One East Kentucky is Attending the 2026 Site Selectors Guild in Atlanta

One East Kentucky, an economic development organization that represents nine rural counties, will attend the Site Selectors Guild 2026 Spring Conference from March 23-25 in Atlanta, Georgia. This conference connects up to 50 top site selection consultants with economic development professionals, creating opportunities for networking and conversations about future investments.

“Eastern Kentucky is a fantastic location, has a strong workforce, and offers affordable operation costs,” says Colby Kirk, President and CEO of One East Kentucky. “Conferences like the Site Selectors Guild are perfect for showcasing our assets and getting on the map of potential investors.”  

This conference is particularly useful because it boasts a ratio of eight economic development professionals for each Site Selectors Guild member. This low ratio means Kirk has more opportunities to engage in in-depth conversations with industry leaders. 

Kirk is Attending on a Site Selectors Guild Scholarship

Events like the Site Selectors Guild conference have a high return on investment for Eastern Kentucky. If Kirk can attract businesses to the community through these events, his efforts can create jobs and increase the tax base for decades to come. The sessions at these events also make Kirk more effective in his role, helping him develop skills and grow his knowledge base as an economic development professional.  

However, the cost to attend is even lower this year, as Kirk received the Robert M. Ady Professional Development Scholarship through the Site Selectors Guild. The Ady Scholarship covers the $2,500 conference registration fee, meaning One East Kentucky will incur only travel and lodging costs.

The scholarship is awarded based on financial need, but also for the recipient’s accomplishments in economic development in historically underrepresented communities. It is given to applicants with a strong desire to engage with site selection professionals.

This scholarship represents the hard work that Kirk has put into Eastern Kentucky during his tenure, which is now creating more opportunities for him to represent the region.

The 2026 Conference Provides Insight Into Global Trends

The Site Selectors Guild conference is particularly valuable because it brings together industry experts to discuss the current economic climate. Some of the topics this year focus on events that could impact foreign investment, the headspace of corporate decision makers, and trends shaping specific industries.

There are multiple industry deep dives that highlight changes and opportunities that economic development teams need to be aware of when meeting with potential companies. This event also provides economic development professionals with advice on how to better win over potential site selectors and business leaders.

“The value of the Site Selectors Guild conference lasts long after the event concludes,” says Kirk. “Not only does it provide opportunities for me to pitch Eastern Kentucky to relevant decision makers, but it can also give our team the skills to be more effective in our roles.”

The conference has several breakout sessions and networking events to foster further discussions and partnership opportunities. 

Meet With Colby Kirk in Atlanta 

If you are planning to attend the Site Selectors Guild Conference in Atlanta, make plans to meet with Colby Kirk! Learn how counties in Eastern Kentucky are preparing land for development and building spec buildings to facilitate investment. The team at One East Kentucky wants to make it easy and affordable to choose this region. From the eager workforce to the infrastructure investments, there are few better places in the United States.

Contact One East Kentucky and make plans to meet up in Atlanta – or any time before. We can’t wait to show you this fantastic region.