Our 2026 theme was

“Blue & Green Minds”

  • Resilience & Community Planning sessions at this year’s SC Resilience Conference will bring the Blue and Green Minds theme to life by showing how intentional planning strengthens both natural systems and community wellbeing. Local leaders such as Juliana Zadik and Molly Caggiano will speak on how Beaufort and Charleston Counties are embedding resilience into long-range planning, land use, and everyday decision-making. Sessions featuring Beth Lewis and Andrea Moreno will explore how watershed planning and wetland protections in Bluffton are guiding sustainable growth while reducing flood risk. Multidisciplinary teams from McAdams, including Daniel Weibke and Rebecca Stubbs, will present on how green infrastructure, and greenway planning transform public spaces into resilient, people-centered community assets. Together, these sessions will offer practical strategies, inspiring case studies, and new perspectives on how centering resilience-focused blue and green systems in planning can help build healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities—and more is yet to come!

  • Environmental & Ecological Conservation sessions at this year’s SC Resilience Conference will explore how sustainable practices and conservation strategies protect natural systems and strengthen communities. Keynote speaker Tom Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, will open the conversation on statewide conservation priorities and sustainable resource management. Amber Kuehn will present on preserving critical habitats on Hilton Head Island, while Susan Lunt and Patricia Whitener will demonstrate sustainable outdoor practices that enhance environmental health across South Carolina. Martin Hamilton will discuss how plant selection and conservation planning contribute to resilient, thriving ecosystems. Together, these sessions will offer practical strategies, inspiring examples, and innovative approaches to advancing sustainability and conserving South Carolina’s natural resources—and there is much more to discover.

  • Health, Innovation & Sustainability Practices sessions at this year’s SC Resilience Conference will explore how innovative strategies in health, wellness, and sustainability support resilient communities. Keynote and featured sessions will include Dr. Susan Johnson, Founder of Nature at Work, who will present data-driven insights on how connecting employees to nature improves performance, focus, and physical wellbeing. Brian Thill will highlight “Blue Mind” programs from the SC Aquarium, Jana Davis will discuss practical nutrition strategies that enhance energy and productivity, and Andy Harris will demonstrate how AI tools can support monitoring and improving individual and community health. Together, these sessions will provide practical tools, inspiring innovations, and actionable strategies to integrate health, sustainability, and resilience—and there is much more to discover.

At the SC Resilience Conference, you can expect to…

Learn

Our carefully curated lineup of experts from fields like healthcare, engineering, government, and many more will deliver sessions on a wide variety of topics dealing with resilience in every aspect of life. With breakout sessions diving into niche topics and keynote addresses covering conservation, health, and community resilience, you will leave with actionable insights on how to build resilience in your life, workplace, and community.

Connect

The SC Resilience Conference brings together movers and shakers from diverse backgrounds and fields. The format of the conference is carefully designed to facilitate true networking and connection throughout the day; we offer pre-conference networking through our mobile app, content-specific learning tracks to help you meet others interested in the same topics, and laid-back evening events with a relaxed environment perfect for starting conversations and sharing ideas.

unwind

We believe deeply in the message of “Healthy people, healthy places”. That’s why we are offering morning yoga sessions each day before the conference for attendees to center themselves before heading to the conference center, healthy food and drink options throughout the day, and a “Relaxation Station” with aromatherapy and calming design. We also have optional pre-conference tours available for attendees to learn more about Florence and the great resilience work being done here in SC.

WANT LEARN MORE?

TAKE A LOOK AT

our 2026 AGENDA

2026 AGENDA
Listen Today

Hear the Voices of SC Res Con ‘26

We’re bringing you the leaders and innovators shaping resilience for our communities, environment, and economy—straight to your ears—on our new Blue and Green Minds podcast. Get inspired and connected with this year’s theme, “Blue and Green Minds,” as we highlight the people driving resilience across South Carolina. Stay tuned for a new episode reveal every other Thursday—so you never miss a conversation that sparks ideas, fuels collaborations, and keeps you at the heart of the action. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeartRadio!

Our 2026 Sponsors

Conservation Track Sponsor

Resilience, Recovery, & Mitigation Sponsor

AI for Resilience:  People, Places, & Preparedness Sponsor

Health & Wellness Track Sponsor
Explore Sponsorships

Explore our 2026 Tracks

Conservation Track

Our region's natural landscapes are more than scenic backdrops — they’re vital to our ecological, cultural, and economic resilience. This track explores innovative conservation practices that sustain biodiversity, protect water quality, and preserve working lands while preparing communities for a changing climate. Join leaders in land management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable tourism as they share strategies that balance growth with preservation and highlight how protecting our natural resources protects us all.

Sponsored by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Health & Wellness Track

Healthy people build healthy communities. This track focuses on the intersection of nature, health, and human well-being — from workplace wellness initiatives and outdoor recreation to public health design and the “green exercise” movement. Hear from experts and innovators who are reimagining how access to nature, active living, and mental health strategies contribute to resilience at every level — individual, corporate, and community-wide.

Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

This track explores how artificial intelligence can strengthen resilience across systems, communities, and organizations in the face of disruption. Sessions will highlight how AI is being used to anticipate risk, respond to crises, and accelerate recovery—from climate adaptation and disaster response to infrastructure reliability, public health, and economic stability. Attendees will engage with real-world case studies, emerging tools, and ethical considerations, gaining practical insights into building smarter, more adaptive, and more resilient futures with AI.

Sponsored by University of South Carolina

AI in Resilience Track

Community Hazard Resilience Track

This track focuses on practical strategies that increase the ability of communities, economies, and ecosystems within South Carolina to anticipate, absorb, recover, and thrive when presented with environmental change and natural hazards. Join state and local leaders in disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, and long-term resilience planning to explore how strengthening disaster resilience protects lives, supports livelihoods, and ensures the lasting strength and vitality of our region.

Sponsored by South Carolina Office of Resilience

Explore our 2026 exhibitors

  • South Carolina Office of Resilience
  • University of South Carolina
  • SC DNR Logo
  • BlueCross BlueShield SC
  • Seamon Whiteside Logo
  • Nature At Work Logo
  • Ferguson Waterworks Logo
  • Palmetto Pride Logo
  • SC Healthy Business Coalition
  • Davis & Floyd Logo
  • McAdams Logo
  • Mosaic Color & Additives

Follow us!

View fullsize One movement. One trail. One powerful impact across South Carolina. 🗺️🌿 The @sc7wonders Expedition continues to be a driving force behind conversations at the SC Resilience Conference—and for good reason. This annual statewide expedition fo
View fullsize This Memorial Day, we’re reminded that there is no more important foundation for a sustainable and resilient future than the people we honor today. 🇺🇸 At the SC Resilience Conference, we talk about building stronger communities, protecting w
View fullsize What a success! The SC Resilience Conference delivered—and this session was a standout. 🌎💚 If you weren’t in the room for Green Tools for a Blue Planet: Sustainable Outdoor Practices for a Resilient South Carolina, you truly missed an
View fullsize One of those sessions you’re still thinking about long after the conference ends. 🌿🏚️🌎 Dr. Alan Todd brought a powerful and timely perspective to the SC Resilience Conference in Deconstruction and the Rise of the Material Reuse Movement&mda
View fullsize Behind the SC Resilience Conference is a bigger story—and a bigger mission. 🌎✨ The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor is proud to be the driving force behind this growing movement, bringing people together to build a stronger, more res
View fullsize This is what a resilience conference should feel like. 🌱🤝🌎 The SC Resilience Conference brought conversations to life in "Connecting the Dots: Making Resilience Relevant in Your Community"—an interactive session that challenged pa
View fullsize The SC Resilience Conference is not your typical conference—and that’s the point! 🌿🚣‍♀️ At the SC Resilience Conference, we don’t just talk about protecting our natural resources—we get outside and experience them toget
View fullsize A keynote that challenged all of us to think bigger—and act sooner. 💡 At the SC Resilience Conference, former SC Governor David Beasley delivered a powerful message: "Start solving the key problems of 2036 today." A former Governor
View fullsize
View fullsize We were honored to kick off the 3rd Annual SC Resilience Conference with opening remarks from Senator @mike.reichenbach right in Florence, South Carolina. 🌎👏 As a strong advocate for the Pee Dee region and the communities he serves, Senator Reiche
View fullsize 🏆 Celebrating the leaders shaping a more resilient South Carolina 👏 At the 2026 South Carolina Resilience Conference, the @scnationalheritagecorridor had the honor of recognizing organizations and communities that are turning resilience into real
View fullsize THIS is what resilience looks like at the #scresilienceconference. And it only happens because of YOU. 👏 The 2026 South Carolina Resilience Conference brought together the people who are doing the work every day—across our workplaces, communi
View fullsize Attendees—don’t miss tonight’s off-site experience with Moore Farms Botanical Garden Tour and Downtown Lake City Experience! Buses will load at Staybridge Suites and the Florence Center and depart promptly at 5:30 PM. 🌿 Enjoy a on
View fullsize 🚨 SC Resilience Conference – Important Details! 🚨 We’re looking forward to kicking off an inspiring day together! Here are a few key reminders to help your morning go smoothly: ⏰ Arrive by 8:00 AM at the Florence Center to allow time
View fullsize 🌪️ Session Spotlight: Hurricane Helene – Coordinating Recovery Across Sectors Don’t miss this session and register at: www.scresilienceconference.com🎟️ What does effective disaster recovery look like when state, local, and community o
View fullsize 📣 Have you checked out the SC Resilience Conference agenda yet? Now’s your chance to explore everything happening at the 2026 SC Resilience Conference and start planning your experience: 👉 www.scresilienceconference.com Here’s just a
View fullsize 🌊 Session Spotlight: Water, Wellness, & Work: The Blue Mind Connection Don't miss this session and register at: scresilienceconference.com 🎟️ How does time spent near water impact our mental health, well-being, and resilience? Join us at th
View fullsize
View fullsize Know Someone Who Should Be Here? Bring Your Colleagues & Get Rewarded! 🫂 🎟️ The SC Resilience Conference isn’t just an event—it’s a conversation shaping the future of South Carolina—and we want you to be part of growin
View fullsize 🌿🌊 Blue & Green Minds – Episode 7 is Live What role do health and nutrition play in building resilient communities? In Episode 7, we sit down with @janadavisrdn to explore the connection between food, wellness, and community resilience.