How to join a webinar

What is a webinar?

A webinar is an online event such as a talk or presentation that can be watched by a worldwide audience using devices including a computer, tablet or smartphone. You don’t usually need a camera or external microphone – all you need to do is enjoy watching.

How do I take part?

There are three main (and simple!) steps to taking part in a webinar: register, choose, watch.

➊ REGISTER - Once you’ve identified the webinar you’d like to take part in, you’ll need to register with the website that's offering the webinar, if you haven’t already done so. Most will ask for details such as name and email address, and sometimes your location. You’ll then receive an email to confirm your registration.

➋ CHOOSE - Now you’re signed up, you can register your interest in attending the webinar of your choice. Some webinars are free, some paid for. Once you have chosen a webinar and filled in the details you will receive a confirmation email. You will often also get a reminder before the webinar starts. And keep an eye out for time differences if you’re attending a webinar in another country.

➌ WATCH Just log in to the website (often following the link from your ‘join this webinar’ email confirmation) and watch. There may be the chance to interact with the presenter by asking questions or reacting to the presentation – look out for the online tools that allow you to do this. We would advise logging on at least 10 to 15 minutes before the webinar is due to start. This gives you time to check you're connected. You may see a notice on the screen advising you that the webinar is due to start soon. At the start time, that will disappear, and the presenters will begin.

How do I find out about webinars?

Family history organisations around the world hold regular webinars. A few examples include FamilySearch, Legacy Family Tree, the Guild of One-Name Studies and now Family Tree too.  To find the new webinar topics that Family Tree will be running soon, click here (places are limited).