Agenda

MONDAY,  December 9

A series of pre-conference industry meetings and workshops are open to all attendees beginning at 9:30 am. 

9:30-11:00 am   |  Salon J & K
Moisture and Other Daily Measurements to Meet the HISA Racetrack Regulations
Presented by Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory. 

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act codified best practices which were already practiced at many racetracks.  Rule 3154(c) requires daily measurements be taken at the beginning of all daily training and racing sessions on all racing and training tracks at each 1/4 mile marker pole at two locations 5 and 15 feet from the inside rail. The non-profit Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory provides a free database which allows manual measurements to be directly submitted to the authority as well to provide a record for racing commissions and horsemen in non-HISA jurisdictions.  In this session the low-cost and alternative measurement tools are demonstrated along with database entry.

10:00 am-12:00 pm   |  Salon D & E
ARCI Model Rules Meeting

11:00 am-2:30 pm   |  Salon J & K
4th Annual Racing Secretary Summit 
Light Lunch will be served to those who RSVP – Sponsored by Equibase

Join participants of the Racing Operations Committee (ROCO), formed as a result of this same summit two years ago, in a series of interactive conversations relevant to the racing office and racing operations, exchange ideas, and network with your peers. This year’s conversation will be led by Rick Hammerle and Chris Dobbins with a growing agenda including an open meeting of ROCO, a conversation with leaders from HISA and HIWU, and an early look at an in-development ratings system.

All are welcome to join the conversation, being a racing secretary is not a pre-requisite.
To RSVP, email racetrackindustryprogram@gmail.com to be sent the special registration code.
 

2:00-4:00 pm |  Salon D & E
HISA/HIWU Workshop 

3:00-5:00 pm |  Salon L
NTRA/NHC Workshop

5:00-6:00 pm  |  Exhibit Area
Opening Reception

 

TUESDAY,  December 10

7:00-8:00 am  |  Catalina Ballroom
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet

8:00-8:30 am  |  Salon A&B
Welcome Remarks
Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, University of Arizona Men's Basketball 
Keynote Address
Louis Cella, President, Oaklawn Park

8:30-9:00 am  |  Salon A&B
HISA in 2025: A Look Ahead
Lisa Lazarus, CEO, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)

9:15-10:30 am  |  Salon A&B
Artificial Intelligence: Transformative Applications for Advancing Horse Racing
In the fast-paced world of horse racing, artificial intelligence (AI) is galloping in to bring fresh ideas and innovations to every part of the industry. From optimizing horse health and supporting fans to advancing the business side, AI is proving to be a powerful tool for the entire racing ecosystem. Our panelists will share case studies, ethical considerations, and real-life stories as they dive into AI’s transformative role in racing. Join us for a fascinating look at how AI is driving the industry forward, creating new efficiencies, and helping racing thrive in a competitive, data-driven world. Editor’s Note: This panel session was written by ChatGPT

10:45-11:45 am  |  Salon A&B
Going Global: Updates and Insights from the World Stage
Join us as we go global to hear from our racing friends abroad as they tackle new challenges in an ever-changing landscape. Our diverse group of panelists will share insights into how racing organizations worldwide are  adapting to change, embracing new opportunities, and navigating the complexities of racing in their home country. How can we learn and work together to support the future of racing at home and internationally? 

  • Hernán Fucile, Commercial Manager, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo
  • Beltrán Montt, Operations Manager, Hipódromo Chile Racetrack
  • Solomon Sharpe, Co-Founder, President and CEO, Main Event Entertainment Group Limited
  • Sarah Tregoning, Director of Media and Communications, Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
  • Moderator: Michele Fischer, Vice President, SIS Content Services

Noon-1:00 pm  |  Kiva Ballroom
Luncheon, Awards and Presentations

1:15-2:30 pm  |  Salon A&B
Champions. Challenges. Commitment. 
A Conversation with Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher
Champions aren’t made in a day. Challenges will test your strength of will. Commitment to the sport is mandatory. Join moderator Amy Zimmerman in a conversation with Hall of Fame trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher as they discuss the challenges and commitment required to develop champions while balancing their home and family lives.

1:15-3:00 pm  |  Executive Boardroom
International Tote Protocol Meeting

2:45-4:00 pm  |  Salon A&B
Investing in Racing's Future: Perspectives From the Next Generation
As the horse racing industry evolves, so does the vision of its future leaders. Engage with next-generation decision-makers as they share fresh perspectives on how to drive growth, engage new audiences, improve safety, and harness technology to modernize the sport. This panel brings together members of the HISA Next Generation Advisory Group to share their views including the challenges that young leaders face in an industry with an aging demographic. Join us for a rare chance to hear how the next generation of racing professionals envisions the sport’s future and what it will take to bring that vision to life.

4:00-4:50 pm |  Salon A&B
Fifty Ideas in 50 Minutes
Not every good idea needs an hour-long presentation to get the point across. In this high-energy, rapid-fire session, five panelists will present fifty innovative ideas in just fifty minutes! Each speaker will deliver their insights in 60 seconds or less, keeping the pace brisk and the ideas flowing. With a clocker’s stopwatch in hand, this dynamic panel promises to be fast-moving, engaging, and packed with actionable insights. After the session, a synopsis of all ideas will be shared, ensuring attendees leave with fresh perspectives and practical takeaways to drive the industry forward.

5:00-6:00 pm  |  Exhibit Area
Evening Networking Reception

 

WEDNESDAY,  December 11

7:00-8:00 am  |  Catalina Ballroom
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet

7:00-8:00 am  |  Ventana Room
Prayer Breakfast
Hosted by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America

8:00-8:30 am  |  Salon A&B
Welcome
Dr. Douglas Scott Merrell, Director, School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, 

RTIP Senior Capstone Presentations

8:30-9:00 am  |  Salon A&B
Racing's Success Stories – The Year in Review
This panel will spotlight key successes and innovations that have driven the industry forward over the past year. Highlights include Amplify’s impactful work to connect a new generation with the Thoroughbred industry, offering mentorship and pathways to equine-related careers. The National Museum and Hall of Fame will also mark a major milestone—75 years of preserving and promoting Thoroughbred racing's rich history. Additionally, FanDuel will share insights into their successful initiative to engage sports bettors in horse racing through a shared wallet platform, and MyRacehorse will discuss what led to their on-track success in 2024.

9:00-10:00 am  |  Salon A&B
The HIWU Testing Strategy: A Peek Behind the Curtain
In a conversation moderated by CHRB Equine Medical Director and HISA ADMC Committee Member Dr. Jeff Blea, join HIWU leadership, including Kate Mittelstadt (Operations), Shaun Richards (Investigations), and Dr. Mary Scollay (Science) for an informative panel session. They will discuss how HIWU’s different departments work together internally, as well as with outside experts and organizations, to implement an effective testing and investigations strategy that promotes the integrity of Thoroughbred racing while enhancing equine safety and welfare.

  • Kate Mittelstadt, Chief of Operations, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit 
  • Shaun Richards, Director of Intelligence & Strategy, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
  • Dr. Mary Scollay, Chief of Science, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
  • Moderator: Dr. Jeff Blea, Equine Medical Director, California Horse Racing Board

10:15-11:15 am  |  Salon A&B
Unlocking the Winning Playbook: Driving Innovative Sports Marketing Strategies
Competition in the sports industry is at an all-time high and strategic marketing initiatives will separate the winners from the losers. This panel brings together leading marketing minds to discuss the strategies, tools, and insights that are transforming sports marketing. How can  data analytics and digital platforms engage a younger, more diverse fanbase?  How do we drive attendance, create more memorable fan experiences, and form a stronger community? Learn how racing organizations can adapt these proven cutting-edge strategies to resonate with today's audiences. Gain practical takeaways to create a winning playbook to amplify fan engagement and position racing to thrive in a competitive sports world.

  • Dave Almy, Co-Founder, ADC Partners
  • Nikki Barry, Multimedia Operations and Brand Manager, Arizona Sports Properties
  • Megan Bell, SVP, Consumer Revenue & Insights, Los Angeles Chargers
  • Moderator: Bryan Pettigrew, VP and GM of Texas Racing Operations, Penn Entertainment

11:15 am-12:15 pm  |  Salon A&B
Securing the Future of America’s Retired Racehorses: Strategies, Success Stories, and Sustainable Solutions
Major improvements to American aftercare efforts have been achieved, particularly after the creation and launch of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in 2012. What does the next decade look like for America’s retired racehorses? What strategies could propel the space to new heights? From where can more sustainable funding be derived? Panelists will share success stories, opportunity areas, strategies under consideration and potential funding methods to ensure this space continues its positive trajectory.

11:30 am-1:15 pm  |  Ventana Room
Mentor Luncheon (by invitation)

1:30-2:30 pm  |  Salon A&B
TPA Mark Kaufman Workshop: How Do We Keep Racing Relevant in the Evolving Wagering Landscape?
With increased competition from sports betting, esports, and other digital gaming platforms, horse racing faces mounting pressure to innovate and adapt to changing bettor preferences. Panelists will explore why racing wagering is at risk of being left behind, what can be done to modernize the experience, and strategies to attract a new generation of bettors. The panel will discuss the steps needed to update the racing product and bettor experience to compete with popular wagering alternatives. Are there innovative ways to enhance the visibility and appeal of horse racing for today's digital-first bettor? How best can the racing industry collaborate with sports betting operators to expand reach and grow betting handle? This discussion will offer valuable perspectives and potential solutions for racing operators, ADWs, and other industry stakeholders seeking to revitalize wagering.

2:30-3:30 pm  |  Salon A&B
Safeguarding Equine Health: Biosecurity Strategies for Disease Prevention and Control
Equine diseases are a real threat often overlooked until at our doorstep and can have serious financial impact on horsemen and track operators alike.  Panelists will delve into best practices and effective protocols to protect horse health which will be applicable at racetracks, training facilities, and other equine environments. Track operators, trainers, and regulatory professionals will gain valuable information regarding risk mitigation to safeguard the health of their equines from seasoned experts who have served on the front lines combatting these outbreaks. This insightful panel discussion will cover essential biosecurity strategies for preventing and managing equine diseases.

  • Dr. Jeff Blea, Equine Medical Director, California Horse Racing Board
  • Dustin Dix, Director of Racetrack Operations, Sunland Park
  • Dr. Betsy Greene, Professor / Extension Horse Specialist, University of Arizona 
  • Dr. Ryan Wolker, State Veterinarian, Arizona Department of Agriculture
  • Moderator: Elizabeth Rogers, Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program

3:45-4:45 pm  |  Salon A&B
Structuring Handicapping Contests: Enhancing Bettor Experience While Boosting Bottom Line Results
This panel dives into the strategic role handicapping contests play in both enhancing the bettor experience and driving revenue for operators. Industry experts will provide insights into how contests are structured to engage new and existing customers, grow wagering activity, and integrate with overall marketing efforts. The session will also explore the role of feeder events in qualifying participants for major contests and the appeal of contests across different player segments.

5:00-6:00 pm  |  Exhibit Area
Closing Reception

Agenda subject to change