For a group of women from California, traveling 14 hours to Utah for Women's Conference is more than just a road trip.

"It's a break from the routine," said Catherine Dunford of Santee, Calif. "I'll get a chance to recharge. Get a spiritual boost and some personal time to think, reflect. It's what will make me a better mother."

Getting an opportunity to listen to inspiring talks and being part of the spirit of sisterhood are some of the major highlights Duford said she's looking forward to.

The speakers at Women's Conference have all been previously assigned a topic, said Jolene Merica, program administrator for continuing education.

She said she remembers when Virginia Peirce said she was anxious to see what she would be asked to speak on, because it would help her learn something she didn't already know.

"Basically [Women's Conference] is similar to a devotional. Each speaker has a different background and they approach the subject from that academic background, but the framework is still very much like a devotional talk," Merica said.

Dunford, a first time attendee, said she anticipates the talks in hopes to strengthen her testimony, even though it means leaving her family for a few days.

"I'm apprehensive to leave my little children," she said. "It's important to maintain balance so I can fill my pitcher. That way I have more to pour out to my family."

Coming out to Women's Conference not only takes up time but also money.

"The cost is 41 dollars, and if you were to go to a professional conference, you might pay 500 dollars," Marica said.

The possibility to host over 18,000 women on campus allows for the cost of the project to be significantly less and defray the cost, she said.

"If you were to do something like this out in the world, the cost would be much different," Merica said.

Dunford said she believes the price to attend the conference is reasonable. To spend two days listening to inspiring talks for $36 is a steal, she said.

Administrators, faculty, staff, students, and their spouses can all attend the conference at no cost but must present their BYU I.D. in order to receive a name badge and conference program, said Janet Sharman, Women's Conference Committee Chairwoman.

Copyright Brigham Young University 2 May 2002