special consideration.

The major focus of the Conference will be on Jewish migration, with a general theme of “Westward Ho.” General topics for presentations will include European Jewry, migrations to the United States, migration of American Jewry across America, and Jews in the Western United States. A special geographic focus will be programming based on our branches in Australia, South America, and South Africa.

Other focus areas are technology in support of genealogical research and ethical considerations in genealogy. A special focus at this Conference will be the Sephardic experience in America, in all of its varied aspects.

Presentations and panel discussions will be 75 minutes, which includes 15 minutes reserved for questions and answers. There is also an option, this year, for shorter presentations of 45 or 60 minutes, including 15 minutes for questions and answers.

All proposals must be submitted using the Conference website (www.iajgs2016.org), under the Program tab. In addition to basic demographic and biographical information about the speaker(s), proposals must include the presentation title, a brief description of the presentation and target audience level,

The deadline for submission of proposals is December 15, 2015! Submitters of proposals will be notified by email no later than February 15, 2016, as to whether or not their proposal has been accepted. You may contact the Program Committee at program@iajgs2016.org with any questions or comments.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and thank you for your interest in our Conference.

Janette Silverman

Phyllis Grossman

Chuck Weinstein

Conference Co-Chairs