Think you can’t make it to the 2025 SOAR Summit?
Maybe you’re worried it’s too expensive. Too far. Or maybe you’re not sure there’s anything there for you.
Think again.
The 2025 SOAR Summit is built for the doers, the dreamers, the folks who want more for their communities. And the people who are already working to make that happen.
Whether you live in Eastern Kentucky, serve in rural America, or simply care about building a better future in places that are often overlooked, this is your event.
This Summit helps shape what’s next for our region.
It’s a place to be inspired and to inspire others. And we’ve made it easier than ever to attend with flexible ticket options that fit your schedule and your budget.
Because the truth is: You belong here.
Something for Everyone
Whether you’ve been to every SOAR Summit or this is your first, there’s a seat for you at the table. Here’s a look at who we built this event for:
- Community Leaders & Local Officials: Dig into proven strategies for workforce growth, infrastructure development, and tourism that drives impact.
- Entrepreneurs & Innovators: Connect with funders, mentors, and peers in our Innovation Track.
- Educators & Workforce Professionals: Dive into apprenticeships, reentry solutions, and inclusive hiring models in the Workforce Track.
- Tourism & Creative Economy Builders: Discover how storytelling, film, and local culture can be tools for economic growth.
- Nonprofits & Philanthropy Leaders: Learn what’s happening at the national level and how it translates to real opportunity for our region.
- Students & Creatives: Get inspired by stories of people from this region who are making an impact across the country and the world.
None of this would be possible without our generous sponsors who believe in what this region can accomplish.
We’re proud to partner with Appalachian Wireless, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, University of the Cumberlands, Cumberland Mint, Rajant Corporation, GoodWill Kentucky, Branscomb Corporation, NiSource Charitable Foundation, King’s Daughters Medical Center, and many more local, state, and national organizations.
Three Ways to Attend the 2025 SOAR Summit
Choose the ticket that fits your goals and budget.
- A Strong Start: Two-Day Program Pass
August 26–27 | $150
This is the most affordable way to experience the energy, insight, and community of the 2025 SOAR Summit. This is the perfect pass for anyone who wants a big return on a small investment. You’ll walk away with new ideas, new connections, and real momentum.
Included with this ticket:
- Fireside chat and meet-and-greet with Final Destination creator Jeffrey Reddick.
- Access to food trucks, the Eastern Kentucky Experience Expo Hall, and the PurposeWorks Job & Career Fair, presented by GoodWill Kentucky and Branscomb Construction.
- Entry to the SOAR Inspire Awards, presented by KCTCS (Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m.).
- A full lineup of breakout sessions across our key tracks.
- The Big Picture: Two-Day Plenary Pass
August 28–29 | $200
This option is designed for attendees who want to focus on high-level strategy, major announcements, and national voices influencing change. This pass is perfect for those who want a two-day immersion in the challenges and opportunities shaping our region right now.
Included with this ticket:
- Sessions and speakers focused on economic development and remote worker strategies.
- Friday Mainstage and AI workforce discussions.
- Taste of Corbin community reception.
- Breakfast both days and lunch on Thursday.
- The Full Experience: All Access Pass
August 26–29 | $300
If you want to be everywhere, meet everyone, and get the most from every day of the 2025 SOAR Summit, this is the ticket for you. This is the ultimate way to soak up all the inspiration and innovation the SOAR Summit has to offer.
Included with this ticket:
- Everything from the Program and Plenary passes.
- Access to all sessions, panels, and receptions.
- Entry to both Corbin Arena and Corbin Center events.
- Exclusive networking and immersive community events.
Four Tracks. One Shared Mission.
The 2025 SOAR Summit is more than just speakers and sessions. It’s a blueprint for the region’s future.
Our four focus tracks are designed to meet you where you are and challenge you to go further:
- Workforce Track: Apprenticeships, reentry, wraparound supports, and hiring strategies that make a difference.
- Innovation Track: Startup success stories, investment opportunities, and how to take a good idea further, faster.
- Tourism Track: Culture, film, outdoor rec, and building an identity that brings visitors and pride.
- Capacity Track: Strengthening leadership, supporting remote work, and making systems that last.
You’ll hear from national thought leaders and homegrown champions, including:
- Jeffrey Reddick, Final Destination creator and Eastern Kentucky native
- Governor Andy Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers
- Anthony Pipa, Brookings Institution
- Danielle Goonan, Rockefeller Foundation
- Brent Orrell, American Enterprise Institute
- Maria Flynn, Jobs for the Future
- Matt Dunne, Center on Rural Innovation
Why You’ll Be Glad You Came
This is more than an event.
It’s a gathering of over 1,000 people who believe in Eastern Kentucky’s future and are doing the work to build it.
You’ll learn. You’ll connect. You’ll be energized.
You’ll leave knowing you’re not alone, and that real change is already happening.
Let this be Eastern Kentucky’s year. Let this be the year you say yes. Summit your way.