When disaster struck, he didn’t just rebuild a city; he restored belief.
That’s the legacy of Mitch Landrieu, who will keynote the Kickoff Plenary Session at the 2025 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, on Thursday, August 28, at the Corbin Arena.
As the Mayor of New Orleans, Landrieu took office in the long shadow of Hurricane Katrina, when hope had nearly vanished. Entire neighborhoods were gone. Infrastructure lay in ruins. But under his leadership, the city charted a path not just to recovery, but to renewal.
His story is one Eastern Kentucky knows all too well.
In recent years, our region has been tested by devastating floods and tornadoes, natural disasters that have shaken communities and taken far too much. Homes lost. Schools disrupted. Futures put on hold. But like New Orleans, Eastern Kentucky is resilient. And the road to rebuilding isn’t just about bricks and bridges. It’s about restoring purpose, pride, and possibility.
Mitch Landrieu understands that journey. And at this year’s SOAR Summit, he will speak directly to it.
About the SOAR Summit
The 2025 SOAR Summit will be held August 26–29 at the Corbin Arena in Corbin, Kentucky. It is Appalachia’s premier event, drawing more than 1,200 attendees from across sectors, including economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce, education, health, and policy.
This year’s Summit isn’t just a conference. It’s a gathering of people who believe in this region and are building what comes next.
What to Expect
- The EKY Experience, presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare. A fully immersive and interactive Expo Hall
- SOAR Inspires Awards, presented by KCTCS
- Taste of Corbin, presented by Whitaker Bank, with a Toast to Corbin sponsored by Corbin Tourism and powered by Ale-8-One
- Multiple Plenary Sessions featuring nationally recognized speakers
- Dozens of breakout sessions, interactive exhibits, and meaningful networking opportunities
Ticket Options
With Early Bird registration now closed, flexible options are available:
All-Access Pass | $300
Full access from August 26–29, including all programming, plenaries, EKY Experience, SOAR Inspires Awards, Taste of Corbin, and all meals.
2-Day Programming Pass (August 26–27) | $150
Includes all sessions, EKY Experience, SOAR Inspires Awards, and meals for those two days.
2-Day Plenary Pass (August 28–29) | $200
Includes all Plenary Sessions, the Taste of Corbin reception, and breakfast both days.
Register now at www.soar-ky.org/summit
Don’t Miss This Moment
Eastern Kentucky doesn’t need to be reminded of what it’s lost. We need to be reminded of what’s possible.
Mitch Landrieu’s story and his vision will speak to the heart of who we are and where we’re going.
Join us in Corbin this August. Come for the ideas. Stay for the inspiration. Leave with renewed belief in the future of our region.
Purpose. Prosperity. Potential. It starts here.
Register now at www.soar-ky.org/summit