For 50 years, BYU Women’s Conference has served as a pillar of light for Latter-day Saint women around the world. This year’s conference, held from April 29 to May 1 on the BYU campus, featured 85 sessions led by 175 presenters, in addition to keynote speakers and service opportunities across campus.
For one attendee, Ruth Johnson, who's been attending every year since the mid-1990s, the experience of going to BYU Women’s Conference is something she looks forward to every year. “I keep going because it fills my bucket every year,” she explained. “And I have new women to go with and share that experience with.”
When asked about her favorite part of the conference, Johnson quickly said it was attending the keynote address by Tamara Runia, titled “Let His Radiance Shine through You!” In the address, she spoke about the power of Jesus Christ’s light in individuals’ lives. “Sister Runia’s talk was amazing,” Johnson explained. “It was the highlight of Wednesday evening."
Johnson was also moved by a presentation from historian and professor of church history and doctrine at BYU, Gerrit Dirkmaat, who spoke about the faith of early Latter-day Saint women. His remarks left a lasting impression on Johnson because of how applicable she felt the class was to modern life. “It was a reminder to keep our testimony grounded and the importance of holding the iron and not letting go.”
While the conference offers classes and workshops for participants, Johnson believes one of the defining aspects of the Women's Conference is not just the programming but the relationships that can be made as part of attending. “I usually go with either a sister-in-law or friends from the ward or neighborhood,” she said. “And being with those women and having this shared experience is such a highlight.”
This shared experience, Johnson remarks, is what is able to extend beyond the sessions themselves and is the thing that sticks with her when things come to an end. “The classes are phenomenal, but you can go to other conferences and have amazing speakers,” she said. “But for me, it’s being able to share it with other women.”
Still, after 30 years of attendance, Johnson, who attended when she was younger, said the event brings back memories of her own time as a BYU student in the 1970s. “It’s kind of like being back at BYU,” she said. “Being on campus, sharing it with other women, it’s like I have roommates all over again.”
For a few days every spring, Johnson said, the conference provides a much-needed break from everyday responsibilities and an opportunity to focus on faith, friendship, and having joy. “You don’t have the cares of normal day-to-day living,” she said. “You’re able to take a break for a couple of days and feel the spirit, enjoy one another, talk, and eat chocolate. I mean, life doesn’t get better, right?”
If you’re interested in learning more about BYU Women’s Conference or attending next year’s event, visit womensconference.byu.edu/ for updates, schedules, and registration information.