The Inside Track
The race is on for the 2026 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Conference! We're bringing together communications, marketing and public affairs professionals from across Kentucky and the region for a full day of programs and a reception the evening before.
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​Designed for professionals at every stage of their careers, The Inside Track will deliver insights, meaningful connections and practical strategies to take back to your organization.
Get on The Inside Track
Don't miss the chance to benefit from:
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A strong field of speakers and experienced industry voices
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Practical insights you can apply immediately
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Connections with a wide range of communications professionals
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Timely topics across PR, marketing and public affairs
Experience & Networking
This isn’t just about the sessions — it’s about connection:
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Networking opportunities throughout the day
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The chance to engage with speakers and peers
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Conversations that extend beyond the event
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Bring a Colleague
Don’t go it alone — invite a colleague to join you for a great day of learning and networking.
Who Should Attend
If you work in communications — or want to — you belong here! We created this conference with you in mind:
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Communications and public relations professionals
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Marketing and digital strategy teams
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Public affairs and government relations professionals
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Agency and in-house teams
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Students and emerging professionals
Race Day Lineup
We’re building a strong lineup of speakers from across industries for a full day of programming:
Keynote Speaker: Samantha Hughey, Senior Manager for Sports Marketing Brand Strategy, Abercrombie & Fitch
Drawing on her extensive experience, native Kentuckian Sam Hughey will discuss how to uncover meaningful consumer insights and translate those into strategy so that messaging lands with impact in an incredibly noisy environment. Hughey is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a master’s in communications and media studies and has been a brand and social media strategist for UofL Athletics, the U.S. Olympic Committee and Adidas.
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Fireside Chat: Kentucky Entrepreneur and Crank & Boom Owner Toa Green
Interviewed by Claudia Coffey, host of The Best Bet podcast
What does it take to build a beloved brand — and tell its story in a way that keeps people coming back? Join Toa Green, founder and co-owner of Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream, and Claudia Coffey, Emmy Award-winning journalist and The Best Bet Podcast host, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, storytelling, and authentic communication. From growing a local business into a nationally recognized brand to earning loyal fans, Toa will share lessons from her journey while Claudia uncovers the stories behind her success.
Building Trust and Credibility in a Divided Political Climate
Moderated by Kate Shanks, Kentucky Chamber Senior VP of Public Affairs
In an era of political polarization, misinformation and declining trust in institutions, communicators face unprecedented challenges in reaching and engaging their audiences. Join Kentucky Chamber Senior VP of Public Affairs Kate Shanks for a candid conversation with Kentucky journalists about what it takes to build credibility, earn trust and communicate effectively in today's fractured media environment. This timely discussion will explore lessons from journalism, public affairs and strategic communications that can help professionals navigate complex issues and strengthen relationships with the audiences they serve.
Concurrent Sessions
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Breakout Session 1: Does podcasting have a place in my communications plan?
This session will help PR/comms pros determine if a podcast is right for your business/organization and how to go about implementing it. Led by Claudia Coffey, host of The Best Bet
Breakout Session 2: Great Tracks, Untrained Riders: A Q&A With Lifetime Achievement Award Namesake Tom Preston
Very few in PR are prepared to take charge regarding corporate/institutional crises and emergency avoidance, mitigation, management and successful resolutions. Today, that's essential for being accepted inside C-suites. Join Preston Global Founder and CEO Tom Preston and PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter President Marc Whitt for a conversation about how PR professionals can better position themselves for C-suite roles.
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Breakout Session 3: Why Do I Need a Mentor?
This panel will help students explore the value of mentor relationships and how those relationships can help them navigate a tough job market and their early positions as PR professionals.
"You Belong Here" Documentary Panel
Learn how a multijurisdictional tourism documentary project helped elevate Kentucky voices nationwide.
The First Hour: A Lesson in Natural Disaster Crisis Management
Learn about the first hour after Mayfield’s devastating tornado in 2021 as Mayfield Mayor Kathy Stewart O’Nan shares her experience and how she led in the days that followed. Her story offers valuable insight into the decisions made in the moments after the storm and the role effective communication plays in community rebuilding.
Pre-Conference Reception: Whiskey & War Stories
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 5-8 p.m. | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St., Lexington
Join us for an evening filled with networking, food, spirits and stories from legendary men — men who were not only the first U.S. Special Forces soldiers to enter Afghanistan on horseback following the 9/11 attacks but who also, upon completing their service, embarked on an adventure to create a legendary bourbon brand. They were known as the Horse Soldiers, and the movie "12 Strong" starring Chris Hemsworth is based on their story.
These soldiers celebrated the grand opening of their distillery, Horse Soldier Farms, on America's 250th birthday in Somerset, Kentucky. Members of the Horse Soldier team will join us for a historic, memorable presentation of their service, their pursuit of the American Dream, and how they achieved success despite a global pandemic and a challenging industry landscape.
The registration fee includes attendance at the reception, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
How to Register
There are three registration categories:
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PRSA Member: $125
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Non-PRSA Member: $150
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Student and/or PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) Member: $50
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The registration fee includes:
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Wednesday, Nov. 4: Pre-Conference Reception, 5-8 p.m. with heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
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Thursday, Nov. 5: Conference, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with morning coffee/light refreshments and lunch
Note: To receive the reduced rate of $125 for PRSA members, you can join PRSA here.
Hotel Room Block
The Thoroughbred Chapter has reserved a block of rooms for Nov. 4-5 at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington, just a short walk from the conference location. Reservations must be made by Monday, Oct. 5, to qualify for the group rate on these options:
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Deluxe Double Queen: $179
Deluxe King: $179
Corner King: $194
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You can book accommodations directly with the hotel at the link below. Contact: 21c Museum Hotel Lexington | 167 W. Main St. | 859-899-6800.
Showcasing our Sponsors
Thank you to The Inside Track sponsors! There are several sponsorship opportunities left — see those here.
TRIPLE CROWN SPONSOR: Connect to Compel, Devin D. Marks | connecttocompel.com
HOME STRETCH SOCIAL SPONSOR: 10th Planet Screen Printing and Embroidery | go10thplanet.com
PACE SETTER BREAKFAST SPONSORS: Wiser Strategies, Nancy Wiser | wiserstrategies.com
STARTING GATE SPONSORS: Booze PR, Amy Preske | boozepr.com
Harris+Cornett, Tom Harris and Kip Cornett | harriscornett.com
PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR: Mahan Multimedia | mahanmultimedia.com
WELCOME KIT SPONSOR: Columbia Gas | columbiagas.com
WINNER'S CIRCLE SPONSOR: Marc C. Whitt | Award-winning public relations professional & bestselling author
LANYARD SPONSOR: Katie Neal Coaching + Consulting | katienealconsulting.com
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join the field. Step into the winner’s circle. The Thoroughbred Conference brings together a targeted audience of communications, marketing and public affairs professionals from across the region.
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Sponsorship offers an opportunity to:
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Connect directly with industry professionals and decision-makers
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Increase brand visibility among a highly relevant audience
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Support the growth of the communications community in Kentucky
Sponsorship questions? Contact: Brant Welch, Thoroughbred Chapter treasurer & APR co-chair, brant.welch@gmail.com