Sharing conference with others

Unless you were blessed enough to score tickets to a general conference session, you probably won't get inside the Conference Center.So sharing the conference experience with a friend who is not Mormon will take some creativity.Temple Square and the Conference Center are tourist attractions in themselves, and can be even more bustling during conference weekend. Just seeing the crowds and taking in the sights and sounds are impressive. Popping into one of the visitors' centers can make the excursion more meaningful.If you want your friend to experience conference itself, watching it on television or online is your best bet. But before you invite him or her to "watch conference with me," you need to do some prep work, even if they know you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are familiar with what you believe.

• Explain what conference is all about. It's a chance for Mormons and non-Mormons alike to get advice and spiritual direction in their lives. Emphasize that what they will hear will be beneficial to anyone, regardless of faith.

• Show them a chart of the general authorities (like the one on Page 19) and explain that some of them, as well as auxiliary leaders, will speak.

• Tell them what to expect. Each day, there are two sessions that last two hours each, with two hours in between.

• Start slowly. Don't expect them to want to stay for more than one session. Invite them, but don't insist or force.

• Make it a comfortable experience. Plan to have lunch or a dessert after the session.

• Be available to answer any questions they might have, either that same day or later as they come up.

• Thank them for spending the time with you — and be willing to go to one of their events when they ask.