Business and intellectual elite from around the country are descending on Charleston for the city’s annual Renaissance Weekend.

This year is the 32nd anniversary of the annual gathering once held at Hilton Head.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain Phil Lader hosts the event each year. Organizers say the weekend includes 500 lectures, seminars and performances. More than 1,000 people are expected at the invitation-only event that culminates with a New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday night.

The guest list is secret, but notables including sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer have posted messages on social media about being in Charleston for the event.