At the 2025 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, Senate President Robert Stivers will take the stage as a featured speaker to share a legislative perspective on Eastern Kentucky’s future, from infrastructure and workforce development to policies that support economic growth and quality of life in Appalachia.
Stivers has spent nearly three decades representing the 25th District — Clay, Jackson, Knox, Lee, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley counties- in the Kentucky Senate. Since 2013, he has served as Senate President, leading the chamber in advancing legislation that impacts every corner of the Commonwealth.
Honored as a Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine in 2015, Stivers has also chaired influential organizations like the Southern Legislative Conference and the Council of State Governments, and currently chairs the Senate President’s Forum. His career reflects a deep commitment to public service, collaboration, and advocacy for Appalachian Kentucky.
Attendees can expect insights on Kentucky’s policy priorities and a candid discussion about how state-level decisions connect to local needs and opportunities in Eastern Kentucky.
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 boldly 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
- All-Access Pass – $300: Full access from August 26–29, including all programming, plenaries, EKY Experience, SOAR Inspires Awards, Taste of Corbin, and meals
- 2-Day Programming Pass (August 26–27) – $150: Includes sessions, EKY Experience, SOAR Inspires Awards, and meals for two days
- 2-Day Plenary Pass (August 28–29) – $200: Includes Plenary Sessions, Taste of Corbin reception, and breakfast both days
Don’t Miss This Moment
Eastern Kentucky’s future is being written now — and Senate President Robert Stivers will share how state policy can help turn vision into action.
Join us in Corbin this August. Come for the ideas. Stay for the inspiration. Leave ready to help shape what’s next.
Purpose. Prosperity. Potential. It starts here.
Register now at www.soar-ky.org/summit