Global Symposium on Racing Schedules 2026 Agenda

The 52nd Annual Global Symposium on Racing will return to Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, December 7-9, 2026, bringing together racing industry leaders, innovators, executives, regulators, horsemen, researchers and other stakeholders for three days of discussion focused on the future of horse racing. Visit RacingSymposium.com for a first look at the 2026 Global Symposium on Racing agenda, including featured topics and speakers, and register to attend this year's Symposium. Highlights of the 2026 Global Symposium on Racing agenda include: The 99%: The Work Behind the Winner's Circle— The biggest racing victories are built on years of hard work, setbacks, difficult decisions and persistence that fans rarely see. Hear from 2026 Kentucky Derby winning trainer Cherie Devaux and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen about the challenges behind their success and the lessons they've learned along the way. From Sports and Music to Racing: Building New Audiences and New Owners— This panel will explore how influential figures, including former MLB superstar Jayson Werth, are using their platforms, networks, and business expertise to introduce the sport to new fans, create new pathways to ownership, and expand racing's reach. Putting AI to Work in Racing: What Helps, What Hurts, and How to Tell the Difference— Industry experts will take a practical look at where artificial intelligence can improve racing operations, where it can introduce risk, and how organizations can determine whether AI is actually delivering value. What Racing Can Learn from Sports' Boldest Innovators— Featuring Mike McCarley, Founder & CEO of TMRW Sports, and Russ Brandon, CEO of the United Football League, this panel will explore how organizations are rethinking the traditional sports experience to create new audiences and new opportunities. The On-Track Racing Product: Lessons from the Past, Solutions for the Future— Senior racing officials will discuss condition books, race entries, racing office staffing, horse populations and practical solutions for strengthening the on-track product. The Five-Tool Team: Bringing Out the Best in People to Make Better Decisions— Join Hall of Fame Coach Mike Candrea and Arizona Men's Basketball Head Coach Tommy Lloyd as this session brings together famed leaders to explore what it takes to build and sustain elite teams. Dr. Ricardo Valerdi, author of The Five-Tool Team, joins Candrea and Lloyd to discuss trust, communication, individual strengths and better decision-making under pressure.