The Race Track Industry Program has announced that New York Racing Association Chief Executive Officer and President Christopher Kay will give the keynote address at the 2013 Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming.

Kay was named CEO and President of NYRA on June 18, 2013. He brings a wide variety of business experience to the horse racing industry. Previously, Kay served as the COO for The Trust for Public Land; Managing Director of International Business Development for Universal Parks and Resorts, and in several roles for the Fortune 500 company Toys “R” Us including COO and General Counsel.

Kay hit the ground running, as he recently presided over the most popular race meet in the country, Saratoga Race Course, where he emphasized improving the on-track guest experience.

“We are thrilled that Chris Kay will kick off this year’s symposium,” said Doug Reed, director of the Race Track Industry Program. “Racing fans wager around $2 billion a year on NYRA races making it a key player in our industry.”

The University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program has gained worldwide recognition for its annual Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming held in Tucson since 1974. Scheduled for Dec. 9-12, 2013, the event attracts attendees from across the United States and around the globe with cutting-edge topics and trends of importance to the pari-mutuel industry. Additional information on events and registration can be found here.

(RTIP)