Women’s empowerment event to showcase innovative ways to drive success

Fifth annual Ignite Women’s Conference on Oct. 2 to feature the founders of Swiggies and PYNK Butterfly brands

After passing out from dehydration while running, Julie Austin developed Swiggies, a wrist-worn water bottle. She took the idea from prototype through patenting, manufacturing and international distribution. Today, the company has sold more than 1 million units in 25 countries.

Austin, an award-winning author, futurist and CEO of Creative Innovation Group, will deliver this year’s keynote address at the fifth annual Ignite Women’s Conference(opens in new tab) on Oct. 2, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Her inspiring story brings an engaging perspective on innovation, creativity and turning ideas into opportunities. 

She’ll be joined by Jessica M. Reese, the conference’s opening speaker and South Carolina-native who launched PYNK Butterfly salons and cosmetology school. As an author, brand strategist and transformational coach, Reese helps women identify their value, build businesses around their strengths and turn transitions into opportunities for growth.

During the conference, both women and additional presenters will share their experiences to hundreds of Grand Strand women, providing practical inspiration for their careers, businesses and next chapters. Breakout sessions will focus on critical topics such as cybersecurity, financial wealth and mental health.

“This conference is about much more than bringing women together for one morning,” said Kema Faulk Parsley, Ignite Women’s Conference event organizer. “It’s about creating a space where women can connect, learn from one another, be inspired and walk away feeling empowered to take the next step in their life goals.”

Hosted by the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative and Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the ticketed event is open to anyone in the community. Individual tickets are $100 for members and $125 for non-members.

Sponsors include BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, HTC, Burr & Forman, Pleasantville Home Care, State Farm – Jamesha Gore-Coggin, Haute Events & Destination Management, Design The Sign, and Native Sons.  For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com(opens in new tab).

About Ignite Women’s Conference

Hosted by the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative and Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Ignite Women’s Conference brings together women from across the Grand Strand and beyond for a day of professional development, meaningful connections and fresh perspectives. The conference features accomplished speakers, interactive sessions and opportunities designed to support women at all stages of their careers, from emerging professionals and entrepreneurs to established business and community leaders. Ignite focuses on leadership, innovation, personal growth and the ideas and relationships that help women move forward professionally and personally. myrtlebeachareachamber.com/events/ignite(opens in new tab)