When organizations decide which conferences to attend each year, they usually ask the same question.
Will this event be worth the investment?
The 2026 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, returns to Corbin, Kentucky, October 7-9, bringing together hundreds of leaders from across Eastern Kentucky and beyond to collaborate, build partnerships, and shape the future of the region.
Not because of the keynote speakers.
Not because of the venue.
Not because of the agenda.
Because of the people.
- The conversations.
- The introductions.
- The partnerships.
- The opportunities that simply don’t happen over email or a virtual meeting.
That is exactly what makes the 2026 SOAR Summit different.
One Region. Hundreds of Decision Makers.
For three days, Eastern Kentucky’s leaders come together in one place.
- Business executives.
- Economic development professionals.
- Workforce leaders.
- Healthcare organizations.
- Higher education institutions.
- State and federal agencies.
- Entrepreneurs.
- Community leaders.
- Manufacturers.
- Utility companies.
- Financial institutions.
- Nonprofit organizations.
- Local elected officials.
- And the people building the future of Appalachia every single day.
If your organization serves communities, businesses, employers, local governments, educational institutions, or public agencies, there are few opportunities to connect with this many decision-makers in a single event.
Relationships That Normally Take Months to Build
Anyone in business development knows the process. One introduction leads to another. A meeting turns into a follow-up call. Months later, maybe a partnership develops.
At the SOAR Summit, many of those introductions happen naturally. You’ll share breakfast with county leaders. Attend breakout sessions alongside CEOs. Meet workforce professionals looking for solutions. Talk with higher education leaders exploring partnerships. Connect with agency representatives discussing future initiatives.
Network with employers, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders who are actively working to strengthen Eastern Kentucky.
The conversations are real. The relationships are genuine. The opportunities are immediate.
More Than Visibility
Exhibiting at the SOAR Summit isn’t simply about setting up a booth.
It’s about becoming part of the conversation.
Organizations that exhibit aren’t speaking to random conference attendees.
They’re engaging directly with the people making decisions throughout Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia.
Whether your organization provides technology, workforce solutions, healthcare services, professional consulting, education, financial services, infrastructure, economic development support, or innovative products, this is an opportunity to demonstrate how your work can help communities and organizations across the region.
A Curated Experience
To maintain a high-quality experience for attendees, exhibit opportunities are intentionally limited.
Rather than filling every available space, SOAR carefully curates the organizations represented at the Summit. Prospective exhibitors are reviewed for alignment with the Summit’s mission, regional relevance, and the value their products, services, or expertise can bring to Eastern Kentucky’s communities, businesses, and attendees.
Our goal is simple: create an environment where every conversation has the potential to lead to a new partnership, a new opportunity, or a solution that helps move our region forward.
Join the Conversation
Join us October 7-9 in Corbin, Kentucky, for the 2026 SOAR Summit as we continue Building Eastern Kentucky. Together.
This year’s theme, Building Eastern Kentucky. Together., reflects what the Summit has always been about: bringing together the people who are shaping the future of our region.
If your organization believes it has products, services, expertise, or resources that can help strengthen Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia, we invite you to explore exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities at this year’s Summit.
Learn more about exhibiting, sponsorships, and registration HERE,
Because sometimes the most valuable investment you make isn’t in advertising. It’s simply being in the room.