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Don’t miss Appalachia’s Premier Event
Join us for the 2023 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, at the Corbin Arena on October 3-4.
Registration is $75 and includes:
- Two full days of programming.
- Breakfast, lunch and snacks on both days.
- The SOAR Summit Reception, presented by Whitaker Bank.
- More than 100 booths in the SOAR Summit Exhibit Hall.
Are you a high school or college student? Scroll down to find out how you can attend for FREE 👇 👇
Meet Our Featured Speakers
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Meet Our TenTalk Speakers

Allison Adams

Whitney Allen

Jochai Ben-Avie

Josh Blanton

Matt Brown

Marcie Campbell

Amanda Clark

Amber Decker

Terry Gray

Chuck Hogg

Erik Hubbard

Dr. Beth Kelly

Brad Kilbey

Dr. George Koob

Leigh Latherow

Ben Ledo

Steve Lee

Hilda Legg

Nathan Nevels

Kyle Robinson

Mark W. Ryles

Meghan Sandfoss

Dr. Jonathan Shores

Sandy Slayton

Ben Smock

Scott Stuckey

Scott Surber

James O. Wilson

David York
Speed Pitch Competition for High School & College Students at the 2023 SOAR Summit
At the Speed Pitch Competition, it is simple: a podium, a microphone, your idea, and two minutes to make your pitch. The competition will be held inside the Corbin Arena on the main stage.
We’ll be awarding $500 to the first-place pitch in two categories: high school and college/university.
Thanks to the Forcht Group, high school and college students can attend the SOAR Summit for free.


Speed Pitch Competition open to the General Public! It’s not just for the Kids!
The latest development for the 2023 SOAR Summit … it’s not just for the kids!
There is now a category available for the general public to join in and be a part of the speed pitch competition!
That’s right! There is now a THIRD category for the Speed Pitch Competition happening during the 2023 SOAR Summit, on October 3.
We’ll be awarding $500 to the first-place pitch winner.
New Addition: Pre-Summit Activities!
New to this year’s event is a Pre-Summit Workshop and Opening Reception on Monday, October 2 in Williamsburg, presented by the Kentucky League Of Cities:
- Workshop
Community and Regional Disaster Preparedness: The workshop will focus on community and regional disaster preparedness.
- SOAR Summit Opening Reception at the Cumberland Mint
Both the Pre-Summit Workshop and Opening Reception are additional ticketed events.
Each event is $25 and seating is limited.


TenTalk: Igniting Minds, Inspiring Change
The 2023 SOAR Summit is proud to introduce TenTalk, presented by the University of the Cumberlands.
Get ready to be inspired by an exceptional lineup of regional speakers — all from the main stage inside the Corbin Arena at the SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission!
SOAR SUMMIT 23 Sponsors















































SOAR Summit attracts more than 1,400 in Pikeville
The SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, returned to Pikeville on October 19-20 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.
Appalachia’s Premier Event delivered once again with more than 100 exhibitors and attendees from 60 Kentucky counties and 15 states.
2022 Summit By The Numbers
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Focus Summit sells out in Hazard
Our Focus Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation is in the books. And it was a sellout!
The Focus Summit, by Kentucky Power and KY Innovation, attracted more than 320 people to Hazard, the Queen City of Eastern Kentucky.
Here is a replay of our plenary sessions from Hazard Community and Technical College’s First Federal Center.
SOAR Mini Summit attracts more than 650 attendees
Our first-ever Mini Summit is in the books!
The Mini Summit, presented by Kentucky Power, attracted more than 650 people from six states, 48 Kentucky counties, and 32 of Kentucky’s 54 Appalachian counties.
Here is a replay of our plenary session from the Paramount Arts Center.
The 2021 SOAR Summit was record breaking
Hosted for the first time ever by the city of Corbin, KY — and returning to an in-person format — 2021’s event was one for the history books.
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Re-watch the 2021 event
The 2021 SOAR Summit brought together local residents and businesses, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and other change agents across Appalachia. It focused on issues and activities important to our region including broadband, grants, workforce opportunities, and entrepreneurship.











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