August 26-29 | The Corbin Arena | Corbin, KY
The Future of Eastern Kentucky Starts Here
The SOAR Summit returned to Corbin, KY from August 26–29, uniting leaders, innovators, and changemakers dedicated to driving economic growth, innovation, and opportunity throughout Eastern Kentucky. We hope you joined us at Appalachia’s premier networking event and unlocked access to inspiring sessions, meaningful connections, and actionable strategies. The 2025 SOAR Summit was designed for everyone:
- Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs
- Community & Economic Development Advocates
- Educators & Workforce Development Experts
- Tech & Innovation Enthusiasts
- Local Government Officials
- Students & Aspiring Creators
This Year’s Summit – By The Numbers
1
Attendees
1
Exhibitors
1
Speakers
1
Sponsors
representing
1
States
1
Kentucky Communities
1
Kentucky Counties
1
KY Appalachian Counties
What You Missed
2025 Principal Officer Plenary Session
August 29 | The Corbin Arena
Sponsored by
Congressman Hal Rogers
U.S. Congressman, KY 5th District
Governor Andy Beshear
Governor, Commonwealth of Kentucky
Robert Stivers
Kentucky State Senate President
Joe Craft
President and CEO of Alliance Resource Partners and L.P. Philanthropist in Chief, Craft Philanthropy
Meet the 2025 SOAR Summit Featured Speakers
Chris Girdler
President & CEO | SPEDA
Mike Johnson
CEO | East Ky Network, LLC & Appalachian Wireless
The Eastern Kentucky Experience: Expo and Exhibit Hall
Presented by
An Exhibit Hall Experience Unlike Any Other
SOAR Summit attendees connected with over 1,000 other participants and organizations that shared the mission of Eastern Kentucky at the EKY Experience Expo and Exhibit Hall. From August 27-28 at the Corbin Arena, regional businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community initiatives were on full display, putting the work of our region front and center.
The EKY Experience was free and open to the public. This opportunity was one of the largest events of its kind in Appalachia Kentucky.
PurposeWorks: Public Job & Work Resource Fair
PurposeWorks 2025 was a chance to connect with real career opportunities all in one place. Held inside the SOAR Summit’s EKY Experience Expo Hall on August 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., this free public work and job resource fair features local employers, training providers, and mentors was ready to help you take the next step. Whether attendees were just starting out, switching careers, or re-entering the workforce, PurposeWorks was designed to meet them where they are.
Sponsored by
The SOAR Summit Wouldn’t Have Been Possible Without Our Corporate Partners
