Harness Horsemen International

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2026 Annual Meeting Agenda

February 23–27, 2026

Embassy Suites Hotel | Deerfield Beach, Florida

 

Opening Day — Monday, February 23

1:00 p.m. — Registration Opens

4:30 p.m. — Executive Board Meeting

5:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception

 

General Session — Tuesday, February 24

Complimentary Breakfast (prior to session)

9:00 a.m. — General Session Convenes

• Welcome and remarks from HHI President Ron Battoni

• Featured presentations:

  • Dr. Annette McCoy
    Osteochondrosis (OCD) in the Standardbred Horse: Impacts and Insights

  • Mike Tanner, Executive Vice President & CEO, U.S. Trotting Association

  • Panel Discussion: Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW)

    • Hosted by Chuck Grubbs, President, Kentucky Horsemen’s Association, and Mike Tanner.

• HHI business reports, minutes, and association updates

5:00 p.m. — Complimentary Evening Reception

 

General Session & Awards — Wednesday, February 25

9:00 a.m. — General Session Convenes

• Featured presentation:

  • Emily Stearns, American Horse Council

• HHI committee and association business

1:00 p.m. — Annual Awards Luncheon

• Tom Luchento — Person of the Year Award (2025)

• Rich Gillock — Appreciation Award

• Mikaela Del Giudice — Clyde Hirt Media Award

 

Representatives from HHI’s new insurance provider, Canopius, will be on site throughout the meeting and available to answer questions.

 

Elections & Organizational Business — Thursday, February 26

9:00 a.m. — General Session Convenes

• Elections and nominations

• Voting for Directors At‑Large

• Unfinished business

• Additional association reports