Sunstone conference. Advise, please?

[Abinidied]

I'm probably in the wrong Board room, but just wanted to say my wife and I are attending Sundstone at U of U end of July. We've never been and know nothing about it or those presenting (recognize a few public names like Bill Reel, John Dehlin).

Any opinions on what/whose sessions are a must see? I recognize we all go for and connect with different presenters for different reasons. Just wondering some of your favourites if you care to share for those that attend?

[AllieOop]

I'm probably in the wrong Board room, but just wanted to say my wife and I are attending Sundstone at U of U end of July. We've never been and know nothing about it or those presenting (recognize a few public names like Bill Reel, John Dehlin).

Any opinions on what/whose sessions are a must see? I recognize we all go for and connect with different presenters for different reasons. Just wondering some of your favourites if you care to share for those that attend?

This looks like an incredible program of excellent speakers! I'm jealous It's so cool that you and your wife are going together.

I recognize many of the speakers (and some I don't). One person I'd never miss hearing speak is Michael Marquardt (I see that he's speaking on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Here's his topic: "What Is This?: The Nauvoo Council of Fifty Minutes"

I also think hearing Warren Jeff's son and daughter speak would be pretty interesting (Thursday at 9:00: "The Wicked Son: My Father is Warren Jeffs").

I'll keep looking at the program, but there are so many I'd recommend. I'd love to attend!

What topics are of specific interest to either you or your wife? That might help with giving some recs...

[Corsair]

I have been to two Sunstone events when they have been in the Phoenix area. I really enjoyed both. Part of the fun has been meeting people who you know from blogs and podcasts in person. There is no "best" way to attend Sunstone. Just pick out the speakers and topics that seem to be the most interesting. Take the opportunity to talk to interesting people between sessions. Bill Reel is just as personable and kind in person as he sounds like on his podcast. John Dehlin is also very kind but is a big enough celebrity in these situations that it's often difficult to get a chance to talk with him. This sounds like an excellent conference.

[Rob4Hope]

I may go. I'll pin a pic of my avatar on my shirt. Look for me.

[asa]

Corsair I agree with your approach. I have been going for 30 years and I have found that a selective approach is best for me. You guys should be aware that as Corsair said there are regional conferences. I just got back from one last week in Colorado City ie Short Creek Az . It was held in Warren Jeffs house ( 40 bedrooms ,3 kitchens,etc) .About 120 people in attendance with tours of the house given by wife number 63, The bulk of the numerous polygamist groups were there in force. It was very interesting as most of the symposiums are .Many of you may be interested in subscriptions to Sunstone itself.

[Red Ryder]

Corsair I agree with your approach. I have been going for 30 years and I have found that a selective approach is best for me. You guys should be aware that as Corsair said there are regional conferences. I just got back from one last week in Colorado City ie Short Creek Az . It was held in Warren Jeffs house ( 40 bedrooms ,3 kitchens,etc) .About 120 people in attendance with tours of the house given by wife number 63, The bulk of the numerous polygamist groups were there in force. It was very interesting as most of the symposiums are .Many of you may be interested in subscriptions to Sunstone itself.

That sounds fascinating asa! Would you write up a post about this?

[achilles]

Any opinions on what/whose sessions are a must see? I recognize we all go for and connect with different presenters for different reasons. Just wondering some of your favourites if you care to share for those that attend?

What day(s) will you be there?

[Abinidied]

It's so cool that you and your wife are going together.

Yes. In fact, it was her idea! She has no boundaries anymore in learning about the church from every angle, so that's a pretty rich blessing in our lives.

I recognize many of the speakers (and some I don't). One person I'd never miss hearing speak is Michael Marquardt (I see that he's speaking on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Here's his topic: "What Is This?: The Nauvoo Council of Fifty Minutes"

Will definitely check this out and thanks for taking time to suggest it.

I also think hearing Warren Jeff's son and daughter speak would be pretty interesting (Thursday at 9:00: "The Wicked Son: My Father is Warren Jeffs").

This is of particular interest as well simply because I've never been able to get my head around Warren Jeffs and hope this sheds some insights that will crack my preconceived ideas that Warren Jeff's is Satan.

What topics are of specific interest to either you or your wife? That might help with giving some recs...

I'm particularly interested in anything historical, prehistorical (archaeological), or anything science. My wife is more attuned to mindfulness, word of wisdom, feminism, and anything that exposes the leadership efforts to excuse the current marginalizing any group.

Thanks for your input, AllieOop

[Abinidied]

I have been to two Sunstone events when they have been in the Phoenix area. I really enjoyed both. Part of the fun has been meeting people who you know from blogs and podcasts in person. There is no "best" way to attend Sunstone. Just pick out the speakers and topics that seem to be the most interesting. Take the opportunity to talk to interesting people between sessions. Bill Reel is just as personable and kind in person as he sounds like on his podcast. John Dehlin is also very kind but is a big enough celebrity in these situations that it's often difficult to get a chance to talk with him. This sounds like an excellent conference.

Ya. I'd love to meet some like-minded people. Scarce as hen's teeth in my local. In fact, it's kind of why I wanted to go public (Facebook) to see if I could flush a few terrified locals out of the bushes. I also get it that it's kind of a crap-shoot when you don't know anyone in these circles and look forward to meeting some new folks. Nice comment about Bill. I think the real Bill Reel (weird way to say that) would certainly reflect his authenticity in public - that's what I've gathered just from his podcasts and various comments.

I appreciate your feedback and thanks for taking the time.

[Abinidied]

I may go. I'll pin a pic of my avatar on my shirt. Look for me.

Please do that!!!! I will seek you out, brother NOM!

[Abinidied]

What day(s) will you be there?

We'll be there for the full conference - just rented a place to stay near UofU.

[Abinidied]

What day(s) will you be there?

We'll be there for the full conference - just rented a place to stay near UofU. Arriving Wednesday, July 26 - and staying a couple of days beyond the conference to Monday, July 30.

[Abinidied]

I may go. I'll pin a pic of my avatar on my shirt. Look for me.

Please do that!!!! I will seek you out, brother NOM!

Wait . . . are you a brother?

[dbmormon]

I have been to two Sunstone events when they have been in the Phoenix area. I really enjoyed both. Part of the fun has been meeting people who you know from blogs and podcasts in person. There is no "best" way to attend Sunstone. Just pick out the speakers and topics that seem to be the most interesting. Take the opportunity to talk to interesting people between sessions. Bill Reel is just as personable and kind in person as he sounds like on his podcast. John Dehlin is also very kind but is a big enough celebrity in these situations that it's often difficult to get a chance to talk with him. This sounds like an excellent conference.

that is so nice. I saw this and was touched. thank you for your kind words

[Abinidied]

Any opinions on what/whose sessions are a must see? I recognize we all go for and connect with different presenters for different reasons. Just wondering some of your favourites if you care to share for those that attend?

What day(s) will you be there?

Somehow I missed this. We are scheduled for the entire conference.

[Korihor]

I have been to two Sunstone events when they have been in the Phoenix area. I really enjoyed both. Part of the fun has been meeting people who you know from blogs and podcasts in person. There is no "best" way to attend Sunstone. Just pick out the speakers and topics that seem to be the most interesting. Take the opportunity to talk to interesting people between sessions. Bill Reel is just as personable and kind in person as he sounds like on his podcast. John Dehlin is also very kind but is a big enough celebrity in these situations that it's often difficult to get a chance to talk with him. This sounds like an excellent conference.

that is so nice. I saw this and was touched. thank you for your kind words

Hi Bill! I've been listening to your podcast lately, not to mention your increased presence on IOT. You've had a great impact on my life. As as TBM, LGBT issues were very difficult for me to wrap my head around. When my shelf crashed, it was still a hard concept for me. It's one of those major deprogramming issues that I'm fixing. You were a big part in helping me to see it better.

I was hoping to be able to attend Sunstone and make a quick trip to SLC to go, but Alas, tis not to be. I'm going to plan our annual summer trip to Utah around Sunstone next year. Also, Mrs Misbehaved and I plan to attend the next Sunstone Phoenix.

Everyone attending - ENJOY!

[AllieOop]

What day(s) will you be there?

Somehow I missed this. We are scheduled for the entire conference.

So, it all begins tonight at 5:00....I'm excited for you (and yes, envious as I'd love to be there!).

Please return and report about anything of interest or just about how it went in general. Have fun


************************

[Newme]

Does anyone know if you can register for, or go to just one class?

[AllieOop]

Does anyone know if you can register for, or go to just one class?

At this link (if you scroll down to the bottom), it states that there is single session registration ($20, but it may be more now that you'll have to register at the door):

https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/registration/

[Newme]

Does anyone know if you can register for, or go to just one class?

At this link (if you scroll down to the bottom), it states that there is single session registration ($20, but it may be more now that you'll have to register at the door):

https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/registration/

Good, thanks!
If I can't squeeze it in, I might just find a good day/topic at Oasis.