This fall will mark the 10th community conference for an eastern Kentucky nonprofit. Shaping Our Appalachian Region is presenting the SOAR Summit on October 17 and 18. Officials said this year’s event will be the largest one yet.
Colby Hall is the Executive Director of SOAR. He said the conference provides opportunities for communities to come together.
“It brings together business leaders, government leaders, community leaders, and education leaders. It’s a real cross-section from just about all these different groups that are doing some parts of good work across the region,” said Hall.
The summit will be hosted in Pikeville this year, with a large exhibit presence in Appalachian Wireless Arena and sessions held in spaces across the city.
“This year you’re going to hear conversations around broadband, conversations around workforce development, conversations around innovation and entrepreneurship. You’re going to hear conversations around tourism and downtown revitalization,” said Hall. “All those things that, when SOAR was founded, became part of our strategic plan based on the communities that put us together.”
Last year, the summit hosted over 400 companies, 40 guest speakers, and surpassed 1,200 attendees. Shaping our Appalachian Region serves 54 counties in Kentucky. More information on registration and venues can be found on SOAR’s website.