The University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program has released the agenda for the 2012 Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming.
The agenda appears below.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Afternoon Events
• Opening Reception
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Morning Sessions and Events
• Complimentary Breakfast
• Marketability of Simulcast Products for the International Audience
As technology advances, allowing for more opportunities in the international marketplace, many new questions must be answered. What product attributes are most desirable in the various international markets? How do you begin to market and sell your racing product? What are the expectations once you move out of the domestic sales market? Speakers address these issues and offer other advice that will change your idea of the global marketplace. This session should be of interest not only to people who are charged with 'buying and selling the product,' but also those in racing departments who 'create the racing program' on a daily basis.
• The Changing Face of Account Wagering
Global online wagering has grown dramatically, making the landscape in which racing operates much more complex. It has become increasingly difficult for tracks and regulators to know the players and follow the dollars wagered. Speakers discuss this growth and how to navigate through the complexity of European and North American online wagering. This panel should be of interest to racing’s regulators who are charged with upholding the integrity of the racing and wagering product.
• Mentor Lunch (by invitation only)
Afternoon Sessions and Events
• The Mark Kaufman Workshop – Presented by the Turf Publicists of America: The Games People Play
Developers present the latest social, casual and virtual racing games designed to attract people to the sport. From the social games that pit a number of participants against each other, to casual games that are played solo, to games in which players work through levels of competency – track managers, marketing professionals and online wagering operators will discover the goals of these games as well as the rewards associated with them.
• (Special Registration Required) Global Simulcast Marketplace
The Race Track Industry Program’s Global Simulcast Marketplace is the one place where representatives of organizations from around the globe break down the barriers of time and distance to meet in one place, at one time, to buy and sell their racing product. This unique event enables select attendees of the Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming to expand their business opportunities in the international market of racing distribution. This is a not-to-miss event for anyone who is either a buyer or seller of a simulcast product.
• Evening Reception
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Morning Sessions and Events
• Complimentary Breakfast
• Redevelopment Strategies to Increase Business at North American Racetracks
For the first time in a public forum, Paul Roberts, UK-based Director of Turnberry Consulting, will address his perspective on redevelopment strategies for race tracks and racing organizations. This is not an architectural design or construction 'how to' session, but an in-depth business strategy tutorial that sets up a hypothesis and identifies key issues, all the while utilizing relevant examples to illustrate why success occurs. These principles should be of great interest to managers and investors in racing organizations the world over.
• Keeping Racing Relevant and the Pari-Mutuel Side of the Racino Profitable
It’s readily apparent that racing can’t rely on slot revenues to fuel the industry. What’s being done to make sure that racing stands on its own at both racino and non-racino venues? What more can, or must, be done? Panelists share their strategies and successes in keeping racing relevant. The success of the strategies presented here could have an impact on the health and viability of every sector of the racing industry.
• The Growth of Wagering 'On the Go'
Panelists discuss the recent growth and trends in mobile wagering as well as what they see as the future impact it will have. How big is the shift from laptops and I-Pads to smart phones? How must our business adapt? What’s the next move racing needs to make to keep up with society’s expectations? The information presented in this session should be of interest to both track managers as well as online wagering operators.
• Awards Luncheon
Afternoon Sessions and Events
• Perspectives on Marketing to New and Casual Customers
Executives report on cutting edge strategies being used to attract, educate and entertain racing’s 'new' customers. Track managers as well as marketing personnel will find a number of ideas they can immediately implement at their own tracks.
• Back in Fashion: How Tracks and Horsemen Can Benefit from the Renewed Interest in Thoroughbreds
Racetracks and racing organizations are becoming involved in the support and promotion of the thoroughbred’s return to prominence in competition outside the racing oval and the changing the image of the post racing thoroughbred from 'unwanted' to 'asset.' Panelists share their experiences, the resources available and the positive PR these events bring to all facets of the racing industry. This session should be of interest to representatives from horsemen’s organizations and tracks alike as they will gain valuable tools to showcase horses in post-racing careers.
• E-Verify Town Hall
The Outreach and Verification Division of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services will present a 'Town Hall' meeting concerning E-Verify. A short presentation of the program will be followed by a discussion regarding the best way to implement and use the program at race tracks. The 'Town Hall' should be of particular interest to state horsemen’s association leadership and staff to determine ways to help their membership access and use E-Verify as well as developing 'best practices' to ensure compliance. The representatives of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services also want to capture the concerns and identify issues that audience members have regarding access to E-Verify.
• Evening Reception
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Morning Sessions and Events
• Complimentary Breakfast
• Barriers to Dealing with 'The 1%'
What are the barriers to eliminating the 1% of licensees who account for over 24% of rule violations? This small percentage of participants not only hurts the public image of racing but also drives owners and trainers - who believe they aren’t competing on a level playing field - from the sport. Speakers address this topic with real examples in various jurisdictions. Since the public perception of racing affects the sport to a greater degree every day, this panel session should be of interest to everyone associated with the sport.
• Does Your Social Media Measure Up?
Social media has become a household term. No longer the 'new kid in town,' almost every organization has integrated some form of social media into their business model, devoting many resources to it. Racing is no exception. But, how do tracks measure the ROI? Experts discuss how to determine the economic impact of these efforts and evaluate if they are meeting the organization’s goals. Marketing personnel along with track management should both find great value in this panel as it identifies the 'value' of their social media efforts to the bottom line.
(RTIP)