United Way of Southwest Virginia opens registration for Rural Summit, adds second keynote speaker
September 19, 2022
Registration now open for The 2022 Rural Summit, skateboarding principal added as keynote speaker
Abingdon, VA (Sept. 19, 2022) – Registration for The 2022 Rural Summit hosted by United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) is open with special early bird pricing. This year’s event will be held in-person on October 27 & 28 at the Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va., expanding to a second day.
Summit attendees will have the opportunity to learn from national speakers on best practices and strategies as well as some of their favorite presenters from conferences past. This year, the conference will focus on moving forward after the pandemic and how to best support our rural businesses, communities, early childhood system, and schools.
Hamish Brewer, who as known as the Tattooed Skateboarding Principal seen on the viral Freethink docuseries “Relentless,” will deliver a keynote to attendees titled 'Be Relentless.’
Brewer previously served as an award-winning principal at both the secondary and elementary school levels, and has multiple honors in the state of Virginia, including being named NAESP Nationally Distinguished Principal and Virginia Principal of the Year. He is currently a doctoral student at Virginia Tech.
He joins John Quiñones, host of the ABC television show “What Would You Do?”, who will keynote on October 27. Quiñones has won seven national Emmy Awards for his “Primetime Live,” “Burning Questions” and “20/20” work.
“We are so excited to be back in person for the 2022 Rural Summit,” said Kristy Workey, United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Childhood Success Senior Manager. “This is the first time since 2019 that we have been able to host an in-person conference. We can’t wait to see the smiling faces of our community once again next month.”
Day one of the Summit will see leaders from across the state gather for discussions and workshops by a variety of presenters, including state leaders from Richmond. Day two incorporates workshops and activities that were formerly known as the Tender Loving Caregivers Conference (TLC). Those in attendance have the opportunity to take part in multiple professional development workshops led by qualified instructors in a wide range of fields.
“We’re excited to expand our Rural Summit to two days this year and bring in folks from all across the Commonwealth,” said Travis Station, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Virginia. “It’s a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations with our leaders from across the state. We’re also excited to welcome everyone back for a second day of workshops that have something for everyone.”
Early bird registration will last through Monday, Oct, 3. Attendees will have the option to purchase a ticket to both days separately, or a combo ticket to attend both days. Early bird pricing for Thursday is $50, Friday is $30, or a combo ticket is $75. Beginning on Sept. 29, pricing will move to $65 for Thursday, $40 for Friday and $100 for a combo ticket.
The 2022 Rural Summit is sponsored by Ballad Health, Virginia State Office of Rural Health, Tazewell County, Wize Solutions, and our elite partners Food City, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer of Glade Spring & Utility Trailer of Atkins. For more information on the Summit, you can visit The Rural Summit website.
