CONVERGE 2026 Lowcountry Economic Development Summit
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 8am – 11:30am
Pickney Hall at Sun City, Bluffton
Be part of the conversation shaping the Lowcountry’s workforce future. Converge 2026 brings together business, education, and community leaders for a day of collaboration and insight — including a keynote presentation, from South Carolina’s Director of the Office of Statewide Workforce Development, Dr. Rebecca Battle-Bryant. Discover strategies, resources, and real-world examples to help your organization attract, develop, and retain top talent.
Interested In Sponsoring Converge 2026?
Would you consider partnering with us as a sponsor of next year’s summit? We have a number of options available, including booth space at the event!
Converge 2026 Keynote Speakers
Dr. Rebecca Battle-Bryant
Director
Office of Statewide Workforce Development (OSWD)
Dr. Rebecca Battle-Bryant was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster and confirmed by the SC Senate as the first director of the Office of Statewide Workforce Development (OSWD) and is leading the effort to coordinate, align, and direct workforce efforts across South Carolina. The goal of the OSWD is to implement projects assigned by the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development to maximize available resources and create a customer-centric workforce development system that is accessible, effective, and easy to navigate.
John O'Toole
Executive Director
Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation
John A. O’Toole is responsible for business, retention, expansion and attraction to Beaufort County which includes Bluffton, Beaufort, Port Royal and Hilton Head Island. In addition to these functions John facilitates public policy discussion in the areas of best practices in land use and workforce development. Prior to joining the BCEDC John worked for Eversource Energy in Connecticut for 18 years. In that function John supported the Eversource’s efforts in the community, economic policy, business and community development and served as the company’s chief liaison to key state and regional economic development organizations.
Converge 2026 Sponsors
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New WHHI TV Series “Converge”
Click below to watch WHHI interview videos with Beaufort County Mayors and local leaders.