Registration is underway for the fourth Women's Leadership Conference & Celebration of Inspiring Women, which will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel.

Sponsored by Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) for Coastal Carolina University, these events are designed to educate, inspire and challenge women to speak up, take action and use their voices to lead change in their own lives, their communities and beyond. The conference supports WIPL scholarships for CCU students as well as other leadership initiatives.

The keynote and plenary speakers include:

- Paula Harper Bethea, executive director of the South Carolina Education Lottery

- Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC chief international correspondent

- Terry Haas, TV personality from HGTV's "Designed to Sell"

- Chris Linnares, Brazilian psychotherapist and creator of Diva Dance

- Wendi Nix, ESPN reporter and host

- Kathrine Switzer, first woman to run the Boston Marathon

- Barbara Hickman Whye, director of global strategic initiatives for the Intel Foundation

- Marguerite Willis, attorney, first woman partner with Howrey LLP in Washington, D.C.

The conference will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; conference registration includes access to plenary and breakout sessions, exhibit areas, book-signings, continental breakfast and lunch. Pre-conference workshops focusing on entrepreneurship will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. A networking reception follows at 5:15 p.m.

The fourth annual Celebration of Inspiring Women will be held following the conference on the evening of Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. The event, including a cocktail reception, seated dinner and awards presentation, will honor five women for their outstanding contributions to the state, the nation and the world.

The 2014 Inspiring Women honorees are:

- Paula Harper Bethea, executive director of the South Carolina Education Lottery

- Mary Ann Bishop, philanthropist and author

- Nathalie Dupree, celebrity chef and author

- Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, only woman to pitch in Major League Baseball

- Wendi Nix, ESPN reporter and host

The Inspiring Women Awards were created as an important and lasting way to recognize the achievements of South Carolina women; since the program's inception, 20 women have been recognized.

For a full list of speakers and to register, visit wiplconference.com. For information on sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, contact Beth Stedman at 843-349-2145 or bstedman@coastal.edu.