what time does general conference start

So, it’s that time of year again—general conference week! If you're a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or even just moderately interested), you know how it rolls: inspirational talks, spiritual upliftment, and, of course, the delightful tradition of watching it in your pajamas with a stack of snacks nearby. But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What time does general conference actually start? Believe me, knowing the schedule can save you from the huge disappointment of missing your favorite speaker.

Setting the Scene

As someone who has spent more than a few conference weekends glued to my couch, I can tell you that the timing of general conference can be as confusing as a cat at a dog park. General conference takes place twice a year, usually in April and October, and if you’re like me, you want to plan your weekend around it. The good news is that it generally follows a consistent schedule.

Mark Your Calendars

General conference is a two-day affair, usually held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April and October. Here’s the breakdown:

• Saturday Morning Session: Starts at 10 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).
• Saturday Afternoon Session: Kicks off at 2 p.m. MDT.
• Sunday Morning Session: Takes place at 10 a.m. MDT.
• Sunday Afternoon Session: Rolls in at 2 p.m. MDT.

That’s a lot of times and not-so-helpful time zones! If you're tuning in from outside the Rocky Mountains, you might want to whip out your time zone converter app (or just consult Google—let’s be real, 2023, we’re all here for you). Missing a session is not an option, so make sure you set a good old-fashioned reminder or calendar event, so it buzzes at you like a caffeinated bee when it’s time to tune in.

Snacks and Seating: The Conference Essentials

What’s a general conference experience without a glorious spread of snacks? I always make sure I have an ample supply of treats. Picture a delightful spread: popcorn, cookies, and my personal favorite, homemade cinnamon rolls (OK, I might not be a baking wizard, but they’re delicious in my eyes!) You don't want to be those people who need to jump up for snacks right when President Nelson starts speaking, right?

Creating the Perfect Viewing Environment

In my experience, the couch should be perfectly positioned with pillows for maximum comfort, as we’ll be here for a while. Here’s a list of things I like to prep ahead of time:

• A Cozy Blanket: Because who doesn’t feel more spiritual under a soft, fluffy quilt?
• Chairs for Everyone: Even the dog can join; sharing the couch is part of the fun!
• Drinks Galore: Water is fine, but if I’m being honest, I might have a bottomless cup of hot cocoa next to me.

Trust me, the ambiance can make or break your conference experience. Create a cozy nook that’s not only comfortable but also maximizes your focus on inspiration. The last thing you want is to get distracted with thoughts like “Did I leave the oven on?” or “Where are my glasses?”

It’s About Balance

Sitting through four sessions (that’s eight hours of material, folks!) can be a marathon, not a sprint. This is where time management pays off. I’ve learned to set some boundaries during conference weekend. Sure, I love my family and friends, but I also love listening to Elder Bednar’s wisdom without interruptions. Sometimes I use StaffWatcher to help manage my time beforehand, ensuring I stay productive in the days leading up to conference.

Know When to Tune In

When the sessions are underway, I make it a point to avoid distractions. I put my phone on “do not disturb,” unless, of course, it's my kids asking for snacks—because we all know that can be a crisis! And I've incorporated short breaks between sessions to stretch my legs, grab a snack, or maybe step outside for some fresh air.

Wrap-Up: Make It a Tradition

As I sit here preparing for the next conference, I realize how much these weekends have enriched my life over the years. So, now that you know when general conference starts and the importance of setting the right environment, I urge you to take it as an opportunity to ground yourself spiritually, reflect on your goals, and find ways to take those nuggets of inspiration into your daily routines.

The last thing I’d like to leave you with: don’t forget to plan ahead, prepare your space, and, most importantly, make it a weekend to remember. If you can manage your time and set boundaries effectively, you might even leave with a few gold nuggets of wisdom to carry with you throughout the year. Happy conference watching!