The Hope Summit 2026 is almost here. Register Today!
- Grey Gowder
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
We're back with more exciting updates about The Hope Summit 2026!
The Hope Summit 2026 will explore how, to create vibrant communities, we must expand our understanding of who and what is part of a community.
Over two days of The Hope Summit 2026 Conference, join students, professionals, community leaders, and inspired individuals who are eager to learn from you and share their favorite community-driven solutions. We will explore what a "community" means, how gardens grow communities, how we can create communities of care and opportunity, how you can develop your civic voice to be a force for change, how environmental educators and communicators are reconnecting us to the living communities that support and surround us, and how we can be good stewards of the world around us by restoring nature in the built environment, restoring landscapes and seascapes, and recognizing the Rights of Nature to legal protection and representation in a democratic society.
Join us for unique experiences like a local seasonal food showcase dinner at Park & Grove sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association (Oct 1st), a guided experience of the Nemours Foundation's Ecopasture Initiative in the ACE Basin (Oct 3rd), and a casual yet highly inspiring crabbing experience with Tia Clark (Oct 4th). Find links to all of these Hope Summit Experiences and Receptions at https://thehopesummit.org/.
And if you are still looking for ways to get involved, we are thrilled to offer a Saturday afternoon packed with family-friendly fun and community at our community festival, a repair fair showcasing the incredible services Repair Cafe Charleston will begin offering in October, and two blocks of beautiful ocean documentaries.
Conference
Oct 1-2
Two days of speakers, panels, workshops, working groups, impact screenings, morning coffee socials, and evening receptions.
Available in-person or virtually!
Community Fest
Oct 3
A family-friendly outdoor festival featuring tabling organizations, local businesses, and a repair fair. While you're there, check out the incredible exhibits at the Charleston Museum!
Film Fest
Oct 3
Two blocks of awe-inspiring films about the deep sea and marine mammals followed by Q&A discussion with the filmmakers and special guests.
Set your own price for the tickets!
The Hope Summit 2026 Conference
October 1st-2nd | The Charleston Museum
To create vibrant communities, we are excited to expand the accessibility of The Hope Summit 2026 as a hybrid conference with virtual access, a new user experience portal for networking and visit planning, and an interactive conference program.
Join in person or virtually from anywhere in the world for an exciting lineup featuring speakers, panels, workshops, working groups, impact screenings, morning coffee socials, and evening receptions. Topics and themes for the conference include: preparing the conditions for seeds of change to thrive, how do you define community, Creating Communities of Care, Gardens Growing Communities, Finding Your Civic Voice, Designing a Civic Ecology and Tactical Urbanism Toolkit, Rewilding Landscapes and Seascapes, Designing Communities for Radical Hospitality, The Nature of a Resilient City, and Creating Pathways to Rights of Nature.
Enjoy lunch from Alkalyne Vegan Eats and Crystal Coast Seafood in the museum's courtyard as you network, build community, and participate in mentorship opportunities with young attendees.
Over 100 young leaders and early-career professionals will attend through The Hope Summit Next Generation Scholarships (at least 75 in person and 25 virtually). Next Generation Conference Scholarship awardees will participate in the FutureSwell creators and communicators partnership to amplify key voices, issues, and experiences at The Hope Summit.
The Hope Summit 2026 Community Festival | October 3rd
The Hope Summit Community Festival returns for its fifth year, featuring our community solutions village of dozens of local nonprofits and organizations serving local communities, a sustainable ecopreneurs market, The Hope Summit Repair Fair, and more exciting opportunities to shape the future of our community.
This is a free, family-friendly event open to the public.
The Hope Summit 2026 Film Fest | October 1st-3rd
Sponsored by Enduring Curiosity and Austen & Gowder
The Hope Summit Film Festival returns for its third year with an expanded program. Conference attendees will end each day with a curated selection of films followed by a conversation with the filmmakers and local experts.
On Saturday, the Film Festival will feature two blocks of films, including at least one short film, a full-length documentary, and a Q&A discussion with the filmmakers and special guests.
We will share additional event details, receptions, side events, and exclusive opportunities as we get closer to the event. We hope to see you at The Hope Summit 2026!
In community,
Grey Gowder
Executive Director | Carolina Ocean Alliance
The Carolina Ocean Alliance is an environmental nonprofit based in South Carolina, dedicated to acting as a catalyst for community-driven solutions, civic ecology, and the transformative power each of us has to use our unique gifts and passions to be the change we want to see in the world.
Help support our work. Donate TODAY!
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