Thrive South Bay Signature Event 2026: Women’s Empowerment Event in Redondo Beach

The Thrive South Bay Signature Event 2026 returns to California Surf Club in Redondo Beach on Thursday, October 8, bringing ambitious, heart-led women together for an afternoon of nationally recognized speakers, real connection, and curated wellness experiences. Founded by Corry Matthews and Jen Mentesana, Thrive South Bay is a women’s empowerment group built around a simple idea: women deserve more than just another networking event.

This year’s edition expands the speaker lineup, adds a VIP dinner and expert panel, and supports a South Bay nonprofit through a live art auction.

What Is the Thrive South Bay Signature Event

Thrive South Bay is designed to spark meaningful growth and momentum among women in the South Bay community and beyond. Rather than a surface-level mixer, the Signature Event is a thoughtfully curated experience that pairs inspiring talks with time to build genuine relationships.

Organizers describe the day around four pillars: nationally recognized speakers, authentic connections, wellness plus purpose plus success, and a curated South Bay experience that highlights local businesses along with national brands.

“Women spend so much of their lives taking care of everyone else that they often put themselves last,” said Matthews. “We created THRIVE to put women back on their own calendars, to invest in their health, purpose and what’s next, surrounded by women who genuinely want to see them succeed.”

Meet the 2026 Keynote Speakers

The afternoon includes 4 talks from the two founders and two keynote speakers.

Jen Gottlieb

Jen Gottlieb is a Top 50 keynote speaker, the author of “Be Seen,” and the co-creator of Super Connector Media.

Amberly Lago

Amberly Lago is the bestselling author of “Joy Through the Journey” and “True Grit and Grace” and the host of The Amberly Lago Show.

Corry Matthews and Jen Mentesana

Corry Matthews is a fitness, nutrition, and hormone health expert for women with over 25 years of experience, a master’s degree in sports medicine, and a background as a former IFBB professional bodybuilder. She is the co-founder of Strength & Grace Fitness and co-author of the bestselling gluten-free cookbook “Strength & Grace Kitchen.”

Jen Mentesana is an author, speaker, purpose coach, and host of the podcast “Where Passion Meets Purpose.” After a 15-year career in media sales, she and her husband opened Locale90, a Neapolitan pizza restaurant in Redondo Beach. She is the author of “Guided By Grace: Follow the Breadcrumbs to Your Life’s True Purpose” and creator of The Divine Design Method.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Location: California Surf Club, Redondo Beach, California

Schedule:

• 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.: Arrival
• 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Main programming
• 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: VIP dinner and expert panel (VIP ticket holders)

Parking and accessibility details were not listed at the time of publishing. Attendees should contact the event organizers or the venue directly before the event.

Ticket Options

General Admission, $197

General admission includes entry to all 4 talks, sponsor spotlights from local and national brands, a curated swag bag, and time to connect with other attendees.

VIP Ticket, $297

The VIP ticket includes everything in general admission plus an exclusive healthy VIP dinner and intimate expert panel from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., a premium VIP swag box, an exclusive book, and a signature gold necklace.

Tickets are available through the event page at thrivesouthbay.com/signature-event.

Supporting Indivisible Arts

This year’s event will also benefit Indivisible Arts, a South Bay 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps young people build mental well-being and emotional resilience through creativity and mindful awareness.

World-renowned artist Beth Bowen will once again donate an original piece of artwork for a live auction, with proceeds supporting Indivisible Arts and its work to bring mindset and mindfulness tools to the next generation.

Why South Bay Women Should Attend

The Signature Event offers a rare mix of national-level speakers and a local, community-driven feel. It is a chance to invest an afternoon in health, purpose, and what comes next, while meeting women from across Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, and the greater South Bay who are doing the same.

Last year’s attendees described the group as a space where women “truly lifted each other up” and left feeling “empowered, supported, and connected.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Thrive South Bay Signature Event 2026?

The event takes place Thursday, October 8, 2026. Arrival begins at 1:00 p.m., with main programming from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Where is the Thrive South Bay Signature Event held?

The event is held at California Surf Club in Redondo Beach, California.

How much are tickets?

General admission is $197. VIP tickets are $297 and include a VIP dinner, expert panel, and additional gifts.

Who are the keynote speakers?

The keynote speakers are Jen Gottlieb, a Top 50 keynote speaker and author of “Be Seen,” and Amberly Lago, bestselling author and host of The Amberly Lago Show. Founders Corry Matthews and Jen Mentesana also speak.

Which nonprofit does the event support?

The event supports Indivisible Arts, a South Bay nonprofit focused on youth mental well-being through creativity and mindful awareness, through a live art auction featuring a piece donated by artist Beth Bowen.

Get Your Tickets

Women in the South Bay looking for a day of inspiration, connection, and momentum can reserve a spot at thrivesouthbay.com/signature-event before the October 8 event.

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DISCLOSURE: Event schedules are subject to change. Please contact the event host or venue to confirm event details.