For three days, it becomes the world’s nexus of faith-based women. For three days, it’s where doubt dies and disciples are born. For three sweet days, it’s a factory of faith, where miracles are as commonplace as marigolds. It’s the largest gathering of Latter-day Saint women in the world: BYU Women’s Conference.
“Conference” is a bit of a misnomer. This event is more: it’s a convocation, a festival, a therapy session, and a family gathering. At Women’s Conference, twelve thousand women become sisters in Christ.
One year shy of its fiftieth anniversary, Women’s Conference is firing on all cylinders. Its mission hasn’t changed; the conference has always been laser-focused on bringing sisters unto Christ and strengthening their testimonies of Him. It’s been refined through innovative tweaks and fresh ways to connect, implemented year after year.
The program’s ongoing success wouldn’t be possible without the stellar team behind it all. Michelle Moore has spent 22 years with the program, Lorelie Sanders has spent nearly 13, and McKenna Hendershot, despite being a new member of the team, is full of big ideas and love for the women of the Church. They’ve persevered through thick and thin to bless tens of thousands of women every year. The fruits of their efforts are indelible.
Jennefer Johnson, the program’s director, has seen Women’s Conference under every light. Her 29 years with the program have given her a uniquely intimate perspective on just how impactful it is. She’s seen women from all walks of life, suffering all sorts of problems, all coming to the same fount of many blessings—Christ. She’s seen tears wet shoulders, mirth brighten auditoriums, and embraces heal what once was shattered.
Over the last few years, Jennefer has spearheaded a series of evolutions that have taken Women’s Conference to the next level. In 2019, they introduced Sister-to-Sister sessions, giving sisters the opportunity to connect with Sheri Dew and other Church leaders. “They have a real authentic discussion of a subject, with the underlying topic being the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Johnson says about the change. These sessions continue today, allowing sisters to ask and discuss open-ended questions.
The team has also worked hard to implement Immersive Learning Sessions. “It’s like a classroom setting. The instructor has the sisters work in groups, answer questions, and go in depth with the scriptures. We hand pick those teachers,” Jennefer says. These learning sessions have been a success. They’re real journeys of spiritual insight!
In 2023 and 2024, the conference expanded to bless even more daughters of God. “What we did in 2023 is add a Wednesday night. I’ve always wanted to do that. Sisters who have obligations during the day can attend!” This expansion continued in 2024 with the addition of Thursday night, enabling more women than ever before to attend.
The impact of Women’s Conference is most evident in the miracles that it brings about.
The weeks surrounding Women’s Conference are busy. One year, amidst all the chaos, Jennefer received a very important email. It read, "My mother and I always come to Women's Conference, but she has cancer and won't live much longer. Is there any way she can sit on the floor near a restroom?" Despite the stress on her back, Jennefer felt prompted by the Spirit to make it happen. She wrote back and said, "Yes," arranging for them to sit on the floor near a restroom.
During the very last session, Jennefer saw the mother, who grabbed her hand and asked, "Is there any way I can meet Sandy Rogers?" Jennefer signaled Rogers. She came down and hugged the mother tightly, and they both cried. Her daughters came down from the rafters, sat with her, and spent a few precious moments together. Six months later, the daughter emailed Jennefer to say that her mother had passed away but thanked her for allowing them that special time as mother and sisters.
In another instance, Jennefer was at a teleprompter practice reviewing her notes when she received a clear spiritual impression to go upstairs. Nobody should be here, she thought. She headed upstairs, though, and to her surprise, came across a woman, shut out in the pouring rain. Jennefer quickly helped the woman get her housing and admission sorted, giving her tickets to the floor.
That Friday, an unfamiliar set of arms were thrown around Jennefer. She turned to see the woman she’d helped. The woman thanked Jennefer, saying that she’d come friendless, and was leaving with six best friends.
The event wouldn’t be possible without support from selfless volunteers. Every year, around 1,100 women dedicate their time, talents, and energy, becoming “Angels in Aprons” to help run the event. One of these angels recounted a miracle that she’d witnessed. Walking through a classroom, the volunteer felt impressed to offer two sisters a compliment. “I love your dress,” she said to one. “I love your purse,” to the other.
The sisters burst into tears at the seemingly innocuous comments. They’d spent decades coming to Women’s Conference with their third sister. She’d passed away, and in her memory, the sisters were wearing her dress and carrying her purse. The moment was a testament to the spiritual power of the conference.
We’re excited to see what the future of the conference holds. From large devotionals to intimate conversations, it has helped countless women draw closer to one another and to Christ. It’s not easy, but thanks to the relentless efforts of the team behind the conference, BYU Women’s Conference can keep changing lives on an unprecedented scale.
