Mission Possible: SC Thrive’s 2026 Annual Training Will Help Professionals Meet the Moment and Drive Impact

SC Thrive’s signature annual conference returns October 19–20, 2026, in Myrtle Beach, bringing together hundreds of professionals committed to strengthening communities across South Carolina.

SC Thrive is excited to announce its 2026 Annual Training, taking place October 19–20, 2026, at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort. This year’s theme, Mission Possible: Meeting the Moment to Drive Impact, reflects a powerful call to action for professionals, partners, and community leaders who are working every day to help South Carolinians move toward stability.

Annual Training is more than a conference. It is a gathering place for people who believe that bold missions can become achievable outcomes when communities learn together, collaborate across sectors, and turn ideas into action. Each year, SC Thrive brings together leaders from nonprofit, healthcare, education, government, business, faith-based, and community organizations to explore practical tools, innovative approaches, and meaningful partnerships that help individuals and families thrive.

This year’s event will feature keynote sessions, breakout learning tracks, networking opportunities, and inspiring conversations designed to equip attendees with strategies they can bring back to their organizations and communities. From strengthening care teams to building healthier workplace cultures, from leading through complexity to advancing community-centered solutions, Annual Training 2026 will offer attendees space to refocus, recharge, and reconnect with the mission that drives their work.

Why Attend Annual Training 2026

Across South Carolina, organizations are facing complex challenges that require creativity, resilience, and collaboration. Annual Training is designed to help professionals meet those challenges with renewed energy and practical tools.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn from dynamic keynote speakers and experienced leaders
• Explore breakout sessions organized around four timely learning tracks
• Connect with peers, partners, and professionals from across the state
• Discover strategies that strengthen organizations and improve outcomes
• Leave with practical ideas that can be put into action right away

As Jody Jernigan, Executive Director of Leadership South Carolina, shared, “I support Annual Training because it gives leaders the space to refocus, recharge, and reconnect. I’m excited to share practical tools for leading with clarity and energy, and I hope participants leave with one meaningful change they can put into action. Events like this matter because when leaders are at their best, South Carolina is stronger.”

Powerful Keynotes and Featured Speakers

Annual Training 2026 will open the door to meaningful conversations about leadership, well-being, engagement, collaboration, and transformation.

Ashley Teasdel will bring an important statewide perspective to Annual Training with her session, “Partnerships that Prosper.” Her remarks will explore how collaboration serves as the engine of growth across South Carolina, highlighting the power of partnerships between nonprofits, businesses, and government. Through this session, attendees will gain insight into how collective impact can strengthen economic development, advance individual stability, and create stronger communities across the state. Ashley’s keynote will include a focused presentation followed by an opportunity for audience Q&A.

Andre Fluellen, a former NFL athlete, will share a powerful message about mental health, high performance, pressure, identity, and the unseen battles people often face. His keynote will invite attendees to think more deeply about what it takes to care for the person behind the performance and to create environments where people can lead, serve, and succeed with authenticity.

Martin Lespérance, an international keynote speaker traveling from Montreal, Canada, will focus on engagement, purpose, and performance. His message will explore the real reasons behind disengagement and offer insight into how organizations can spark creativity, strengthen culture, and transform performance from the inside out.

Caroline DeLongChamps will bring a deeply personal and inspiring perspective on healthcare, storytelling, and transformation. Drawing from her lived experience and her work in patient- and family-centered care, Caroline will explore the importance of listening to patients and families, honoring lived experience, and building systems where those receiving care are treated as true partners.

Together, these featured voices will challenge attendees to think differently about leadership, connection, culture, collaboration, and impact.

Four Breakout Tracks Designed for Action

In addition to keynote sessions, attendees will be able to explore four breakout tracks that connect directly to the work of serving communities and strengthening organizations.

Social Care in Action

This track will highlight real-world approaches that strengthen care teams and improve outcomes for the individuals and communities they serve. Sessions will focus on people-centered strategies, practical systems, and meaningful partnerships that move social care from intention to action.

Participants will hear from speakers such as Shari Leid, whose story of resilience, belonging, and human connection offers a powerful lens for understanding how organizations can build stronger cultures and more compassionate systems of support.

Culture & Capacity

Strong organizations need strong systems, aligned teams, and sustainable practices. The Culture & Capacity track will help attendees think about how to build healthier workplace cultures, prevent burnout, and create organizational structures that support long-term impact.

Featuring voices such as Jessica Gaines of Welvista, this track will offer practical strategies for strengthening teams, improving capacity, and helping organizations adapt and grow while staying connected to their mission.

Leaders Learning Lab

Designed for leaders guiding strategy, teams, and organizational impact, the Leaders Learning Lab will provide space for deeper reflection, peer learning, and practical leadership development.

Attendees will learn from seasoned organizational leaders with executive-level experience, including speakers from outside the region, and gain tools to lead with clarity, energy, and purpose. This track is ideal for professionals who are navigating change, supporting teams, and shaping the future of their organizations.

Community Forward

The Community Forward track will focus on the partnerships, programs, and ideas that help communities move toward long-term stability. Sessions in this track will explore how organizations can work across sectors, listen to community needs, and build solutions that are responsive, sustainable, and rooted in impact.

This track is designed for professionals who are looking for fresh ideas, practical examples, and collaborative strategies to better serve South Carolinians.

A Space to Connect, Learn, and Thrive Together

Annual Training has become a trusted gathering place for professionals who want to learn from one another and strengthen their work across South Carolina. The event is large enough to bring together diverse voices from across the state, yet personal enough to create meaningful connections, honest conversations, and lasting partnerships.

One past speaker shared, “Last year, we had the privilege of joining the SC Thrive Annual Training as breakout session speakers, and what an incredible experience it was! The Thrive team is always so welcoming and supportive, and we are forever grateful for their partnership. The opportunity to connect with passionate professionals across South Carolina, exchange ideas, and have honest conversations about serving our communities left us inspired long after the conference ended.”

That spirit of connection is at the heart of Annual Training. Whether attendees come to learn new strategies, strengthen partnerships, gain inspiration, or reconnect with their purpose, they will leave with tools and encouragement to continue driving impact in their communities.

Join Us in Myrtle Beach

SC Thrive’s 2026 Annual Training will be held October 19–20, 2026, at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort. Registration is open now, and professionals from across South Carolina are invited to attend.

Together, we will explore bold ideas, share practical solutions, and discover new ways to meet the moment and drive impact across South Carolina.

To learn more, view the full speaker lineup, and register, visit the SC Thrive Annual Training 2026 event site, scthrive.org/annualtraining/

Media Contact

Heather Love

Chief Development Officer
SC Thrive
hlove@scthrive.org
(864) 478-4402