The doors are officially open.
Registration is now available for the 2026 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, returning to Corbin, Kentucky, October 7–9.
For a limited time, you can lock in Early Bird registration for just $150, no promo code required.
Even better? Your registration is all-access.
That means one ticket gives you access to every major Summit experience, including:
- The SOAR Summit Kickoff Reception
- The SOAR Inspires Awards, presented by KCTCS
- SOAR Welcome Plenary on the KCTCS Stage at the Corbin Arena
- FOCUS Breakout Sessions and Workshops
- The EKY Experience
- Summit Reception
- Principal Officer Plenary, presented by the University of the Cumberlands on the KCTCS Stage at the Corbin Arena
There are no complicated ticket tiers. No add-ons. No upgrades.
Just one registration. One experience. Three days focused on building a stronger Eastern Kentucky.
More Than a Conference
The 2026 SOAR Summit represents something bigger than a traditional conference.
Over the past year, we listened carefully to attendees, sponsors, partners, community leaders, and others. One message came through loud and clear.
People wanted less talking.
- More doing.
- More local voices.
- More practical ideas they could take home and put into action.
That feedback shaped every aspect of this year’s Summit.
We’ve created a shorter, more intentional experience centered on what makes Eastern Kentucky special… our people, our communities, and our ability to solve problems together.
This year’s theme, Building Eastern Kentucky. Together., reflects that commitment.
The future of our region won’t be built by one organization, one community, or one leader.
It will be built by all of us.
The SOAR Summit is where those conversations begin, and where partnerships are formed that continue long after the closing session ends.
Learn Something You Can Actually Use
Thursday serves as the heart of this year’s Summit.
Throughout the day, attendees will participate in FOCUS Breakout Sessions and FOCUS Workshops designed to move beyond presentations and into practical application.
Expect conversations led by people who are doing the work every day across Eastern Kentucky.
Sessions are intentionally designed to answer questions like:
- How did they do it?
- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- What can my community learn from this?
- Where do I go next?
Whether your passion is workforce development, entrepreneurship, education, tourism, healthcare, economic development, community revitalization, or leadership, you’ll leave with ideas, resources, and connections you can put to work.
Help Shape the Conversation
Have an idea that could help another community? A program that’s working? A lesson learned? A challenge that deserves regional discussion?
We’re also accepting ideas for FOCUS Breakout Sessions and FOCUS Workshops.
This year’s programming is intentionally different.
We’re looking for practical, engaging sessions led by people who are doing the work — not simply talking about it. Whether you’re from a nonprofit, business, school, healthcare organization, local government, state agency, or community organization, we want to hear what’s working and how others can learn from your experience.
We’re especially interested in sessions that:
- Share proven ideas that communities can replicate.
- Provide practical tools, resources, or strategies attendees can immediately put into practice.
- Encourage collaboration across sectors.
- Showcase innovation and leadership happening right here in Eastern Kentucky.
You don’t need to have every detail figured out.
If you have an idea that could make the Summit stronger, we’d love to hear it.
Share your FOCUS Breakout Session or Workshop idea today.
Experience Eastern Kentucky
One of the biggest additions this year is an expanded EKY Experience, presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
Forget everything you think you know about a traditional expo hall.
The EKY Experience is an immersive showcase celebrating the businesses, organizations, industries, innovations, communities, and people shaping Eastern Kentucky today—and tomorrow.
You’ll discover:
- Innovative businesses
- Community organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Tourism destinations
- Manufacturers
- Healthcare organizations
- Entrepreneurs
- Technology companies
- Arts and cultural organizations
- Workforce and economic development partners
Most importantly, you’ll meet the people behind the work.
The networking opportunities at the SOAR Summit are unmatched.
Few places bring together state and federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, business executives, elected officials, entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit leaders, local officials, and community champions under one roof.
Whether you’re looking for your next partner, customer, investor, grant opportunity, collaborator, or simply your next great idea, the connections made during the Summit often become projects that strengthen communities long after everyone goes home.
Applications Are Still Open
Want your organization to be part of the EKY Experience?
Applications are currently being accepted for businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, entrepreneurs, and community organizations interested in showcasing their work.
If your organization is helping build Eastern Kentucky, we want attendees to experience what you’re doing.
Take the Stage with a TenTalk
We’re also accepting applications for TenTalks.
TenTalks are fast-paced, 10-minute presentations highlighting ideas worth sharing from across Eastern Kentucky.
This isn’t about polished keynote speakers.
It’s about passionate people with practical ideas, inspiring stories, innovative projects, and lessons learned that can help move the region forward.
Selected speakers will take the stage throughout the Summit to share what’s working in their communities and inspire others to replicate those successes.
If you live in one of SOAR’s 54 Appalachian counties and have an idea worth sharing, we’d love to hear from you.
Lock In Early Bird Pricing
Early Bird registration is available now for $150 through August 15.
Beginning August 16, all-access registration increases to $200.
If you’ve been waiting to register, now is the time.
Join hundreds of leaders, changemakers, innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, employers, students, community organizations, and partners from across the region as we come together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and continue building the future of Eastern Kentucky.
Because the future won’t build itself.
Interested in exhibiting in the EKY Experience or applying for a TenTalk? Visit the SOAR Summit website to learn more, submit your application, and secure your place in Appalachia’s Premier Event.