Celebrated for its cobblestone streets that ooze history and pre-Civil War historic homes that evoke the gentle life of the Antebellum South, Charleston has long been called “The Holy City”…and no one seems to quite know why but no matter. Whether it’s her many churches, the European-inspired American southern architecture, the pulsating nightlife, tantalizing restaurants, amazing shops, or because there’s so much to see and do in Charleston—well, perhaps that’s why people call it divine. Visitors love to come to Charleston. Again, and again. And again.
That’s just one reason why The National Foundation for Women Legislators selected Charleston for their 2022 Annual Conference, to be held November 14-16. “What happens when diverse and impressive elected women get together to share ideas, network, and engage in civil discourse?” asks the NFWL as elected women from across the country gather in Charleston. Quite simply, a packed, two-day itinerary focusing on pressing matters at hand.
A Packed Agenda is planned for the NFWL Annual Conference
Leading the three-day agenda is “Ending Period Poverty,” a program in partnership with “U by Kotex®.” Determined to meet a long-pressing issue, “U by Kotex®” was created to ensure a menstrual period, and negative perceptions of a period, will never get in the way of any woman’s personal or professional progress. “No student should have to miss school, no adult should have to miss work, and no person should have to miss out on daily life because they are unable to afford the supplies they need.” [for information]
Also presented will be the NFWL’s “Grab ‘n Go Programming,” a wide-platform, online program that poses—and responds to— timely issues. “Grab ‘n Go” is underwritten by organizations that are recognized as best-in-class in their category, bringing resources, programs, and presentation materials right to your fingertips. (www.womenlegislators.org/grab-n-go/) This includes pertinent and current information on human trafficking, in partnership with Shared Hope International, and Evidence- Based Policy, through the Pew Charitable Trusts, which sheds
light on state trends and analysis, social programs, policy-making, and retirement in all 50 states.
In addition to the Pew Charitable Trust and Kotex, other NFWL sponsors who support vital programs spearheaded by the NFWL include PepsiCo, Reynolds, the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Weedmaps, Verizon, Walmart, Charter Communications, the American Petroleum Institute, Comcast/ NBC Universal, Wells Fargo, and the Mayo Consulting Group among others.
Why Charleston? Why, Indeed!
Why, then, has the NFWL chosen Charleston as its location to discuss its all-important Healthcare Summit and present its coveted 2022 Women of Excellence Awards? Because Charleston has emerged as first in the nation as a preferred destination for conventions and meetings. Here, in this iconic, culturally refined, and historically plentiful city there’s a feeling in the air—modern momentum meets antebellum, tempered by an ocean breeze-kissed climate.
It’s a city rich in diversity and resplendent with the gentility of a bygone age. Charleston welcomes and offers so much. Yes, there’s something about Charleston—the laughter and camaraderie among friends, old and new, and the tranquility to be found in solitude. For in these shining moments, memories are made in Charleston as in no other place on earth.
Meeting Places
The National Federation for Women Legislators is one of the numerous organizations, businesses, and clubs that have come to Charleston to conduct business while enjoying all the city provides.
One of the most notable is THE CHARLESTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER CAMPUS, which features more than 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space. Adjoining the Performing Arts Center, it is mere steps away from the North Charleston Coliseum and the Embassy Suites Hotel. The architecturally breathtaking CHARLESTON GAILLARD CENTER is home to the Charleston Symphony, SEWE, Spoleto, and other world-renowned events. The 1,800-seat theater and 16,000 square-ft exhibition hall are located in the Historic District and within easy walking distance of some of Charleston’s finest hotels, amazing restaurants, and many attractions. THE AMERICAN THEATER, Charleston’s premier movie house, has become a quirkily popular venue with its boisterous Art Deco architecture, making it a Charleston landmark since 1942. For more intimate gatherings there are HALLS SIGNATURE EVENTS, located steps from Waterfront Park; the uniquely versatile PORTER ROOM beside the Noisette Creek at Holy City Brewing, 39 RUE DE JEAN, and UPSTAIRS AT VIRGINIA’S.
The famed KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT, with its 23,000 flexible square-foot West Beach Conference Center, 10,000 square-foot ballroom, and 11 breakout rooms, has long been a mecca for those seeking the leisurely atmosphere this world-class resort affords.
Charleston is home to many estates that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the historic MCLEOD PLANTATION HISTORIC SITE and downtown, LOWNDES GROVE, Charleston’s last great waterfront estate, built in 1786, which boasts two indoor/outdoor venues on expansive, landscaped grounds overlooking panoramic Ashley River views. DRAYTON HALL, the impressive Lowcountry plantation built in the early 1750s, is one of the most remarkable examples of Palladian architecture in America. There’s the AIKEN-RHETT HOUSE, the city’s most intact antebellum urban complex, built in 1820 and virtually unaltered since 1858; BOONE HALL PLANTATION, a Georgian-style home that emerged as part of the Second Wave of Reconstruction, in 1936; the NATHANIEL RUSSELL HOUSE, a grand, Federal townhouse completed in 1880 best-known for its magnificent free-flying staircase. MIDDLETON PLACE, a National Historic Landmark, encompasses 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. The EDMONSTON-ALTSON HOUSE is one of the first dwellings built on Charleston’s High Battery. Here, from one of the home’s three-story piazzas, is where General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter. THE HEYWARD- WASHINGTON HOUSE, home of Thomas Heyward, Jr. a signer of the Declaration of Independence, features a pristine collection of period furniture.
What’s More . . .
What’s more, Charleston goes beyond downtown: there’s Charleston west of the Ashley, North Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Awendaw, Edisto, Wadmalaw Island, Kiawah Island, Mt. Pleasant, and Isle of Palms. Come to Charleston for a convention, for sure—but also bring along your family for a fun-packed vacation.
Whether it’s a tour of Charleston Harbor on the 84-foot-tall ship, THE SCHOONER PRIDE, or a live history tour aboard the motor vessel, THE CAROLINA BELLE, see Charleston by water or take a carriage tour. Enjoy an outdoor experience at the area’s many riverfront parks and white sand beaches, visit the newly renovated Cypress Gardens and wander its scenic paths, bridges, and natural water swamp.
By day, poke into the many marvelous shops, spend a day at one of Charleston’s many spas, and at night, enjoy the vibrant nightlife as you swill a Mint Julep. Or two.
There’s something for everyone in Charleston. Come see for yourself!
For more information on Charleston, log onto www.ExploreCharleston.com and www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com
If you plan to attend the NFWL Conference, registration is open online by logging onto womenlegislators.org/event/charleston22/