Harness Horsemen International will hold its annual meeting and awards luncheon beginning Sunday, March 6, at the Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Featured speakers include Dr. Mary Robinson of the University Of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Chester, PA, and Joe Pennachio, president and executive director of Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association.

Registration starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a welcome reception at 5:30 p.m., with general sessions beginning daily on March 7, 8 and 9.

Monday's (March 7) agenda includes an opening address by HHI President Tom Luchento, followed by remarks from USTA President Phil Langley and American Horse Council Executive Director Jay Hickey. HHI association reports and business will follow.

On Tuesday (March 8) Dr. Robinson will speak regarding medication issues followed by HHI meetings and discussions including insurance, finance, legal, convention and scholarship. Wednesday's (March 9) agenda features a presentation by Pennachio regarding the current ‘de-coupling' legislation, followed by committee reports and pertinent HHI business.

The HHI Annual Awards Luncheon will follow, honouring USTA Executive Vice President Mike Tanner, PHHA's retiring director Ron Battoni, and Harness Racing Communications’ Ken Weingartner. Tanner is being honoured as the 2015 Dominic Frinzi Person of the Year; Battoni will receive the 2015 HHI Appreciation Award; with the 2015 Clyde Hirt Media Award going to Weingartner.

(HHI)