The 2026 BYU Women’s Conference provides a spiritual, educational, and social gathering for women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their friends. Held annually on the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah, the event focuses on gospel-centered teaching, personal development, and community building through keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and shared service opportunities.
Understanding the Purpose and History
The BYU Women’s Conference is one of the oldest and largest gatherings of its kind, specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women today. Sponsored by Brigham Young University in cooperation with the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the conference serves as a bridge between academic inquiry and spiritual application.
The primary objective is to strengthen individuals and families by providing a space where gospel principles are explored through a variety of lenses. Attendees often describe the experience as a "recharging" event, where they can step away from daily responsibilities—such as careers, parenting, and community service—to focus on their relationship with the divine and their peers.
Historically, the conference has evolved from a small gathering into a massive, multi-day event. While the format has shifted over the decades to incorporate digital elements and changing needs, the core mission remains the same: to uplift women and provide them with tools to navigate the complexities of life in the 21st century.
Eligibility and Registration Procedures
Attendance at the 2026 BYU Women’s Conference is open to all women aged 16 and older. There is no specific requirement regarding membership in the sponsoring faith; however, participants should be prepared for content that is explicitly religious and grounded in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Registration for the 2026 event typically opens several months in advance. To secure a spot, participants must follow these established steps:
- Account Creation: Create or sign in to your BYU Conferences and Workshops account. This portal serves as the central hub for your event registration, payment, and itinerary management.
- Selection of Attendance Type: Determine whether you will attend in person or access digital sessions. In-person attendance usually includes access to the full campus experience, including meals and service projects, whereas digital registration may be limited to streaming keynotes or selected workshops.
- Payment Processing: Fees vary based on the package selected (e.g., full-conference, single-day, or digital-only). Payment is required at the time of registration to guarantee a seat.
- Confirmation: Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing your digital pass or instructions for physical badge collection upon arrival at the BYU campus.
Navigating the Campus and Event Logistics
The BYU campus in Provo, Utah, hosts the majority of the sessions. For those attending in person, logistics can be a significant part of the planning process.
- Parking and Transportation: During the conference, campus parking is often congested. It is highly recommended to use the provided shuttle services if you are staying at local hotels. If you must drive, familiarize yourself with the specific parking lots designated for conference attendees to avoid ticketing or lengthy walks.
- Accommodations: Provo offers a range of lodging options, from university-managed housing to private hotels. Because thousands of women attend the conference simultaneously, it is advisable to book accommodations as early as possible.
- Accessibility: The university works to ensure the conference is accessible to everyone. If you have specific needs—such as mobility assistance, sign language interpretation, or dietary restrictions—it is vital to contact the conference organizers at least 30 days prior to the start of the event to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.
Thematic Focus and Program Structure
The 2026 conference program is typically divided into three distinct segments: keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and evening activities.
Keynote Addresses
Keynotes are generally held in the Marriott Center, the largest indoor arena on campus. These sessions feature speakers from the leadership of the Church, university faculty, and noted subject-matter experts. These talks set the spiritual tone for the day and often tackle broad, overarching themes such as faith, resilience, and charity.
Breakout Sessions
Breakout sessions allow attendees to customize their learning experience. These smaller, classroom-style sessions cover a wide array of topics, including:
- Doctrinal Study: Deep dives into scriptures or specific aspects of Church history.
- Family Dynamics: Guidance on parenting, marriage, and caring for aging relatives.
- Personal Development: Workshops on emotional intelligence, time management, and health.
- Creative Arts: Sessions exploring the intersection of faith and the arts.
Service Opportunities
A distinguishing feature of the BYU Women’s Conference is the large-scale service project component. Attendees are often invited to participate in hands-on projects that benefit humanitarian organizations, local charities, or the Church’s welfare program. This element underscores the conference's emphasis on "putting faith into action."
Comparison of Attendance Options
| Feature | In-Person Attendance | Digital/Virtual Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Networking | High; face-to-face interaction | Limited; chat forums only |
| Session Access | Full access to all breakout rooms | Restricted to selected streams |
| Service Projects | Hands-on, on-site participation | None |
| Cost | Higher (includes overhead/food) | Lower (fixed access fee) |
| Flexibility | Set schedule | On-demand or scheduled stream |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite careful planning, issues can arise. Understanding how to resolve them quickly ensures your time is spent effectively.
- Registration Errors: If you encounter issues during payment or account login, the most direct solution is to call the BYU Conferences and Workshops help desk. Avoid attempting to re-register under a different account, as this can lead to duplicate charges or data synchronization errors.
- Session Overcrowding: Popular speakers or topics may fill rooms quickly. It is best to arrive at session venues 15 minutes early. If a room is full, consider having a backup session in mind.
- Connectivity: If you are attending digitally and experiencing streaming lag, verify your local internet bandwidth. The conference provides technical support links specifically for troubleshooting browser compatibility and stream performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is childcare provided during the 2026 BYU Women’s Conference? No, the conference is designed as an adult-focused event. Childcare is not provided on-site. Participants are encouraged to make independent arrangements for the care of children if they are traveling to Provo.
Can I purchase recordings of the sessions after the conference ends? Many of the primary sessions and selected breakout talks are made available via the BYU Women’s Conference website or the Church’s Gospel Library app after the conclusion of the event. Check the official website for specific release dates for the 2026 content.
What should I pack for the event? Provo weather in late spring can be variable. Layers are recommended. Additionally, because the conference requires significant walking across the campus, prioritize comfortable, professional footwear. Most attendees dress in "Sunday best" or business casual attire.
Are meals included in the registration fee? This depends on the registration package selected. Some full-conference packages include lunch vouchers for campus dining halls, while others do not. Review your specific registration receipt to determine what is covered.
Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend? BYU has a formal cancellation policy. Refunds are typically granted if requested by a specific date prior to the event, minus a small processing fee. Refer to the terms and conditions outlined at the time of your registration.
Final Recommendations for Attendees
To maximize your experience at the 2026 BYU Women’s Conference, treat the event as an intentional retreat rather than a simple set of meetings. Review the session catalog as soon as it is released, and prioritize topics that directly address your current life challenges or spiritual goals.
Because the campus is large and the schedule can be demanding, balance your session attendance with periods of reflection. Networking is a significant benefit of the in-person experience, so engage with fellow attendees during transitions and lunch breaks; these informal connections are often cited as the most memorable aspect of the event. Finally, finalize your travel and lodging arrangements early to ensure a stress-free arrival, allowing you to focus entirely on the content and community the conference provides.
