Mitch Landrieu to Headline the 2025 SOAR Summit Opening Plenary in Corbin

June 28, 2025

Corbin, KY — The 2025 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, will welcome former New Orleans Mayor and White House Senior Advisor Mitch Landrieu as the keynote speaker for its Opening Plenary Session on Thursday, August 28, at the Corbin Arena.

Landrieu is widely recognized for leading New Orleans out of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, rebuilding not just homes and infrastructure, but belief. His message will resonate deeply in Eastern Kentucky, where recent natural disasters have tested the region’s strength and spirit.

Landrieu is a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award recipient and the author of the New York Times bestseller In the Shadow of Statues, which chronicles his experiences in public life and the lessons learned from decades of service.

The SOAR Summit is Appalachia’s premier event and a gathering place for dreamers, doers, and builders who believe in the future of Eastern Kentucky. Held August 26–29 at the Corbin Arena, the Summit is expected to draw over 1,200 attendees from across the region and beyond.

What to Expect

The EKY Experience, an immersive, interactive Expo Hall featuring hands-on innovation

SOAR Inspires Awards, presented by KCTCS

Taste of Corbin, presented by Whitaker Bank, with a Toast to Corbin sponsored by Corbin Tourism and powered by Ale-8-One

Plenary Sessions, with nationally recognized speakers

Breakout Sessions, interactive exhibits, and meaningful networking

Local Food + Live Entertainment

Ticket Options

All-Access Pass | $300

Your full Summit experience. This pass includes four days of programming, interactive exhibits, all plenary sessions, the EKY Experience, SOAR Inspires Awards, Taste of Corbin, and more. Includes breakfast on August 28–29 and lunch on August 28.

2-Day Programming Pass (August 26–27) | $150

For the thinkers and doers. This pass gives you access to all breakout sessions, workshops, and the EKY Experience during the first two days. It also includes access to the SOAR Inspires Awards.

2-Day Plenary Pass (August 28–29) | $200

For the big ideas and bold visions. This pass includes all mainstage plenary sessions — including the keynote from Mitch Landrieu — plus the Taste of Corbin reception, breakfast on both days, and lunch on August 28.

%> %> %> "%> "%> %> %> %> %>