1st International Conference on Genetic Genealogy
for Family Tree DNA Group Administrators

to be held in

Houston, TX
on October 30, 2004

HOUSTON, June 23 (For Immediate Release) - Family Tree DNA, the world leader in Genetic Genealogy, will host the first-ever International Conference on Genetic Genealogy for Surname Project Administrators on Saturday, October 30, 2004 at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas. The one-day event will feature leading experts in the field making presentations on a variety of topics related to the use of DNA for family history research.

Family Tree DNA is the only organization in the field of Genetic Genealogy that has consistently offered the emerging science that enables genealogists around the world to advance their research. Since its inception, in April of 2000, when it developed the commercial application of what until then was only available for academic and scientific research, Family Tree DNA has been associated with Arizona Research Labs and Dr. Michael Hammer, head of the Genomics Analysis and Technology Core at the University of Arizona, as well as some of the world's leading authorities in the fields of Genetics and Anthropology.

In celebration of the milestone of reaching 1000 Surname Projects and over 22,000 tested individuals from all over the world, Family Tree DNA is organizing the first conference of this kind to provide genealogy enthusiasts with a forum in which to hear from recognized authorities in the field. Among those slated to participate is Dr. Bruce Walsh, the world-renowned population geneticist from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona.

The Conference on Genetic Genealogy for Surname Project Administrators is open to genealogists from all over the world who currently manage Surname Projects at Family Tree DNA and want to learn more about how to make the most of DNA testing for Genealogy, whether by having a better understanding on Y-DNA mutation rates, their impact on the calculations of the Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor or simply learning ways to reach out for more participants.

Much has occurred since Family Tree DNA started in early 2000; many families found new branches that were scattered all over the world. "The usefulness of DNA for genealogy purposes becomes more evident as more people get tested, thus making their personal testimonials available to other families " says Bennett Greenspan, founder and president of the Houston-based Family Tree DNA.

For example, Family Tree DNA customer Timothy Peterman recently had his maternal uncle take the test. "I just got the results the other day,” says Peterman, “with the names of two exact Robinson matches. I contacted both and am pleased to say that I've extended my Robinson lineage back another 150 years or so."

A highlight of the Conference will be the release of the first Y-DNA mutation rate study in the world based on family genealogies, which was co-sponsored by the Department of Genetics at the University of Arizona and Family Tree DNA.

Online registration for the event is available at http://www.familytreedna.com/Conference_2004.asp.

For more information on the "1st International Conference on Genetic Genealogy for Surname Project Administrators,” please contact Max Blankfeld – Vice-President, Operations and Marketing 713-868-1438, e-mail:max@familytreedna.com.

Media Contact: Sharon Weisz, W3 Public Relations, Phone: 323-852-1043 or e-mail: sharon@familytreedna.com.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM AND REGISTRATION        SYLLABUS