BY Kris Boyle
The ratio of females to males on campus will change dramatically this week with the arrival of BYU’s annual Women’s Conference.
“Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” is the theme of Women’s Conference 2000.
The conference is co-sponsored by the Relief Society general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It brings together women from all over the world to listen to over 100 presenters in 65 concurrent and general sessions.
According to the Women’s Conference Web site, the conference will focus on the Savior being the answer to all problems.
“Women’s Conference 2000 is celebrating this grand truth by offering a solution-focused conference,” Wendy Watson, committee chair said on the Web site.
“A conference especially for women, which focuses on the one and only solution,” she said.
Around 20,000 participants are expected to attend this conference, said Jean Hwang, a member of the Conference committee.
Some of the featured speakers at the conference include President Mary Ellen W. Smoot, Relief Society general president, President Merrill J. Bateman and NFL quarterback Steve Young.
In order to accommodate the number of attendees, Hwang said the participants have been encouraged to park in the Marriott Center parking lot and lots around Cougar Stadium.
Not only will the participants attend the different workshops, but they will also be given an opportunity to serve.
“The ‘Sisterhood through Service’ event has triggered an enthusiastic and overwhelming response,” Watson told Y News. “Everyone wants to come and give service in any way that they can.”
LDS performers, including Kenneth Cope, Julie de Azevedo and Michael McLean, will come together April 28 for “Women of Light: A Musical Celebration.” The performance, in the Marriott Center at 7 p.m., will cost $12 or $15.
Proceeds will go to a special humanitarian project to be announced at the closing session of the conference.
Another anticipated event is the instant choir, which will be composed of 2,000 conference participants. The choir rehearsed April 26 at the Marriott Center and will perform at the closing session April 28.
According to the news release, thirteen hours of the conference will be broadcast on KBYU-TV (Channel 11), BYU TV (Channel 9403), the Dish Network System (500 series) and the LDS satellite system in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Also, for the first time, it will be broadcast to Latin America.
The broadcast will run April 27 from 4 to 10 p.m. (MDT), and April 28 from 3 to 10 p.m. (MDT).
Sessions will also be available on the Internet, at www.kbyu.org, www.newsnet.byu.edu, and www.ldsworld.com.
Registration costs are $35 for the full conference or $18 for one day. Those interested can register on the Web site or by calling (801) 378-8925.
Tickets will also be available April 27 and 28 at the Smith Fieldhouse or Marriott Center outdoor ticket booths.
According to the news release, BYU faculty, staff, students, administrators and their spouses can attend the conference at no cost. But they must pick up a name badge at the information desk of the Conference Center by showing their BYU ID.
