Building Eastern Kentucky. Together.
Appalachia’s Premier Event returns to the Corbin Arena, bringing together leaders, communities, and partners from across the region to share what’s working and build what’s next.
This isn’t just a conference. It’s where the people doing the work across Eastern Kentucky come to build together.
Registration is Open
Join more than 1,200 leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, employers, policymakers, students, and community champions October 7–9 in Corbin for Appalachia’s Premier Event.
Special thanks to our 2026 SOAR Summit Sponsors
Sign up for event alerts and so you don’t miss out on early bird discounts!
What to Expect
The SOAR Summit creates space for the region to take the lead, sharing real solutions, building partnerships, and driving meaningful progress across Eastern Kentucky.
This year’s experience is designed to be:
- Focused and high-impact
- Grounded in real, local, and regional success stories
- Built around collaboration and connection
- Centered on practical ideas you can take back to your community
Location:
The Corbin Arena and the Corbin Center
Corbin, Kentucky
Showcase What You’re Building
The EKY Experience is an interactive showcase featuring entrepreneurs, innovators, small businesses, community organizations, and partners who are helping shape Eastern Kentucky’s future. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore exhibits, make connections, discover new ideas, and learn more about the people and organizations driving progress across the region.
- Employers and industry leaders
- Workforce and training providers
- Educational institutions
- Entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Community organizations and nonprofits
- Technology and innovation partners
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to:
- Connect directly with Summit attendees from across the region and beyond
- Showcase programs, services, and real-world impact
- Build relationships with partners, funders, and collaborators
- Be part of a curated experience designed to drive engagement—not just foot traffic
Local Voices. Regional Ideas. Shared Momentum.
Two slides. Your passion. A message that matters.
TenTalk is returning to the 2026 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, to spotlight the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of Eastern Kentucky.
This fast-paced storytelling experience is designed for local voices like yours with practical ideas, lessons learned, and community-driven solutions that can spark collaboration across county lines.
Have something you’d like to share? You do not need prior speaking experience to apply. You simply need to live in Eastern Kentucky and have a topic connected to the future of the region.
Help Shape the Conversation
FOCUS Sessions are participant-driven breakout sessions and workshops that create space for meaningful conversations, practical learning, and collaboration. These sessions help shape the dialogue around the opportunities, challenges, and ideas that matter most to Eastern Kentucky.
Have a topic, success story, innovative approach, or challenge you’d like to explore with fellow attendees? We invite you to submit an idea and help shape the conversation at the 2026 SOAR Summit.
2025 SOAR 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
Plan Your Stay
We encourage attendees to book lodging early.
Check out our selection of recommended hotels and local accommodations.
Join Us for the 2026 SOAR Summit
For a limited time, Early Bird Registration is just $150 through August 15. One registration gives you full access to three days of learning, networking, and collaboration designed to help build what’s next for Eastern Kentucky.
Your All-Access Registration Includes:
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SOAR Inspires Awards, presented by KCTCS
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Principal Officer Plenary Session, presented by the University of the Cumberlands
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FOCUS Breakout Sessions and Workshops
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TenTalks
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EKY Experience Expo Hall
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SOAR Summit Reception
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Thursday breakfast and lunch
One price. Three days. More than 1,200 people committed to Building Eastern Kentucky. Together.
Register today and save with the $150 Early Bird rate through August 15.
Our Corporate Partners
The SOAR Summit wouldn’t be possible without our corporate partners who support SOAR’s work throughout the year.
