What does the future of Eastern Kentucky look like?
At the 2026 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, we don’t just want attendees to hear about it; we want them to experience it. The Summit will take place October 7–9, 2026, in Corbin, Kentucky.
That’s why applications are now open for the EKY Experience Expo Hall.
This year’s Summit theme, Building Eastern Kentucky. Together., reflects a simple truth: the future of our region will be built by the people, organizations, businesses, and communities working every day to create opportunity across Eastern Kentucky.
The EKY Experience is where those stories come to life.
More Than an Expo Hall
The EKY Experience is not your typical trade show.
It’s an immersive, hands-on environment designed to showcase the innovation, talent, industries, culture, and opportunities shaping Eastern Kentucky today and for generations to come.
From entrepreneurship and workforce development to tourism, healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, arts, and culture, the EKY Experience creates opportunities for attendees to engage directly with the people and organizations driving progress across the region.
We want attendees to leave inspired by what they discover and equipped with ideas, partnerships, and resources they can take back to their own communities.
Who Should Apply?
We’re seeking organizations and businesses that want to create engaging experiences for attendees.
This includes:
- Businesses and employers
- Educational institutions
- Community and nonprofit organizations
- Healthcare providers
- Tourism and destination organizations
- Entrepreneurs and startups
- Workforce and economic development partners
- Government agencies
- Arts and cultural organizations
Whether you’re demonstrating a new technology, sharing a workforce solution, showcasing local products, highlighting community impact, or creating an interactive experience, we want to hear from you.
Apply to participate in the EKY Experience HERE.
A Summit Designed Around Connection and Action
The 2026 SOAR Summit represents a deliberate evolution based on feedback from attendees, sponsors, partners, and community leaders.
Participants told us they wanted:
- More local and regional voices
- More practical ideas and real-world solutions
- More opportunities to connect with one another
- More time to engage with exhibitors and partners
The EKY Experience is central to that vision.
Rather than serving as a side attraction, the Expo Hall will be a key part of the Summit experience, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and the exchange of ideas that can help move communities forward.
Because when people connect, opportunities emerge.
And when communities share what works, everyone benefits.
Help Showcase the Best of Eastern Kentucky
Every community has a story worth telling.
Every organization has lessons worth sharing.
Every business has something to contribute to the future of the region.
The EKY Experience is your opportunity to be part of that story.
Applications are now open.
We also have additional opportunities for individuals to participate in this year’s Summit that will be announced in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Join us October 7–9 in Corbin as we continue Building Eastern Kentucky. Together.
Apply today and help us create an experience worthy of Appalachia’s Premier Event.