Memories of RIGG 2023, and the Countdown to 2024

by Cairenn Binder

Before I was hired by Ramapo College to assist in launching the IGG center, I sat down with (now my Director) Professor David Gurney to write down a list of potential goals. Our primary mission was to develop educational opportunities for applied learning of investigative genetic genealogy, but we brainstormed further and created an extremely ambitious list. We wrote down things like, “Latin American DNA Project”, “experiential fundraising opportunities”, and “hold a conference for IGG”. Looking at the list later that day, I thought it sounded impossible.

Amazingly, all of the things on the list came to fruition – including the conference.

“The path of enlightenment” from the RIGG residence halls to the presentation rooms.

The inaugural Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Conference (RIGG) was held in July of 2023, and it was no easy feat to pull off. While we had the facilities and the infrastructure to hold a conference here on the Ramapo Campus, the rest of it was work we needed to do on our own. This included outreach to potential speakers, promotion of the event on social media, creation of marketing materials and signage, and countless logistical minutiae like applying for alcohol permits and selecting menu items. It was hard work, but we made it happen.

Ramapo IGG alumni and staff with Honorary Doctorate Recipient CeCe Moore at RIGG 2023.

We were honored by the presence of keynote speaker CeCe Moore, who brought the house down with her incredible presentation and was deservedly awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Ramapo College for her contributions to the field of IGG. Her early support of the event made it an incredible success.

Two dozen other speakers presented talks about all aspects of IGG, including case studies, innovations in the field, law enforcement perspectives, laboratory advances, and more.

The event was not without its trials – I am fairly certain that I was unpleasant to be around during the final weeks of preparation, as it was incredibly stressful! A heat wave and thunderstorms threatened to strip the fun out of our planned outdoor activities. Technical difficulties during livestreamed talks drew many negative comments from online attendees. A controversial presentation on the final conference day added a layer of uncertainty and discord to an already difficult time.

Summer camp – for IGG practitioners!

However, looking back on RIGG 2023, I remember it as a triumph. In less than a year, our team of two put together a memorable event that brought together nearly 150 IGG practitioners and related professionals. After Dr. Moore’s keynote speech, the rain subsided and our attendees enjoyed music, drinks, and great conversation outside by the Ramapo Arch – complete with fireflies and lawn games! Seeing our former students, friends and colleagues from around the world gathered together at Ramapo was an unforgettable experience.

IGG Staff and Volunteers Monique Platt, Diana Jeffrey and Cairenn Binder.

If you took a photo with one of our disposable film cameras last year, stay tuned – those photos are coming soon!

Now we begin the countdown to RIGG 2024, and we hope to see you there June 28-30, 2024. Avoid FOMO – get your ticket before they’re gone!

Categories: events, RIGG