Inside Track Conference announces lineup

PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter announces lineup for 2026 The Inside Track Conference

2-day event to bring communications, marketing and public affairs professionals together for professional development, networking and timely conversations

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Dan Koett | 859.797.3646 | dkoett@framingyournarrative.com

LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 18, 2026 — From building brands and navigating crisis communications to earning trust in a divided political climate, some of the most pressing challenges facing today’s communications professionals will take center stage this fall as the Public Relations Society of America Thoroughbred Chapter presents The Inside Track: 2026 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Conference.

The two-day professional development and networking event begins Wednesday, Nov. 4, with a special Whiskey & War Stories pre-conference reception, followed by a full day of programming Thursday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St. in Lexington.

Designed for professionals at every stage of their careers, The Inside Track will bring together communications, marketing, and public affairs professionals from across Kentucky and the region for timely conversations, practical strategies and opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships.

“The communications landscape is changing at an extraordinary pace, and the people doing this work are being asked to navigate increasingly complex challenges while continuing to earn trust, protect reputations and tell stories that matter,” said Marc C. Whitt, president of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. “We designed The Inside Track to give professionals something they can take back to their organizations and put to work immediately. Just as importantly, we want to create an environment where communicators can learn from one another, build relationships and leave energized about the important role our profession plays.”

Headlining the conference is Samantha Hughey, senior manager for Sports Marketing Brand Strategy at Abercrombie & Fitch. A Kentucky native whose career has included brand and social media strategy work with University of Louisville Athletics, the U.S. Olympic Committee and Adidas, Hughey will explore how communicators can uncover meaningful consumer insights and translate them into strategies and messaging capable of breaking through an increasingly crowded environment.

The conference will also feature a fireside chat with Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream founder and co-owner Toa Green, interviewed by Emmy Award-winning journalist and The Best Bet podcast host Claudia Coffey. Their conversation will explore entrepreneurship, authentic communication and the storytelling behind building a beloved local business into a nationally recognized brand.

Another featured discussion will examine building trust and credibility in a divided political climate. Moderated by Kentucky Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Kate Shanks, the conversation with Kentucky journalists will explore how communicators can navigate political polarization, misinformation and declining institutional trust while strengthening relationships with the audiences they serve.

Additional conference programming includes:

“Does Podcasting Have a Place in My Communications Plan?” led by Claudia Coffey;
“Great Tracks, Untrained Riders”, a conversation between Preston Global Founder and CEO Tom Preston and Whitt about crisis communications and positioning communications professionals for leadership roles within the C-suite;
“Why Do I Need a Mentor?”, exploring how mentorship can help students and emerging professionals navigate the job market and their early careers;
A panel examining the collaborative Kentucky tourism documentary “You Belong Here,” hosted by acclaimed Kentucky chef Ouita Michel and designed to elevate Kentucky voices to a national audience; and
“The First Hour: A Lesson in Natural Disaster Crisis Management,” featuring Mayfield Mayor Kathy Stewart O’Nan and lessons from the critical first hour following the devastating 2021 tornado and the communications challenges that followed.

“This conference is intentionally broader than public relations alone because that’s the reality of our profession today,” Whitt said. “PR intersects with marketing, journalism, public affairs, digital strategy, organizational leadership and virtually every part of an organization’s reputation. Whether you’ve been doing this work for 30 years, you're beginning your career or you're still a student trying to find your place in the profession, there will be something here for you. If you work in communications, or want to, you belong at The Inside Track.”

Whiskey & War Stories Opens Conference Nov. 4

The conference experience begins Wednesday evening with Whiskey & War Stories, a pre-conference reception featuring members of the Horse Soldier team.

The program will share the extraordinary story of U.S. Special Forces soldiers who were among the first American troops to enter Afghanistan on horseback following the Sept. 11 attacks and who later embarked on a new mission: building Horse Soldier Bourbon.

Their story inspired the film 12 Strong, starring Chris Hemsworth. Members of the Horse Soldier team will discuss their military service, pursuit of the American Dream and experience building a successful bourbon brand while navigating challenges including a global pandemic and an intensely competitive industry.

The reception runs from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available.

Registration

Registration includes both the Wednesday evening reception and Thursday conference, including morning coffee and light refreshments and lunch.

PRSA Members: $125 | Non-PRSA Members: $150 | Students/PRSSA Members: $50

The conference is open to communications and public relations professionals, marketing and digital strategy teams, public affairs and government relations professionals, agency and in-house teams, students and emerging professionals.

You can find registration and complete conference information here.

About PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter

The PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter serves public relations professionals in the Lexington area, offering opportunities for networking, professional development and advocacy. The chapter is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, promoting ethical practices and enhancing the value of public relations.