Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) has announced its first-ever Mini Summit, presented by Kentucky Power, focused on Tourism and Downtown Revitalization on March 7-8 in Ashland, Kentucky. 

The two-day event will be held at the historic Paramount Arts Center, the Delta Hotel, and the Ashland Train Depot. A special Early Bird rate of $30 is available now through February 4. After that, registration will be $45. You can register HERE.

This event will have many similarities to the annual SOAR Summit, Appalachia’s premier event. The Mini Summit will include the following:

• A Pre-Summit Session on March 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• A SOAR Mini Summit Reception on the evening of March 7 at the Ashland Train Depot.
• A Country Music Highway Tribute Show at the Paramount Arts Center following the Mini Summit Reception. 
• Breakout Sessions on the morning of March 8:
  • No Hotel? No Problem! | Leveraging Airbnb and other platforms to create unique and destination-driven lodging in your community
  • Your destination begins with your downtown | Positioning your downtown to welcome tourists
  • The Digital Space | How are you telling your story 
  • Small Towns Big Impact | Small communities making a big splash attracting tourists 
• A plenary session with a keynote speaker and panel discussions on the afternoon of March 8. 
• Breakfast and lunch on March 8.

SOAR is proud to partner with Visit AKY to host the SOAR Mini Summit. 

Visit AKY has worked to provide attendees a variety of discounted lodging options in the Ashland area. Attendees will also have the opportunity to choose a lunch destination on March 8, including both local restaurants and food trucks.