We’re proud to release a sneak peek of the 2023 SOAR Summit agenda. The Summit, Appalachia’s premier event, is set for October 3-4 at the Corbin Arena. It is presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
New programming
The SOAR Summit will feature new programming. The most anticipated new programming is TenTalk. This is presented by the University of the Cumberlands and will be the highlight of day one programming on October 3.
TenTalk is a simple concept. 2 slides, 10 minutes, and a person sharing their passion in a casual and conversational setting. These conversations will take place inside the Corbin Arena on the main stage. The sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
We will release the roster of Ten Talk presentations on September 1.
Pre-Summit Workshop and Opening Reception
Also, new to this year’s event is a Pre-Summit Workshop and Opening Reception on Monday, October 2 in Williamsburg. This is presented by the Kentucky League of Cities. The workshop is focused on community and regional disaster preparedness and will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center.
The Opening Reception is set for 6 p.m. at the Cumberland Mint. Both the Pre-Summit Workshop and Opening Reception are additional ticketed events within your Summit registration. Each event is $25.
Seating is limited.
Plenary Session
We are proud to announce that Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health, will speak during the Summit plenary session on October 4.
Dr. Volkow is a world-renowned research psychiatrist whose work has been credited to categorize drug addiction as a brain disorder. She pioneered the work of using images of the brain to investigate how the dopamine system affects the functions of brain regions involved with reward and self-control in addiction. She has also made important contributions to the neurobiology of obesity, ADHD, and aging.
In addition to speaking, Dr. Volkow will participate in a panel discussion on addiction and the best practices taking place across Appalachia Kentucky in treatment, workforce, and fair-chance employment.
Other confirmed speakers for the October 4 plenary include:
- Congressman Hal Rogers, SOAR’s co-founding principal officer and Dean of the US House of Representatives.
- Lincoln Brown, Entrepreneur and Investor.
- Nate Morris, Chairman and CEO of Morris Industries Founder of Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RBT).
- TJ Rayhill, the winner of the 2023 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition.
Summit Exhibit Hall
One of the favorite components of the SOAR Summit is the Exhibit Hall. This space generally houses more than 100 interactive exhibits, ranging from businesses and startups to technical assistance resources, and innovative programs featuring high school and college students.
It is also a place to network and spark conversations.
Want to exhibit? Apply now. The deadline is September 7, but applications are being evaluated as they are received.
Early Bird Registration
The Early Bird doesn’t get the worm but instead gets a $20 discount to the SOAR Summit through September 1.
For just $55, you get:
- Access to all programming on October 3-4. The Pre-Summit Workshop and Opening Reception are not included. You can purchase tickets to those events when you register.
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks on October 3-4.
- Opportunity to attend the SOAR Summit Reception, presented by Whitaker Bank, on the evening of October 3 in downtown Corbin.
- Complimentary shuttle service to the SOAR Summit Reception and programming at the Corbin Center.
- Access to the SOAR Summit Exhibit Hall.
Register now and lock in your savings and secure your seat.