By Leah Elison
Elders Henry B. Eyring, David B. Haight and M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will speak to more than 16,000 women on Thursday and Friday at the annual BYU Women”s Conference.
The conference, which has happened at BYU since 1975, gathers women from all over the world to participate in workshops and service projects.
“The goal is to provide a forum for women to be strengthened and to have their spirits uplifted,” said Sandra Rogers, chair of Women”s Conference and international vice president of BYU. “It strengthens them to be with women who have similar values and interests.”
The events begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday in the Marriott Center.
BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson will speak Thursday morning, his first official act as president, and Elder Ballard will speak Friday morning.
On both days, visitors can then attend three of approximately 20 classes on a variety of topics that will be presented throughout the afternoon.
This year, the conference will offer classes taught by women who are native Spanish speakers.
“Our principle is to provide for a broad spectrum of women in the church,” Rogers said. “We have a growing population of sisters who speak Spanish along the Wasatch Front. We want to see if this will make them feel more a part of Women”s Conference.”
Each day will conclude with a second general meeting at 3:30 p.m., featuring Elder Eyring on Thursday and Elder Haight on Friday.
On Thursday evening, the conference will sponsor service projects and cultural activities, including musical performances and tours at the Museum of Art.
Registration for the conference can be completed by telephone at (801) 378-8925.
The fees are $41 for two days and $23 for one day, or free for BYU students who present their BYU ID at the Caroline Harman Continuing Education Building registration desk.
“The goal is the same for women of all walks of life and all over the world,” said Caye Hannon, program administrator of conferences and workshops. “That is what makes it all work so well.”
