Palmetto Panel Conference returns for 2026: A Full Day of Insight, Innovation, and Collaboration

The Palmetto Panel Conference is returning to South Carolina on March 7, 2026, offering a full day of thought-provoking presentations, meaningful dialogue, and collaborative engagement on some of the most consequential public policy issues facing the Palmetto State. Hosted at the Brookland Banquet & Conference Center in West Columbia, the conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and brings together citizens, community leaders, and national experts to explore practical, actionable solutions.

Originally held at Clemson University from 2014 through 2019, the Palmetto Panel Conference built a strong reputation for delivering solutions-oriented content in support of good governance long before its 2026 revival. Organizers have long emphasized that while national politics often dominate headlines, it is state policy that most directly affects citizens’ daily lives. States serve as public policy laboratories and play a vital role in safeguarding citizens against an overreaching national government — a central theme captured in the message that state policy matters.

A Collaborative Conference Experience

What sets the Palmetto Panel apart is two key things: the level of expertise the speakers bring to their topics and the level of access attendees have to those speakers throughout the day. This is not a conference where presenters deliver remarks and quickly depart. Each speaker remains on site for the full event, making themselves available during breaks and lunch for follow-up questions, deeper discussion, and one-on-one conversations. That combination of high-level insight and genuine accessibility creates a uniquely collaborative environment where learning continues well beyond the podium.

Diane Hardy, Executive Director of the Mom and Pop Alliance of South Carolina and co-founder of the original Palmetto Panel Conference, emphasized the value of this format. “This conference brings together great minds to wrestle with complex issues facing our state, and the added benefit comes from the conversations that happen between sessions. It’s a chance for people to hear from national experts, learn from one another, ask questions, and build relationships that carry forward long after the event,” Hardy said.

Expert Speakers Bringing National and Local Perspectives

The 2026 lineup features a diverse slate of speakers with deep expertise in public policy, national security, civic leadership, energy and environmental policy, education reform, and self-governance. Speakers include Douglas Carswell, Lt. Col. Tommy Waller, Pamela Leslie, Steve Goreham, Mark Herr, James Galyean, and SC Policy Council’s Michael Burris. Together, they represent a blend of national and local voices, each bringing experience and insight into broad policy arenas and civic leadership.

Networking and Engagement Opportunities

In addition to speaker sessions, Palmetto Panel 2026 offers ample opportunity to network with fellow attendees, state leaders, experts, and elected officials from across South Carolina. The day culminates with a panel discussion where participants can ask questions that matter most to them, fostering deeper understanding, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving.

Early bird registration is available for $80 through February 20 and includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and afternoon snack. After February 20, standard registration is $95.

Palmetto Panel 2026 provides an engaging and interactive platform for those invested in the future direction of South Carolina — from grassroots citizens to community leaders — to explore big ideas, discuss practical solutions, and build relationships that extend well beyond the event itself.

To reserve your ticket click here to register.

Opportunities for Continued Learning

Following the Palmetto Panel Conference, attendees who want to further develop their understanding of self-governance will have the opportunity to participate in additional in-person training hosted by the Center for Self-Governance (CSG). CSG will offer two classes in Columbia designed for individuals seeking to move beyond political rhetoric and gain a deeper, more practical understanding of the principles of self-governance.

The classes are intended for engaged citizens, parents, educators, community leaders, and others who want clarity and constructive tools for navigating an increasingly polarized civic environment. Both classes will be held at The Melting Pot, located at 1410 Colonial Life Boulevard West, Suite 130, in Columbia.

Registration information for the Center for Self-Governance training opportunities is available on the Palmetto Panel website.