Elder Brook P. Hales, secretary to the First Presidency, on the preparations for general conference

Twentyseven people attended the first general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 9, 1830 — just months after the organization of the Church. Now, with the upcoming 191st Semiannual General Conference in October 2021, millions of Church members and others around the world have the opportunity to learn from modern prophets and Church leaders. Church employees and volunteers work an estimated 91,000 hours to prepare for, host, broadcast and record the two-day, five-session general conference — an event translated into 98 languages. This episode of the Church News podcast gives listeners a look at conference preparations as Elder Brook P. Hales, a General Authority Seventy and secretary to the First Presidency, shares insights into the production of the monumental event. 

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.