Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) is seeking to showcase innovate work at the 2018 Summit scheduled for August 30-31 at the East Kentucky Expo Center.

This year’s showcase will focus heavily on audience interactivity, prioritizing applications that are creative, fun, and engaging. With the extra focus on activity, the summit will expand time for attendees to visit showcase areas, including a special networking session on the afternoon of Thursday, August 30.  Additionally, this year’s event will have less than 100 spaces available all on the arena floor, making the application process highly competitive.

“The innovation and collaboration happening across Appalachia Kentucky is incredible, and we feel that a highlight of our annual summit is the ability for attendees to see first-hand a glimpse of the incredible work taking place across the region,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR. “We wanted to provide additional time for our attendees to network and spend time learning more about the people, organizations, and ideas showcased at the summit.”

Those wishing to showcase must go through an application process at www.thereisafuture.org.  SOAR will evaluate applications on criteria such as its alignment to the organization’s Regional Blueprint for a 21st Century Appalachia.

“We also want those showcasing to provide an interactive experience for those visiting their area,” added Arnett. “Our goal is to demonstrate the people and organizations who are building the 21st Century Appalachia we envision.”

Early applications will be given priority consideration and if spaces are still available, the deadline for showcase applications is August 1st. For more information, visit www.thereisafuture.org/summit18 or contact Kevin Loux, Director of Strategic Partnerships at kevin@soar-ky.org.

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