The Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women brings together women from all walks of life for two days of education, professional and personal development, and networking. Entrepreneurs, professionals, community volunteers and activists, students, moms, and women from across the region all enjoy this dynamic program with incredible opportunities to learn and grow.

Speakers for the Ninth Annual Women's Leadership Conference – to be held Feb. 5, 2019, at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center – include Carol Aebersold, Chanda Bell, Louise Connell, Michael Harris, Janice Howroyd, Suncera Johnson, Alyse Nelson, Donna Orender, Megan Plassmeyer, Lori Stevic-Rust, Katie Stratton and Britnie Turner.

• Carol Aebersold is the award-winning co-author of the acclaimed book The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition, as well as several board books.
• Chanda Bell is the co-CEO of her family’s publishing company, Creatively Classic Activities and Books (CCA and B), and is co-author of The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition.
• Louise Connell is the supplier diversity manager for BMW Manufacturing Co. in Greer, S.C.
• Michael Harris is the supplier diversity manager for Continental Automotive Systems and leads the supplier diversity initiatives and strategy that supports the Automotive, Tire and ContiTech Divisions in North America.
• Janice Howroyd is the founder and chief executive officer of ActOne Group, a multibillion-dollar award-winning, global leader in the human resources industry, and the author of The Art of Work: How to Make Work, Work for You!
• Suncera Johnson, an author and entertainment industry veteran, is the founder and CEO of amass digital, a digital advertising agency. She is the author of Dear God: Passionate Prayers in 140 Characters or Less.
• Alyse Nelson is the author of the bestselling book Vital Voices: The Power of Women Leading Change Around the World, and co-founder, president and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership.
• Donna Orender, former WNBA commissioner and PGA Tour executive, is the author of Wowsdom! the Girl’s Guide to the Positive and the Possible.
• Megan Plassmeyer is the community engagement coordinator at Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN), based in Columbia, S.C.
• Lori Stevic-Rust is an international dementia healthcare consultant and author of five books on topics ranging from depression, heart disease and wellness.
• Katie Stratton is Facebook’s head of industry, where she leads the U.S. restaurants sales team
• Britnie Turner is the founder and CEO of Aerial Development, a Nashville-based residential and commercial development company.

The Celebration of Inspiring Women honors remarkable individuals and celebrates their contributions to our state, region, nation and world. The awards were created as an important and lasting way to recognize the incredible achievements of women with ties to South Carolina. Since the program's inception in 2011, 41 women have been recognized. Joining the group will be 2019 honorees (below, left to right) Carrie Brown, Suncera Johnson and Britnie Turner. Johnson and Turner are also conference speakers. The Celebration of Inspiring Women will be held the evening of Feb. 4, 2019, also at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Why attend the Conference and Celebration?

Programs that provide women opportunities to better their health, education and well-being have effects far beyond a single individual. Global research shows that investing in women multiplies the impact made in her future by extending benefits to the world around her, creating a better life for her family and building a stronger community.

• Be Inspired. World-class keynote speakers, informative panel discussions, and engaging breakout sessions will energize and inspire you to reach your personal and professional goals.
• Build Your Network. Connect with more than 800 women attendees from across the state of South Carolina during networking breaks.
• Learn and Grow. Our Exhibit Area includes more than 40 vendors and a large, interactive Better Health Expo presented by Tidelands Health.
• Reach your audience. Connect with women across the state of South Carolina by sponsoring the 2019 Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Empower your employees and clients, reach your audience, and invest in women by sponsoring the Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women. Sponsorship packages include many benefits including tables for ten attendees, exhibit area opportunities, branding at the event and marketing opportunities.

Individual Tickets

Individual early-bird tickets will go on sale in November 2018. Last year the conference sold out, so be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know when tickets are available!

Stay in touch with WIPL

‌Want to stay up to date with the latest news and speaker updates for the 2019 Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women? Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter - we would love to add you to our list!