The SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, is proud to announce that Congressman Hal Rogers will deliver the keynote address during the Principal Officer Plenary on Friday, August 29.
The session — presented by the University of the Cumberlands — will take place on the Cumberland Mint Stage at the Corbin Arena and serve as the closing event of the 2025 SOAR Summit, Appalachia’s premier event for innovation, inspiration, and investment in the future of Eastern Kentucky.
A Voice for the Region
Congressman Rogers, who co-founded SOAR in 2013 with former Governor Steve Beshear, has served Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District since 1981. He holds the distinction of being Kentucky’s longest-serving Member of Congress and is currently Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. His decades-long record is built on economic development, job creation, infrastructure investment, and bipartisan leadership that puts people first.
From founding Operation UNITE to combat substance abuse, to supporting organizations like SKED, PRIDE, and The Center for Rural Development, Rogers has been relentless in his pursuit of opportunity and prosperity for the region he calls home. Nationally, he made history as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, slashing federal spending by over $126 billion, conducting more than 650 oversight hearings, and advancing homeland security efforts.
A Closing Keynote You Can’t Afford to Miss
The Principal Officer Plenary is more than a keynote — it’s a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed purpose. Rogers’ presence signals both a look back at how far Eastern Kentucky has come and a powerful charge for what’s next.
Ticket Options for the 2025 SOAR Summit
With Early Bird registration now closed, flexible options remain for attendees:
- All-Access Pass – $300
Full access to everything the Summit has to offer:- All programming
- All Plenary Sessions
- The EKY Experience (Sponsored by Appalachian Regional Healthcare)
- Taste of Corbin (Presented by Whitaker Bank)
- SOAR Inspires Awards (Presented by KCTCS)
- Breakfast (Aug. 28–29) and Lunch (Aug. 28)
- 2-Day Programming Pass (Aug. 26–27) – $150
Includes:- Breakout sessions
- The EKY Experience (Sponsored by Appalachian Regional Healthcare)
- SOAR Inspires Awards (Presented by KCTCS)
- 2-Day Plenary Pass (Aug. 28–29) – $200
Includes:- Plenary Sessions (Presented by the University of the Cumberlands)
- Taste of Corbin (Presented by Whitaker Bank)
- The EKY Experience (Sponsored by Appalachian Regional Healthcare)
- SOAR Inspires Awards (Presented by KCTCS)
- Breakfast (Aug. 28–29) and Lunch (Aug. 28)
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, employer, local official, or lifelong advocate for Eastern Kentucky, this is your moment to be part of something transformational.
Seats will fill fast. Secure your ticket today at www.soar-ky.org/summit.