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Registration Opens (Gaillard Lower Shared Lobby)

Registration is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 17.

National Keynote Luncheon (Ballroom)
Charles Blow

Join us for a plated luncheon featuring this year's national keynote speaker.

  • Charles Blow (Author, Columnist, Analyst at New York Times & MSNBC)

    Charles Blow

    Author, Columnist, Analyst at New York Times & MSNBC
Networking with Exhibitors (Ballroom I)
Homegrown Leaders & The Next Generation Panel (Grand Ballroom)
Greg Davis•Latorrie Geer•F. A Johnson, II Esq•Deborah McKetty•Robert Thomas•Cory Wallace

This panel features an experienced veteran and an up-and-coming leader from each of three different community development industries: housing & resiliency, community development finance, and small business development & growth. Join us to hear insights from industry veterans and perspectives from the next generation of leaders as we discuss current issues facing community economic development in South Carolina and how we can prepare for the future.

  • Greg Davis (South Carolina Department of Transportation)

    Greg Davis

    South Carolina Department of Transportation
  • Latorrie Geer (CommunityWorks at CommunityWorks)

    Latorrie Geer

    CommunityWorks at CommunityWorks
  • F. A Johnson, II Esq (CEO of Charleston Redevelopment Corporation)

    F. A Johnson, II Esq

    CEO of Charleston Redevelopment Corporation
  • Deborah McKetty (President at SC Community Loan Fund)

    Deborah McKetty

    President at SC Community Loan Fund
  • Robert Thomas (Executive Director of Southeastern Housing and Community Development)

    Robert Thomas

    Executive Director of Southeastern Housing and Community Development
  • Cory Wallace (Owner/C.E.O at The Stag Pad)

    Cory Wallace

    Owner/C.E.O at The Stag Pad
30th Anniversary Gala exclusively sponsored by Wells Fargo (Grand Ballroom)

Join us for our 30th Anniversary Gala on the evening of Thursday, October 17.

Keynote Brunch (Francis Marion Hotel • Colonial Ballroom)
Leah Rothstein

Join us for a panel over a plated brunch featuring preeminent speakers and community leaders.

  • Leah Rothstein (Co-Author, Nonprofit Consultant at Just Action)

    Leah Rothstein

    Co-Author, Nonprofit Consultant at Just Action
Community Visits (Francis Marion Hotel Lobby)

Attendees can choose to attend one of the planned community visits around Charleston, SC on the afternoon of Friday, October 18.

1. Affordable Housing in Charleston, SC
An insightful visit led by Metanoia and the Community First Land Trust, exploring the dynamic housing developments shaping the greater Charleston community. This visit will take you through key stops, including Reynold Avenue, Union Heights, and Exit 218, where you'll witness firsthand the power of collaboration between organizations.

Experience the creation of sustainable, affordable housing and developments in response to gentrification and how ongoing projects are blending community needs with innovative development strategies. Discover how these efforts are reshaping the future of North Charleston, ensuring growth that is both inclusive and equitable, fostering a thriving community for all.

2. Ecosystem Building at The Opportunity Center & Entrepreneurship Resource Center
This tour will cover the collaborative efforts in the Charleston area to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem, including The Opportunity Center in North Charleston and the Entrepreneurship Resource Center. Each space is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start, grow, and sustain their businesses. From expert consultations to workshops on business planning and financial management, building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem is a critical resource for local business owners. Attendees will better understand the role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, its key players and stakeholders, and various funding and technical assistance initiatives aimed at supporting minority entrepreneurs. Attendees will also understand the power of community collaboration and the factors which interact with themselves to create a wheelhouse for economic sustainability in the creation of new businesses.

3. The International African American Museum
This tour of the International African American Museum offers a comprehensive and moving exploration of African American history, from its roots in Africa to its ongoing impact on American society. Located on the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, the museum features immersive exhibits that trace the harrowing Middle Passage, the struggles of slavery, and the triumphs of emancipation. Visitors can explore the Civil Rights Movement through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, and celebrate contemporary African American achievements in various fields. The African Ancestors Memorial Garden provides a serene space for reflection and remembrance.