As ELYSIAN marks a decade of excellence, this weekend will not only celebrate the past but also set the stage for an inspiring future. From its humble beginnings as a quarterly magazine to its expansion into a global community of empowered women, ELYSIAN has continually fostered connection, curiosity, and leadership.

The celebration continues with ELYSIAN Connects with an event that is designed for connection and transformation. Nibbles and bits will be available throughout the day, allowing guests to break when they like and self-select the day’s offerings.

At 11 a.m. sharp, participants will engage in an innovative experience moderated by renowned entrepreneur Lori R. Taylor – an interactive exercise that fosters deep conversations and meaningful bonds. Women will embark on a journey of self- discovery and shared experiences.

This unique event will be livestreamed and covered by local, regional, national and online media, allowing audiences in South Carolina and worldwide to witness the power of women uplifting one another.

Dr. Christina Rahm, Anita Zucker, S.C. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Congresswoman Sheri Biggs will share the stage with Floyd and ELYSIAN Impact Director Kimberli Scott as they tell the ELYSIAN story – past, present and future.

As part of this story, ELYSIAN will announce a footprint expansion. For its first 10 years, the brand focused exclusively on Inspiring Women – women over 35 who excel in their careers, community and family life. For the next 10 years, ELYSIAN will expand its focus to also include Aspiring Women – younger women who are making early strides on the path to success.

Dawn Tripp will be the keynote speaker. She is the nationally bestselling author of the novels Jackie and Georgia, finalist for the New England Book Award and winner of the Mary Lynn Kotz Award for Art in Literature. Through her writing, she has deeply examined the intricate layers of women’s lives—their ambitions, struggles, and triumphs—offering a nuanced perspective that resonates with ELYSIAN’s own dynamic ecosystem of inspiring and aspiring women.

Then, an inspiring award ceremony will honor trailblazing women whose achievements have reshaped industries and communities. It begins with a series of posthumous awards, highlighting women who broke barriers, moderated by Fox Carolina’s Hayley Spitler.

Women in two categories will then be honored with awards, those who have found success in our home state of South Carolina and those who have distinguished themselves throughout the rest of the country.

The presentation of the global awards will be moderated by WSPA’s Amy Wood.

Throughout the day, a luxurious “She Shed” will host a series of intimate conversations. Women leaders will be filmed answering five specific questions pertinent to their success, and then they will share a “day in the life” story.

The afternoon will offer a series of breakout sessions under the banner of ELYSIAN Curates. Each session will feature a slate of women powerhouses in seven sectors – Business, Professional, Public Service, Global Affairs, Media, Creative and Philanthropy.

“What Drives Success? An intimate conversation with trailblazers” will challenge each of our speakers to look within themselves and share personal insights and the tools they used to succeed.

The panels of select trailblazers – including elected officials, journalists, creatives, business leaders, professional women, philanthropists and a special delegation of World Changers from the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation – will be guided by a moderator and audience questions.

The panels will be followed by a cocktail hour. That evening, guests can immerse themselves in Spartanburg’s burgeoning downtown, indulging in fine dining, local breweries and wine shops, or even a baseball game featuring the Spartanburgers in their brand-new stadium.

A Decade of ELYSIAN: The Journey Continues
As ELYSIAN marks a decade of excellence, this weekend will not only celebrate the past but also set the stage for an inspiring future. From its humble beginnings as a quarterly magazine to its expansion into a global community of empowered women, ELYSIAN has continually fostered connection, curiosity, and leadership.

With a history of hosting life-changing events, producing award- winning documentaries, and launching the groundbreaking CatWalk FurBaby charity fashion show at New York Fashion Week, ELYSIAN has cemented itself as a beacon of inspiration. This anniversary celebration is just the beginning—as ELYSIAN looks ahead, the sky is truly the limit.