PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The SOAR Summit has announced that Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, will deliver the keynote address at the closing plenary session of the 2024 Summit.
Manchin will speak on Friday, Oct. 18, at the University of Pikeville, bringing a close to the three-day event with her vision for advancing economic opportunity and community development across the region.
As Federal Co-Chair of the ARC, Manchin has advocated for economic revitalization, workforce development, and sustainable growth throughout Appalachia. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in reshaping the region’s future, and her insights at the SOAR Summit are expected to inspire and empower the next generation of Appalachian leaders.
The 2024 SOAR Summit will take place from Oct. 16-18 in downtown Pikeville and is presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Gayle Manchin’s keynote on Oct. 18 will be one of the Summit’s most anticipated events, highlighting the efforts being made to address the unique challenges and opportunities in Eastern Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region.
In addition to its lineup of speakers, the SOAR Summit will feature the EKY Experience Exhibit Hall, which will be open to the general public for free on Oct. 16. Located inside the Appalachian Wireless Arena, the exhibit hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 16 and 17, offering immersive exhibits that showcase the innovation, culture, and opportunities that define Eastern Kentucky.
The SOAR Summit offers a diverse range of programming tracks designed to address key issues and opportunities in Appalachia, including:
● Workforce Development
● Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development
● Connectivity and Digital Equity
● Grant and Community Development
● Healthy Communities
These tracks provide a structured opportunity for attendees to engage with experts, learn best practices, and build valuable connections across sectors.
Registration is open now, with tickets available for $150, which includes access to all Summit sessions, keynotes, and networking events. The Blueprint Partner Program, available for $300, offers partner-specific programming and exclusive events.
For more information about the summit and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-soar-summit-tickets-936396937447.
