LDS International Society to meet at BYU April 2

To discuss "In the Public Eye: How the Church is Handling Increased Global Visibility"

Brigham Young University will host the 23rd Annual Conference of the LDS International Society,"In the Public Eye: How the Church is Handling Increased Global Visibility," Monday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center.

The conference is free and open to the public. Reservations are required for the luncheon at $15 per person, and space is limited. Please RSVP by Monday, March 26, to the David M. Kennedy Center at (801) 422-3377.

A PDF of the conference proceedings will be available on the International Society’s website at www.ldsinternationalsociety.org later in the year for members of the society.For information on becoming a member, visit the website.

The program is as follows:

8:30 a.m. — Welcome, BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson.

8:45 a.m. State of the Society — Paul Rytting, outgoing president of LDS International Society.

9 a.m. — Keynote address, "Out of Obscurity: Perspectives from Asia," Elder Anthony D. Perkins, First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 2012 Distinguished Service Award will be presented by Michael Jensen, incoming president of the LDS International Society following Elder Perkins’ address.

10:15 a.m. — Networking break.

10:30 a.m. — Keynote address, "In the Public Eye: How the Church is Handling Increased Global Visibility," Michael Otterson, managing director, Public Affairs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

11:30 a.m. — "The Church’s Digital Communications and Technology Solutions," Michael Colemere, managing director, Internet Communications, the Church of Jesus Christ.

Noon — Luncheon., with a video presentation by Michael Colemere.

1:30 p.m. — "Causes for the “Mormon Moment,” with moderator Vince Breglio, president, Breglio Consulting, former executive vice president, Wirthlin Worldwide, and international consultant; with panel members Terry Oakes, managing director, Welfare Services of the Church; Lew Cramer, CEO, World Trade Center Utah, former assistant secretary of commerce for International Trade; and Quin Monson, associate professor of political science, BYU.

2:45 p.m. — Networking break.

3 p.m. — "How the 'Mormon Moment' Looks from Abroad," Sahar Qumsiyeh, database analyst, United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Relief Society president in Israel’s branch of the Church.

3:45 p.m. — Concluding remarks, Michael Jensen, incoming president of the International Society

4 p.m. Optional free tour of BYU–TV and introduction to its goals and objectives. RSVP required.