Name: The Red and Blue Issue Launch and Inaugural Call For Humanity Summit
Start: 2026-05-22T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-23T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Spartanburg & Simpsonville, SC

Republican Leaders. Democratic Leaders. One Bold Vision.

From across the country, elected women, thought leaders, and visionaries come together for a greater purpose. The conversation starts with Red and Blue: A Call for Humanity — a summit where women move beyond differences in the pursuit of meaningful change.

Built on a bold vision, this gathering convenes Democrat and Republican female leaders to bridge divides, foster bipartisan dialogue, and champion a more unified and harmonious world. Participants will include women from the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, governors’ offices, lieutenant governors’ offices, attorneys general offices, and other distinguished thought leaders.

In a world where divides have grown too wide, this summit seeks to honor leadership that transcends partisanship, fostering genuine understanding as the foundation for a more united future.

At a time when polarization often overshadows progress, we must ground ourselves in a greater purpose — one rooted in compassion, empathy, and the courage to listen. True unity requires an open mind and a willingness to understand different perspectives. We may not always agree, but we must resist the temptation to see the world in black and white, for it is within the gray areas that wisdom, connection, and common ground are often found.

Opening Reception and The Spring Red and Blue Issue Launch

On Friday, May 22, 2026, in Simpsonville, South Carolina, a high-profile opening networking reception will take place. This event celebrates the Democratic and Republican women and welcomes multi-state constitutional office holders—including governors, lieutenant governors, and attorneys general—along with U.S. Senate and Congressional leaders. The program features an inclusive networking reception with curated introductions among elected women, policy leaders, and invited guests, designed to encourage cross-party engagement and relationship-building. Conversations inspired by the Red and Blue issue theme will highlight essential issues facing humanity, honor leadership that transcends partisanship, and foster genuine understanding as the foundation for a more united future. The event is open to media and will include photo opportunities, interviews, and on-site coverage.

Inaugural Call For Humanity Summit

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a confidential, solutions-driven summit will take place. This closed-press event (until post-retreat media availability) invites elected women and thought leaders to engage deeply in bipartisan collaboration, reflective practice, and forward-looking leadership. The program includes a Bipartisan Policy Problem-Solving Exercise, challenging cross-party officials to craft shared solutions on national and global policy issues. Attendees will also hear from a futurist, who will provide insights on global trends, innovation, and long-term civic challenges, and from a world-renowned profiler and body-language expert, offering guidance on reading body-language signals in high-stakes political environments. The day concludes with a reception honoring all elected attendees and emphasizing leadership, empathy, and collaboration. A limited post-summit press event will follow.

This summit is closed to the public, but press coverage and post-event summaries will be available.

Guided by Karen Floyd, founder of ELYSIAN and a historic leader in South Carolina politics, the summit draws inspiration from prestigious gatherings such as the Sun Valley Conference and Renaissance Weekend. Its carefully curated agenda and distinguished participants position South Carolina as a national hub for collaborative female leadership and high-impact, solutions-focused conversations.

Event Goals

Honor Leadership

Celebrate female elected officials and thought leaders who set the standard for integrity, vision, and collaboration.

Foster Unity

Bring women together across political lines to model civility, empathy, and understanding.

Inspire Action

Motivate attendees to engage thoughtfully and make a positive impact in their communities.

Build Connections

Encourage mentorship, collaboration, and networks for women driving meaningful change.

Cultivate Presence

Create space for reflection, focus, and mindful engagement in today’s fast-paced world.

This event is a natural extension of ELYSIAN’s multi-media ecosystem,

connecting women through print, digital content, and immersive experiences. By combining storytelling, curated programming, and philanthropic initiatives, ELYSIAN empowers women to engage, collaborate, and drive positive change—transforming inspiration into action that uplifts communities and fosters understanding.