The annual meeting of Harness Horsemen International (HHI) is set for Monday, Feb. 24 through Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

The meetings begin with an HHI Board Meeting on Feb. 24 at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Welcome Reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Beach Terrace Ocean Restaurant & Patio. 

The general session will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb.  25, with an opening address from HHI President Ron Battoni. Following this, Mike Tanner, Executive Vice President of the United States Trotting Association (USTA), will speak. Attendees will also enjoy a presentation from the American Horse Council (AHC) reflecting on the past year and looking ahead. Dr. Nicole Tate from the University of Minnesota will discuss equine DNA. The morning session will conclude with HHI minutes, business, and association reports.

The agenda for Wednesday, Feb. 26 begins with a presentation from Adam Glass, Senior Director of B2B Services, and Adam Marchuck, Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs at Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers. Following this, Jessica Johnson and Vikki Pfeilsticker will introduce a new marketing approach for HHI. The session will then move on to HHI Committee reports, covering insurance, legal, convention, foundation, and association matters. The day will culminate with the Awards Luncheon, featuring the presentation of the HHI Person of the Year Award to Ellen Taylor, the HHI Appreciation Award to Jessica Hallet, and the HHI Clyde Hirt Media Award to Kim Rinker.

The General Session begins on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 9 a.m., followed by association reports and any unfinished business. HHI elections follow before the conclusion of all meetings. 

HHI’s Board of Directors includes Ron Battoni, President; Kim Hankins, First Vice President; Tony Somone, Second Vice President; Sal DiMario, Secretary; and Andy Markano, Treasurer. At-large directors are Cathy Dessert, Aaron Hall, Mike Harant, and Paul London. Emeritus Members are Mike Izzo and Tom Luchento.

(With files from Harness Horsemen International)