CCC 2026 FAQ

General Information

The Conference Home Page is: www.celtic-connections.org.

What is the history of the Celtic Connections Conference (CCC)?

The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA) is committed to promoting the understanding of Irish genealogy, history, and values. In keeping with this commitment, TIARA has offered seminars and conferences since its beginning and continues to this day. The Celtic Connections Conference was conceived as a joint venture with Irish Genealogical Society International (IGSI), based in Minnesota, beginning with our first CCC which was held in 2014 at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Two subsequent in-person conferences were held, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2016, and in Newton, Massachusetts, in 2018. Because of the pandemic, the 2020 conference was offered as a virtual conference. TIARA has since organized virtual conferences that were held in 2022 and 2025.

What is the CCC 2026?

The CCC 2026 is a virtual genealogical event offering registrants live lectures and Q&As with international experts on a variety of topics. The theme of the conference is Townlands, Trails, and Technology. Topics include how to apply AI and DNA methodology to Celtic research, Irish migration patterns, and researching Ulster ancestors after 1800. Please see the CCC 2026 homepage for details.

What are the dates of CCC 2026?

The CCC 2026 will take place on 3 October 2026 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is the format of CCC 2026?

The CCC 2026 will be a virtual, live event that will take place via Zoom. The conference will include four 50-55 minute presentations followed by approximately a 30-minute live Q&A with the speaker. Please see the CCC 2026 homepage for details.

Do I have to be a member of TIARA to register for the Conference?

No. The CCC 2026 is open to all registrants regardless of their TIARA membership. However, if you are interested in membership, please visit the TIARA website for more information and details.

Presentations

What should a registrant expect from a presentation?

All presentations are live via Zoom and will be recorded. The recordings will be available to any conference registrant until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 31 January 2027. Each lecture will last between 50-55 minutes, which may include related slides and will be followed by approximately 30 minutes of live Q&A with the speaker.

How do I know the target level of the presentations?

The target level is intended to appeal to a broad range of experience, but is generally an intermediate level.

Where do I find information on each presenter?

Presenter biographies are available here.

What should a registrant expect from the Q&A?

Live Q&As are scheduled with each speaker after their presentation. They will address questions raised by participants. Questions relevant to the topic and of broad interest can be entered in the chat box during the presentation and the Q&A part of the presentation. Please keep your questions concise and appropriate to the topic so that the speaker can address as many as possible. Questions relating to personal genealogy cannot be addressed in this forum.

Will every question be answered?

The speakers and moderators will make every effort to address as many questions as possible, but given time constraints, it may not be possible to answer all questions submitted.

Conference Schedule

3 October 2026 (all times are Eastern Time Zone)

9:00 - 10:30 AM: Dr. William J. Roulston

Researching Ulster Ancestors after 1800

10:30 - 11:00 AM: Break

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Dr. Tyrone Bowes

DNA and Irish Genealogy

12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break

1:30 - 3:00 PM: Pamela Holland

Migration Patterns in Irish Genealogy

3:00 - 3:30 PM: Break

3:30 - 5:00 PM: Susan M. O'Connor

AI and Irish Genealogy: Opportunities, Pitfalls, and Best Practices

More detailed information is available on the Presenters & Programs page.

Syllabus

When do I have access to the syllabus and where do I go to access it?

A link to the syllabus will be sent to all registrants with the Zoom link to the conference shortly before 3 October 2026. The link to the syllabus will also be posted in the chat box during the presentations.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

Will there be a customer satisfaction survey?

Yes. A customer satisfaction survey will be sent electronically to all conference registrants.

Conference Accessibility

What types of accommodation are you offering for individuals with disabilities?

All presentations will be recorded using closed captioning. During live events, participants can turn on a live transcription of what is being said through Zoom.

Registration Information

When does registration begin?

Registration begins at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on 8 August 2026.

How much is the registration fee for the Celtic Connections Conference 2026?

The conference fee is $85. Registration is open from 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on 8 August until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 30 September 2026. TIARA members will receive a promo code that will be valid for a discounted fee of $70 from 8 August to 22 August 2026. After 11:59 p.m. on 22 August, members will pay the same rate as non-members. If you are a member and did not receive a discount code, contact registration@celtic-connections.org.

What does the registration fee for the Celtic Connections Conference 2026 include?

The registration fee includes four live lectures given by internationally known experts in AI, genealogy, DNA, and Irish family history on 3 October 2026, an electronic syllabus in PDF format, and a live Q&A with the speakers immediately following their presentation. In addition, there will be door prizes and bonus events offered during the morning and afternoon breaks. See the CCC 2026 website for more information about additional conference activities.

Will I be able to register once the CCC 2026 is underway?

No. Registration ends at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 30 September 2026.

How do I pay the registration fee?

Payment options: Electronically or Check.
Electronically: Click the PayPal button. To pay by debit or credit card, select "Debit or Credit Card" in the PayPal list of options. You do not need a PayPal account to pay online.
Check: Make payable to TIARA-CCC2026 and mail to 121 Boston Post Road, Suite #3, Sudbury, MA 01776. Your registration will be "pending" until the check clears (please allow two full weeks).

How do I gain access to the conference once I have registered?

All registrants will be sent a Zoom link to the conference and a link to the syllabus shortly before 3 October 2026. One link will allow access to all of the day's presentations.

How do I gain access to the recordings once the conference is over?

You will be notified when the recordings are available and links will be provided.

How do I cancel my registration for the CCC 2026?

Cancellations received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, 26 September 2026 will receive a full refund less a $20.00 USD processing fee. Cancel by emailing registration@celtic-connections.org, providing your name, address, email address, and date of registration (if known).

Contact Information

Who do I contact if I am having trouble with registration?

Direct inquiries to: registration@celtic-connections.org.

Who do I contact if I am having trouble finding and/or printing my syllabus?

Direct inquiries to: techsupport@celtic-connections.org.

Who do I contact if I lose my link?

Direct inquiries to: registration@celtic-connections.org.

Who do I contact if am having tech issues with presentations or chats?

Direct inquiries to: techsupport@celtic-connections.org.