Most people don’t attend an event expecting it to change the course of their work, business, organization, or community.
- They attend because they are curious.
- Because they want to learn.
- Because they want to meet new people.
- Because they care about the future.
But sometimes something unexpected happens.
- A conversation leads to a partnership.
- A connection leads to a new opportunity.
- An idea sparks a new project.
- A challenge finds a solution.
- A community discovers a new path forward.
And it all begins with one simple decision: Showing up.
The Best Opportunities Are Often Unplanned
When people reflect on past SOAR Summits, they often talk about the moments they didn’t expect.
- The conversation in a hallway.
- The connection made over coffee.
- The introduction that led to a future partnership.
- The workshop that sparked a new idea.
- The relationship that continued long after the Summit ended.
Those moments rarely appear on an agenda. But they are often where the greatest value is found.
Because opportunity has a way of finding people who are willing to engage.
Bringing People Together Matters
The challenges facing Eastern Kentucky are significant. So are the opportunities.
No single organization has all the answers. No community can solve every challenge alone.
Progress happens when people come together, share ideas, learn from one another, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
That is why the SOAR Summit exists.
It creates a space where people from different backgrounds, industries, communities, and perspectives can come together around a shared belief:
Eastern Kentucky’s best days are still ahead.
More Than a Conference
The 2026 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, has been intentionally designed to create opportunities for connection.
Attendees will experience:
Practical Workshops
Learn from people who are implementing solutions across Eastern Kentucky and beyond.
TenTalks
Hear bold ideas and fresh perspectives from Eastern Kentuckians working to shape the future of the region.
The EKY Experience
Explore an immersive showcase of innovation, talent, culture, industries, and opportunity. The EKY Experience is presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, employers, students, community organizations, and changemakers from across the region.
Every element of the Summit is designed to help attendees learn, connect, and discover new possibilities.
What If This Is the Year?
What if this is the year you meet a future collaborator?
What if this is the year your organization finds a new partner?
What if this is the year you discover an idea that helps transform your community?
What if this is the year you decide to get involved?
Every opportunity starts somewhere. Most begin with a conversation. And conversations begin when people come together.
Join Us in Corbin
The 2026 SOAR Summit will take place October 7–9 in Corbin, Kentucky.
The Summit will conclude with the Principal Officer Plenary Session, presented by the University of the Cumberlands on the KCTCS Stage at the Corbin Arena.
Most importantly, the Summit will bring together thousands of people committed to building a stronger Eastern Kentucky.
Registration is now open.
Learn more. Participate. Register.
Because the future won’t build itself, it starts with you.