General Conference

General conference is the worldwide gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Twice a year, during the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October, Church leaders from around the world share messages or sermons focused on the living Christ and His gospel. Viewers learn how to find peace, hope, and joy in Jesus Christ; how to strengthen families by following Jesus’s teachings; and how to receive personal guidance and inspiration from God. General conference is streamed and broadcast live in about 70 languages and is later translated into more than 100 languages. We invite everyone—of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds from everywhere in the world—to watch, listen, and participate.

Aerial view of Temple Square after the Priesthood Session, April 2012. Also visible, visitors’ center, Tabernacle, and the  Conference Center.
A photo of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
Tabernacle
From the 188th Annual General Conference. Families stand together outside the Conference Center.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Chile. October 3-4, 2020.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Chile. October 3-4, 2020.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Guatemala. October 3-4, 2020.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in India. October 3-4, 2020.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Kenya. October 3-4, 2020.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Samoa. October 3-4, 2020.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Austria. October 3-4, 2020.
Part of a series of images that were taken from around the world featuring families and individuals watching the October 2020 General Conference in their homes. This photo was taken in Japan. October 3-4, 2020.
The Choir on Temple Square performs during the 189th Semiannual General Conference October 2019.
General Authorities at the Conference Center during the 189th Semiannual General Conference October 2019.
President Russell M. Nelson, of the First Presidency, speaks during the Women Session of general conference. October 3, 2020.

The Church broadcasts general conference from the Conference Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, to homes and congregations around the world. There are many ways to watch, listen, and participate, both online and via local channels. The five sessions of conference are streamed live on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, on the Church’s General Conference YouTube channel, and through the Gospel Library app. Viewers are welcome to watch or listen to any or all of the sessions.

During the conference, Church leaders speak on many spiritual topics. Speakers include the prophet and leader of the global Church, President Russell M. Nelson, and his counselors in the First Presidency. The conference also features messages from members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders.

After the conference, the messages are published on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and in the Church’s Liahonamagazine. Music for the conference sessions is provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and other Church choirs, and the congregation joins in singing hymns as well. The music helps to teach, inspire, and cultivate a spirit of worship.

General conferences have been held since 1830, when the Lord restored His Church on the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The first conferences were held so that believers could gather together, share inspiring messages, and sustain, or show mutual support for, their Church leaders. Today all are welcome to join in worshipping Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources