Guild Conference 2026 Join us at the ‘Navigating the Future’ conference – in Portsmouth Friday 24th – Sunday 26th April 2026, Marriott Hotel, Portsmouth Change is in the air: and not least in the world of genealogy. If it is not doing so already, then AI could revolutionise the way we work on our One-Name Studies. Portsmouth26 will showcase tools, techniques and data sources underpinned by AI which will boost our studies. And, since AI is making research easier, we will look at what is left for us humans to do – and how that enriches and preserves our studies. If you are just starting out, Portsmouth26 will ask the question, how do you start now? There will also, of course, be some mention of ships. Conference organisation has changed too. This year a Volunteer Group from the Hampshire Region has taken on the task. The Guild is looking for a Region to volunteer for 2027. The Volunteer Group is retaining all the best practices, but aims, with your help, to increase interactivity. As the hotel facilities are so good we are able to facilitate the following fringe events: Members presenting to members – do you have some research or new ideas to share? There will be a meeting room where you can present to a small audience. Members’ poster sessions – do you have something to share but prefer to do this visually? We will have flip-cart boards set up in the Exhibition Space adjacent to the main Conference Room where you can display your work for others to peruse and discuss with you during the breaks. Members helping members – do you need advice? Do you have an expertise that you are willing to share? During the Conference there will be tables in the Exhibition Space at which you can meet with other members. Going a tiny bit greener – instead of taking a new tote bag from the reception desk, consider unearthing one from a previous Conference to use instead. Vintage bags will be judged. There will be prizes. Will you be arriving on Friday? For a small extra cost, enjoy a guided tour of the Overlord Tapestry or the LCT 7074 Landing Craft Tank at the D-Day Museum. Are you thinking of staying a few more days or bringing a partner? There is so much to do. Click here for other things to do in Portsmouth. Due to popular demand bookings will remain open until 2 March 2026 Conference Venue The conference will take place in the Marriott Hotel on the northern outskirts of Portsmouth. The Conference facilities have recently had a major up-grade and our Conference will have exclusive use of the entire facility, which includes the Mary Rose Suite, a separate banqueting suite and three additional smaller conference rooms. There is also an Exhibition Space for our use (see details in Programme). There is ample free parking on the site for all registered attendees at the Conference. Conference attendees will have access to a dedicated Conference Wi-Fi network. For overnight accommodation options see the section below. Getting Here Road – Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, Southampton Road, Portsmouth, United Kingdom, PO6 4SH – Tel: +44 23-9238 3151 Train – Nearest Railway station is Cosham with direct trains to London Victoria and London Waterloo with an approximately 2-hour travel time. Cosham station is 1.6 miles from the venue. Taxi From Heathrow Airport – The hotel reception can organise a taxi service, at the time of writing the fee is £73 each way. Overnight Accommodation Arrangements have been made with the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel to offer Conference Attendees and partners a reasonably priced, overnight Bed & Breakfast package (Single or Double). These arrangements cover the Friday and/or Saturday nights and can be extended at the same rates for the Thursday and/or Sunday nights. Additional nights’ accommodation can be arranged with the hotel. A plentiful supply of bedrooms has been secured, with lots of rooms available on request for the less-able. Portsmouth Marriott Hotel stands out as one of the top hotels in Portsmouth, offering the most spacious bedrooms in the area. Designed with comfort and style in mind, the rooms feature contemporary décor, high-speed Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel has a stylish, open-plan bar and restaurant area. There is also a well-equipped gym and an external recreation area. Alternative Accommodation There are many other hotels and other forms of accommodation in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, though Conference Attendees who might consider alternative accommodation are recommended to be mindful of travel times to and from the Marriott. The closest alternative hotel is the North Harbour Premier Inn, a “stones’ throw” from the Marriott. Conference Programme Conference Aims and Themes The main aims of the Conference are (1) for Members to hear about the latest developments in tools and techniques for use in One Name Studies, (2) to examine how these tools and techniques are likely to develop in the coming years and (3) to consider what changes in approach Members might make to their studies in light of these developments. Conference is an ideal opportunity to critically examine our research approaches and to hear, in both the formal Conference sessions and in the informal settings which are included in the event, how others are adapting their research. The main themes of the main Conference Programme are: Practical Use New Technology in Data Gathering and Assimilation Storytelling in a Digital World Latest Techniques and Developments in Use of DNA. New technology is bringing about another paradigm change in genealogical studies. Together we will explore new frontiers of genealogical research, including tools that are currently available, those in development tools and, of course, AI. We’ll see practical examples of how some of these tools can be used. Other applications will be presented, suggesting how the boundaries of our studies can be expanded by the new developments. As technology makes research, as we knew it, easier, it allows us the space to tell more stories. We’ll look at fleshing out family history which has been drawn from archival sources. Also, we’ll look at other sources that have triggered curiosity and engendered fascinating chronicles. DNA helps us link those disparate branches in our One-Name Studies. We will be looking at new developments in the field of DNA and developing tools, including how to simplify complex DNA results making your studies more efficient and effective. With some eleven sessions over two days and the Pre-Conference activities on Friday Afternoon Conference 2026 ‘Navigating the Future’ will provide a broad perspective on the exciting changes which are afoot in the world of One-Name Studies. Pre Conference: Friday 24th April 13:00 Registration at Guild Desk 13:00 17:15 Local FHS Fair Visit to D-Day museum if sufficient demand 14:00 14:05 Introduction 14:05 15:00 Portsmouth and Shipping: its history and resources Brian P. Swann 15:15 15:30 Tea/Coffee 15:30 16:25 Sex, Violence and Alcohol: some hidden after-effects of the Great War Dr Frances Hurd 16:30 17:25 Representing the People: envisioning the hidden history of the Portsmouth Suffragist movement Sarah Houghton 17:30 17:50 First Timers Meeting Lesley Dove 18:30 19:30 Evening Buffet 19:45 21:15 Quiz Angela Winteridge Saturday 25th April 07:00 08:45 Breakfast 09:00 09:15 Conference Opening and Welcome President 09:15 10:10 Starting a One-name Study Now Marie Byatt 10:15 11:15 Making your Research Manageable: practical ways to structure a One-name Study Paul Carter 11:15 11:30 Tea/Coffee 11:30 12:30 Charles Thew was Born and Died in Portsmouth, but was He? A practical demonstration of the pros and cons of using AI for genealogical research John Thew 12:30 13:30 Lunch 13.20 13.30 Parade of Vintage Bags 13:30 14:25 Beyond the Mists of Time: sources for medieval and early modern genealogy Dr Nick Barratt 14:30 15:25 Who was Ann Elizabeth Epitaux? How a Victorian girl’s needlework sampler inspired the search for her life story Sally Gardiner 15:30 16:00 Tea/Coffee 16:00 17:00 Panel Discussion – Navigating the Future 17:10 17:40 Regional Representatives Meeting Wendy Archer 18:30 19:00 Drinks Reception 19:00 21:00 Evening Banquet After Dinner Speech The Story of the Mary Rose and Some of Those Who Served Henry Rothery, Mary Rose Trust Sunday 26th April 07:00 08.45 Breakfast 8:30 08:55 Ecumenical Service 09:00 10:00 Preserving the Past for the Future Janet Few 10:00 10:30 Tea/Coffee 10:30 11:25 Is AI the New Snake Oil? Darris Williams 11:30 12:30 The Hampshire Swing Riots Howard Benbrook, MCG 12:30 13:20 Lunch 13.20 13.30 Judging of Posters President 13:30 14:30 Future-Proofing Your DNA Research: tools and techniques to work smarter Donna Rutherford 14:30 14:45 Comfort Break 14:45 15:45 Analysing Genetic Networks with Gephi Sophie Kay 15:45 16:00 Conference Close President 16:00 16:30 Tea/Coffee Our Conference Speakers: Dr Nick Barratt is an author, broadcaster and historian best known for his work on the hit BBC show ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ He is currently the Executive Director, Student Journey at Royal Holloway University of London, a visiting academic at the Open University, a teaching fellow at the University of Dundee and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society Nick is a medieval historian and his last book, ‘The Restless Kings’, tells the story of Henry II and his quarrelsome family. Howard Benbrook A member of the Guild almost from the beginning of his research into his family’s history in the late 1990s, Howard’s biography involves a curious mixture of experience as an actor, both professionally and as an amateur, and a parallel career that paid real money, in IT Arguably, it is the latter that leads to his facility with digital records but also his forensic analysis of historical data, especially when it is promoted by those who will inevitably profit from it … Marie Byatt A Mathematics teacher, Scout Leader, Elected School Board, Swimming Instructor and anything else that crossed her path She helped run an LDS Family History Center for ten years and has held office in several local genealogy organizations Presently, she is a board member for the Wisconsin State organization Marie has been a Board member for the Guild and is presently an index administrator She started doing genealogy around 1975 and, by 2000, was onenaming and running a website By the time she joined the guild in 2009 her study was around 17,000 and had at least 4 distinct origin areas. Paul Carter is a software developer and genealogist, the creator of Name & Place (www.nameandplace.com), the groundbreaking software solution for researchers of one-name studies, one-place studies, house and local history projects Paul’s family hails from Portsmouth. Janet Few is a well-known family and social historian, author and educator She has spoken to audiences across the English-speaking world. She holds a post-graduate certificate in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture and has a website where she preserves her own memories and tells the stories of family heirlooms www.grannystales.co.uk/ Janet also encourages people to write their autobiographies and runs a Biography Club for the Society of Genealogists Her book, ‘Remember Then; memories of 1946-1969 and how to write your own’, was a result of eighty women working with her to tell their own stories. Sally Gardiner has always been fascinated by history A trip to Hampton Court, whilst at junior school, was probably the catalyst to a lifelong love of history and to the Tudors! She dabbled in family history when she was in her teens but it wasn’t until she retired in 2009 that she was finally able to indulge time in researching ancestors’ lives – both her and her husband’s families She joined a local U3A genealogy group to learn “how to do it” and 17 years later she now runs that group She describes herself as an “enthusiastic amateur” who enjoys sharing the knowledge gained over the years. Sarah Houghton is the course leader of the BA(Hons) Graphic Design at the University of Portsmouth where she has been a lecturer since 1997 She is a parttime PhD research student and aims to bring to life the history of the Portsmouth Suffrage movement Last year, she created an exhibition “Unfurling Portsmouth Suffrage Banners” at the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Portsmouth History Centre For this, she crafted replica banners, curated archival items, designed four newspapers, and produced a motion graphic narrating the journey of the Suffrage Pilgrims’ march from Portsmouth to London in July 1913. Dr Frances Hurd is a historical researcher specialising in the social and emotional impact of the First World War She has worked in academia, publishing and the heritage sector. Dr Sophie Kay is a professional genealogist at Khronicle® (www khroniclecouk) and obtained her DPhil in Systems Biology from the University of Oxford in 2015 She’s the Ancestry and Genealogy Expert for archaeology show, Time Team, and the Scientist in Residence for The Mixed Museum, where she delivers educational sessions and content in genetic genealogy A frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine, Sophie also authored their Research Skills Workbook in 2024 A Member of AGRA and APG, Sophie works on a variety of projects in both DNA and archival research for private clients and public organisations. Henry Rothery has been a tour guide at the Mary Rose Museum since 2021 and is a member of the Mary Rose Information Group of speakers He studied History at Royal Holloway, University of London, and professionally works in communications. Henry first saw the Mary Rose when she was being conserved in the late 1990s and has been a follower of the project ever since. Donna Rutherford is a UK-based genetic genealogist specialising in autosomal DNA analysis and solving complex family history questions She combines traditional research with modern DNA tools and emerging AI techniques to help clients and students make sense of their results Donna delivers talks across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, and writes regularly for genealogy magazines Known for her clear, practical presentation style, she focuses on demystifying DNA and giving family historians the confidence to use genetic evidence effectively in their research. Brian Swann began family history in 1967 and was a founder member of the West Surrey, Norfolk and Dyfed FHS, a member of the SoG since 1972 and the Guild since 2009 In 2008/9 he was instrumental in obtaining a large increase in the DNA presence at WDYTYA and sponsorship of the DNA Area by FTDNA He has been a member of ISOGG since December 2006 and worked in and around the pharmaceutical industry for 40 years, 1971-2011, 23 years of which was with Eli Lilly in Surrey. In 1980 he was one of the first eight scientists globally to take part in the first ever clinical trial of a product manufactured by rDNA, human insulin. John Thew has been researching his family history – and the Thew surname in particular – for over 15 years In what little spare time that leaves him, he is married with two grown-up children, a founding director of a marketing agency, a classic Mini Cooper owner and keen fundraiser for children’s charities. Darris Williams has a bachelor’s degree in Family & Community History and has worked at FamilySearch for the past 35 years He started as a British consultant at the FamilySearch Library and later worked as an account manager, collaborating with Findmypast His current assignment is manager of the Research Wiki team which he co-founded He is a member of several family history societies and a trustee with the Society of Genealogists Welsh family history has been a special area of interest, partly due to a great grandfather who emigrated to America in 1876. Making the most of Conference Members helping members A General Help Desk will operate throughout the Conference, located in the Exhibition Area. This will answer queries on all aspects of the Conference. We will also endeavour to assist on any particularly interesting genealogical puzzle or data-processing challenge that you may care to bring along, either at the Help Desk or by linking you with other Members with the relevant knowledge. Members’ poster sessions The Exhibition Area will also feature flip-chart boards and/or tables where any Member will be able to display materials relating to your One Name Study at any time throughout the Conference. Booking is not required – first-come, first served basis. Though if heavily over-subscribed a rota may be introduced!! Members presenting to members Do you have some research or new ideas to share? There will be a meeting room where you can present to a small audience. If you have an idea for a presentation to members send a brief outline by email to Conference@one-name.org Please note: Speaker slots will not be offered or allocated until the main conference programme has been published. Local Family History Groups from across the South of England have been invited to set up their stall in the Exhibition Area for Friday Afternoon. For companions and members with a preference for a local visit on Friday afternoon, there is the possibility (providing at least 15 people wish to take this up) of a Guided Tour of the D-Day Museum in Southsea. The museum asks “How do you get an army across the English Channel and into France when your enemy is well armed, well trained and expecting you?” Told through the personal accounts of people who were there and brought to life through stunning audio-visual presentations alongside iconic objects from the museum’s collection; this is the story of D-Day. Adults price £15.95 online, £17.55 at the door, Senior (60+) price £12.70 online, £14.00 at the door. More details are available at https://theddaystory.com/. If you wish to join this group visit, please advise the Conference team by email to Conference@one-name.org no later than 31 January 2026, so the visit can be set up and booking arrangements confirmed. After dinner on Friday evening there will be a General Knowledge Quiz created and presented by Guild member Angela Winteridge. An early highlight of every Conference there will hopefully be some questions we can all answer. On Saturday evening, our three-course banquet offers a chance to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Since we are in Portsmouth, we are taking the opportunity to hear from a member of the Mary Rose Trust as our after-dinner speaker. Signing Up for Conference The following sections explain how to book for Conference, how to book for Overnight Accommodation (if you plan to stay at the Marriott) and how much these will cost. Please note that the bookings for Conference and the bookings for Overnight Accommodation are completely separate and with different organisations. This is a different administration arrangement to previous years. The Guild handles the booking for Conference; the Marriott Hotel is handling the bookings for Overnight Accommodation. The Guild cannot arrange the Overnight Accommodation for you. What to Book and Fees for Conference Attendance Non-members are welcome to attend any or all of the day-time sessions of Conference and the Pre-Conference sessions on Friday. The Friday and Saturday evening events are reserved for Members and their immediate (non-Member) partner. Fees for Non-Member attendance at day-time sessions and evening events are the same as for Members. Fees for attending the Conference are: Event Attendance Fees Per Person (incl VAT) “Early Bird” Attendance Fees Per Person (incl VAT) “Standard” FRIDAY Afternoon Day Attendance (Pre Conference sessions) £25.00 £27.50 FRIDAY Evening Buffet & Quiz Night £35.00 £38.50 Conference Day Attendance – SATURDAY £50.00 £55.00 SATURDAY Evening Reception and Gala Dinner £50.00 £55.00 Conference Day Attendance – SUNDAY £50.00 £55.00 Notes to Conference Attendance “Early Bird” Fees apply for bookings received no later than 1 December 2025. Bookings will close 2 March 2026. Bookings from 1 February to 2 March 2026 are full payment only. A First-Timer discount of 10% will be applied for any Member who has not previously attended the Annual Conference. Day Attendance Fees include a light Buffet Lunch and Refreshments mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Breakfast, Evening Meals and Overnight Accommodation are not included in Day Attendance Fees. FRIDAY Afternoon Day Attendance Fee does not include the offsite visit to D-Day Museum. Car Parking at the Marriott is Free for those attending Conference and/or staying overnight; you must register your vehicle at Hotel Reception on each arrival to qualify for this. What to Book and Costs for Overnight Accommodation The Marriott has undertaken to provide Conference Attendees with Overnight Accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) at rates in the following table. Please note that the rates are valid for Thursday and Sunday nights as well as the Friday and Saturday nights. Should you wish to stay longer, either before Thursday and/or after Sunday nights, you should contact the hotel regarding rates for the additional nights. Overnight SINGLE OCCUPANCY Room Rate (including Full English Breakfast) DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Room Rate (including Full English Breakfast) Thursday night (April 23rd) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Friday night (April 24th) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Saturday night (April 25th) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Sunday night (April 26th) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Notes to Overnight Accommodation Bookings should be made no later than 2 March 2026. First Timer Discount does not apply to Overnight Accommodation. On Booking, Marriott will require a booking guarantee, usually in the form of a Credit Card or Debit Card. The actual charge will be levied on Arrival and Registration. Booking will be accepted in line with Marriott Conditions for Booking, including Cancellation policies. Rooms with additional facilities and access arrangements for the less-able are available, at no additional cost, and can be allocated by making the booking via telephone on 02392383151 option 1 (+442392383151 for International calls). Car Parking at the Marriott is Free for those attending Conference and/or staying overnight; you must register your vehicle at Hotel Reception on each arrival to qualify for this. How to Book If you plan to use the Overnight Accommodation at the Conference Venue (the Marriott Hotel), you must make two separate bookings, one with the Guild for Conference Attendance and one with the Marriott Hotel for the Overnight Accommodation. The two bookings are not linked and can be made in either order. Return to this page to find the links for both Overnight Accommodation and Conference Attendance bookings. Conference Attendance Booking (through the Guild) is available online using one or more of the links below. Alternatively email to conference-bookings@one-name.org and they will contact you to confirm bookings and payments. To book online for ONE attendee please click here. To book online for TWO attendees with identical attendance plans please click here. If you are booking for TWO attendees with different attendance plans, please make two separate ONE attendee bookings. This includes the booking of either or both Evening Events for an immediate, non-member partner. Please note, when booking for Conference, either by post or online, the Guild’s Distance Selling terms and conditions, including Cancellation conditions, apply – see section 20 of Guild Sales Policy. Overnight Accommodation Booking (through Marriott) is available online – click here Marriott Bookings. Alternatively booking may be made by phone on 02392383151 option 1 (+442392383151 for international calls); if you call, please quote “Guild of One-Name Studies” to ensure that you are offered the correct rate for Conference Attendees.