The 2023 Utah Area Young Single Adult Conference kicks off Saturday, Aug. 5, with a concert in the Delta Center, the first of five August events.
The lineup originally featured OneRepublic, Jordan Smith and Tori Kelly; but due to medical problems, Tori Kelly has been replaced by former “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks.
Conference organizers recently announced several other updates, including an extended registration deadline, notice of sold-out events and a reduced ticket price.
Themed “Together in Christ,” the conference is geared toward young adults ages 18 to 31 and includes the concert, a dance, a devotional and more.
Utah YSA Conference registration deadline extended, some events sold out
Young adults now have until Aug. 17 to register for the conference, according to an Aug. 1 post on the Utah Area YSA Conference Facebook page. Registration originally closed July 31.
The post also notes that the Aug. 5 concert, Aug. 11 dance and Aug. 12 fun run are sold out.
“But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the Gather Together Conference or devotional!” a July 28 post states. “You still have time to register to hear fantastic speakers, play games, tour a replica of the ancient tabernacle, eat a short rib dinner and much more.”
Utah YSA Conference ticket price dropped
Due to several individual events filling up, tickets are now $25. The reduced-price tickets give admittance to the Aug. 19 Gather Together Conference and the Aug. 20 devotional with Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Tickets were originally $50 and gave access to all five events.
The 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Gather Together Conference will take place Aug. 19 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.
The day’s lineup includes:
- Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson as the keynote speaker.
- 30-minute TED Talk-style messages called “Christ Daily,” given by Church leaders such as Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt, General Authority Seventy; Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency; and Sharon Eubank, director of humanitarian services for the Church and former first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
- An ancient tabernacle tour (the same one that recently went through Utah).
- A service project focused on packaging a million meals for the Utah Food Bank.
- Life coaching from licensed therapists.
- An appearance by the Brigham Young University Dunk Team.
- A karaoke competition.
- An attempt to break the speed dating world record.
Additionally, the conference has partnered with the Salt Palace Convention Center to offer a meal of braised short ribs, potatoes, salad, carrots, rolls and cookies. Options for those who are vegan or who have dietary restrictions are available. This is the only meal provided by the conference.
Those unable to attend in person can tune in to the Christ Daily segments, available at a link that will be posted on UtahYSAconference.org.
Aug. 5 concert: Jordin Sparks replaces Tori Kelly
The Aug. 5 “Together in Christ” concert originally featured OneRepublic, Jordan Smith and Tori Kelly.
But due to an “unforeseen medical emergency,” Kelly has dropped out and singer Jordin Sparks has taken her place, according to a July 27 post on the Utah Area YSA Conference Facebook page.
People Magazine reported that Kelly was released from the hospital on Monday, July 31, following treatment for blood clots in her lungs and legs.
The Utah Area YSA Conference “send[s] our sincere prayers to Tori for a full recovery and a speedy return to her musical pursuits,” its Facebook post states. “... We are grateful for Jordin’s willingness to appear on short notice, and we look forward to an incredible event with all of the artists.”
The “Together in Christ” concert won’t be Sparks’ first time participating in a Church-sponsored event. In March, she was a keynote speaker at RootsTech 2023.
The singer shared experiences about her life and family while performing four songs.
