Press Releases

Brand Events

14 Nov 2008

Timely Sponsor For ‘Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE’

Following the enormous interest in the last series of the popular BBC TV series, Who Do You Think You Are?, organisers of the live event format which takes place for a third consecutive year at London’s Olympia, announce a major new sponsor.

Show Director at Brand Events, Neeshat Wadud confirms today that the archives of The Thunderer, the sobriquet The Times newspaper picked up following its fierce and immediate condemnation of the trial verdict of the strange death of Lord Graves on 7th February 1830, is continuing their support.

"We are delighted to continue to sponsor this event. The Times has long been a record keeper for international events since 1789. Our Archive provides a phenomenal resource for anyone wanting to discover the events of the past. 'Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE' will give visitors the opportunity to delve into history with the support of some of the field's most respected experts, and of course The Times Archive."
Katie Vanneck, Sales and Marketing Director, The Times

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE, sponsored by Ancestry.co.uk and powered by The Times Archive, is a one-stop-genealogy-shop which attracted 12,000 visitors in May 2008. Doors open for the next ‘live’ instalment from 27 February – 1 March 2009 and with nearly 200 exhibitors, even more people expected to attend this, the largest historical event of its kind.

“It is so exciting to have the opportunity to leverage this strong brand in the event arena as the programmes popularity and interest in the subject continues to grow. We want to give people the same chance as the celebrity time travellers have to discover their own family story by giving them access to the best knowledge and information there is available.”
Neeshat Wadud, Show Director, Brand Events

Visitors and exhibitors alike can look forward to seeing new, exciting features which delve deeper into the subject including areas dedicated to DNA, photography and preservation of memories, ancestral tourism and travel, International record holders and the Military Check Point – a special feature dedicated to the examination of visitors military artefacts by leading experts.

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE attracts newcomers to the subject inspired by the TV programme as well as the more experienced history detectives – all of whom are catered for at the event.

You can still expect to see show favourites including Ask the Experts, The Society of Genealogists Family History Show, sponsored by TheGenealogist.co.uk and seminar programme with lectures aimed at both beginner and advanced levels. Plus, new for next year, the SoG has teamed up with The Federation of Family History Societies to create a Regional Experts Workshop dedicated to lectures conducted by regional experts and family history societies.

The show will be brimming with well-known historians each offering an insight into moments of our history in workshops as well as one-to-one sessions.

The line up includes leading genealogist Nick Barratt. Nick, a staunch advocate of bringing history to the masses and inventor of the term ‘personal heritage’ will be on hand to pass on tips and advice. Other popular names in the field include Else Churchill, Mike Gandy, John Hanson, Sharon Hintze and Geoff Swinfield plus experts from The National Archives. There will be in depth information on how to begin exploring personal heritage and advice on the best use of the technology available, as well as a wealth of products and information.

QUOTES

“We know that Who Do You Think You Are? has already inspired millions of people to explore their family history. The great thing about the format of the programme is that it lends itself so well to the experience of a live event. The event at Olympia will allow people to experience the thrill of making their own discoveries first hand and will send them off on their own personal journey to uncover their hidden family history.”
Alex Graham, CEO, Wall to Wall Media

“We were overwhelmed with the response we received from visitors at the event. It gave us a chance to showcase our services and meet new and existing customers. We are proud to be title sponsor for the third consecutive year.”
Simon Harper, Managing Director, Ancestry.co.uk

"The National Archives are very pleased to be a major partner in "Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE. We look forward to showcasing our expertise and resources to bring history to life for the show's visitors."
Oliver Morley, Director of Customer and Business Development, The National Archives

"TheGenealogist.co.uk is proud to be sponsoring the Society of Genealogists Family History Show, helping people discover their roots is our joint objective. It gives people the chance to break down the brick walls in their research by asking the experts."
Nigel Bayley, Managing Director, TheGenealogist.co.uk

"The Society of Genealogists’ Family History Show is now in its 17th year and continues to be the best way for anyone starting their family history or long time researchers to engage with the world of family history. The Society is delighted to continue its support for all family historians, local societies, record holders and other experts as an integral part of 'Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE' "
June Perrin, Chief Executive, Society of Genealogists

“I’m very excited to be involved with bringing history to the forefront on such a large-scale. I’ve always felt that personal heritage is close to all our hearts and this is a great platform for historians such as myself to address audiences that don’t know where to go for help!”
Dr Nick Barratt, Genealogist and Historian