Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) at Coastal Carolina University is teaming up with Tidelands Health to highlight the unique health care needs of women and help address the challenges they face balancing careers and family.

The two organizations have established a partnership that will include a new women's health and wellness expo at WIPL's 2018 Women's Leadership Conference scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. In its eighth year, the conference seeks to educate, motivate and challenge women to lead change in their lives, their communities and the world.

"Good health is critical to sustaining positive change, whether in a personal or professional setting," said Terri DeCenzo, executive director of WIPL. "This new partnership with Tidelands Health gives us the chance to leverage the expertise and resources of our region's largest health care provider in support of women and their care needs."

During the Women's Leadership Conference, Tidelands Health will present a daylong expo titled "Better! Be strong. Be healthy. Be you." It will feature two breakout sessions focusing on women's health topics and three activity areas in a 4,500-square-foot space outside the main conference hall. The Tidelands Health activity areas will give attendees opportunities to explore how they can care for their minds and bodies through proper nutrition and regular health screenings, by building physical strength, and by finding ways to reduce stress and develop a positive work-life balance.

"At Tidelands Health, more than half of our senior leadership team and the majority of our employee partners are female," said Gayle Resetar, the health system's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We appreciate the unique health care needs of women and the obstacles they can face, especially when trying to balance the demands of careers and family.

"Our goal at the conference is to create a fun and educational environment that will give women tools they need to take charge of their health and wellness."

Each year, the Women's Leadership Conference features notable speakers from the fields of business, science, culture and more. The speakers, building upon the shared energy of more than 800 women attendees who connect at this annual event, offer participants the inspiration to lead, serve and choose to make a difference.

On Monday, Feb. 5, the night prior to the conference, WIPL will host its eighth annual Celebration of Inspiring Women, which honors individuals with a strong South Carolina connection for their outstanding contributions to the state, nation and world.

"Between a great group of speakers and our new partnership with Tidelands Health, this year's conference promises to be an incredible experience," DeCenzo said. "Whether you're a full-time mom or the CEO of a large corporation, you'll find the event inspiring and enriching."

About WIPL: WIPL was founded in 2007 under the leadership of CCU first lady Terri DeCenzo. It is committed to inspiring, connecting and empowering women to strengthen their individual and collective voices in leadership at CCU and in the community, state, region and beyond. Members include faculty, staff and community leaders who are committed to creating and supporting opportunities for women in all areas of leadership and across all disciplines, while continuing to invest in scholarships for CCU students. Since its inception, WIPL has awarded 184 students more than $200,000 in financial support through a fully endowed scholarship and annual awards.

About Tidelands Health: Tidelands Health is the largest health care provider in Georgetown and Horry counties. With three hospitals and nearly 50 outpatient locations that stretch from Andrews to North Myrtle Beach, Tidelands Health is improving lives across the Tidelands region.

Event Schedule Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, 6 p.m. - Celebration of Inspiring Women

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Ballroom

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Women's Leadership Conference featuring the new "Better! Be strong. Be healthy. Be you." women's health expo

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Ballroom and Myrtle Beach Convention Center Exhibit Hall A

For more information, please visit WIPL.