On April 16, young professionals from across Upstate South Carolina gathered for PIQUE 2026, Ten at the Top’s annual conference designed to connect, develop, and inspire emerging leaders. Hosted at Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, the event delivered a dynamic afternoon of learning, conversation, and meaningful connection.
The opening networking session in the atrium—complete with an interactive expo and LinkedIn Lounge—created immediate opportunities to build relationships and strengthen professional presence. Rather than easing into the day, participants were encouraged to jump right into conversation, setting the tone for a highly engaging experience.
The first session, “From Application to Impact,” featured alumni of Upstate Leadership Programs who shared how leadership development translates into real-world results. Panelists offered candid perspectives on growth, challenges, and the importance of applying what you learn in tangible ways—setting a practical, action-oriented tone for the rest of the day.
From there, attendees explored a variety of sessions tailored to different aspects of professional growth. The panel “Mapping Your Professional Growth” guided participants through navigating career paths, setting goals, and embracing change in an evolving workplace. For those looking to build specific skills, workshops like “Executive Courage” focused on communicating with confidence and leading with clarity, while “Maximizing Wellness” emphasized sustainable success and personal well-being.
A standout feature of PIQUE 2026 was the opportunity for direct interaction with experienced leaders. Executive roundtables created space for smaller, more personal conversations, giving attendees the chance to ask questions, gain insight, and build meaningful connections with professionals across industries.
The conference concluded with a networking reception, where conversations continued and new connections were solidified. Attendees left not only with fresh insights and practical tools, but also with a stronger sense of community and purpose.
PIQUE 2026 reinforced a simple but powerful idea: professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation. By bringing together emerging leaders and experienced voices in an interactive, intentional setting, the event empowered participants to take the next step in their careers—and to play an active role in shaping the future of the Upstate.
Photos from the event can be found here.