Inside Track Conf: Register by Oct. 23

PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter's 2026 conference to feature national brand strategist, Kentucky leaders and industry experts

Communications professionals have until Oct. 23 to register for the Nov. 4-5 event in downtown Lexington

For Immediate Release

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

LEXINGTON, Ky., Oct. 20, 2026 — Communications professionals across Kentucky and the region have another opportunity to get The Inside Track on the strategies, stories and relationships shaping their industry.

Registration for the Public Relations Society of America Thoroughbred Chapter is open through Friday, Oct. 23, for its 2026 professional development conference, taking place Nov. 4-5 at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center in Lexington.

Bringing together professionals in public relations, marketing, communications, and public affairs, The Inside Track will feature a dynamic lineup of national brand strategists, business leaders, journalists, and industry experts sharing real-world experiences and practical insights.

"One of the most valuable things we can do as communications professionals is continue learning from one another, especially in an industry that's constantly evolving," said Marc C. Whitt, President of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. "We've assembled an outstanding group of speakers whose experiences span national brands, crisis leadership, entrepreneurship, and community storytelling. Whether someone is just beginning their career or has spent decades in the profession, our goal is for every attendee to leave with new ideas, meaningful connections, and strategies they can put to work immediately."

A Strong Field of Speakers

The conference will begin Wednesday, November 4, with an evening reception featuring Scott Neil, President of Horse Soldier Bourbon, whose extraordinary journey from U.S. Special Forces soldier to entrepreneur helped inspire the film 12 Strong. Neil will share the story behind Horse Soldier Farms in Somerset, Kentucky, including lessons in leadership, reputation, resilience, and communicating through uncertainty.

Thursday's full-day conference will feature presentations and conversations exploring some of today's most relevant communications challenges and opportunities.

Highlights include:

Samantha Hughey, Senior Manager for Sports Marketing Brand Strategy at Abercrombie & Fitch, will deliver the keynote presentation, Running the Right Race: Why the Strongest Campaigns Start With People, Not Marketing Plans. Drawing on experiences with internationally recognized brands and athletes, Hughey will explore how meaningful consumer insights and authentic storytelling create powerful campaigns.
Kathy Stewart O'Nan, Mayor of Mayfield, Kentucky, will share lessons in crisis leadership, communication, and community resilience following the devastating December 2021 tornado that struck her community.
Toa Green, Founder and Co-Owner of Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream, will join Emmy Award-winning journalist and podcast host Claudia Coffey for a fireside conversation about entrepreneurship, brand development, and authentic communication.
Chef Ouita Michel will participate in a discussion of You Belong Here, the Kentucky-focused docuseries presented at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, exploring how collaborative storytelling can elevate communities and reach national audiences.
Tom Preston, Founder and CEO of Preston Global, and Whitt will lead a breakout session examining crisis preparedness, reputation management, and the evolving role of public relations professionals in organizational leadership.

Additional breakout sessions will explore podcasting as a communications strategy and the importance of mentorship for emerging professionals.

More Than a Conference

Beyond the presentations, The Inside Track is designed to create opportunities for meaningful professional connections.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with speakers, exchange ideas with colleagues from across the region, and build relationships that extend well beyond the event.

The conference welcomes experienced professionals, agency and in-house communications teams, nonprofit and public affairs practitioners, students, and individuals interested in pursuing careers in public relations and marketing.

Location: Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St., Lexington, Kentucky

Registration Information:

The Inside Track: 2026 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Conference

Wednesday, Nov. 4: Pre-Conference Reception, 5–7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 5: Conference, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Registration rates are: PRSA Members $125 | Nonmembers $150 | Students/PRSSA Members $50

Registration Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026

Registration includes Wednesday's pre-conference reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, along with Thursday's conference programming, morning refreshments and lunch.

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.