Burlington, NJ – Harness Horsemen International (HHI) has released the official agenda for its 2026 annual meeting, scheduled for Feb. 23-27 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. Delegates from member associations across North America will convene to conduct organizational business, review industry developments, and advance HHI’s longstanding mission to protect the rights, welfare, and economic interests of harness horsemen while promoting the integrity and vitality of the sport.
Opening Day — Monday, Feb. 23
The meeting will open with registration beginning at 1 p.m. The HHI Executive Board will meet at 4:30 p.m., followed by a welcome reception at 5:30 p.m.
General Session — Tuesday, Feb. 24
Tuesday begins with a complimentary breakfast prior to the 9 a.m. start of the General Session, which will feature remarks from HHI President Ron Battoni and presentations from invited speakers, including:
Dr. Annette McCoy, featured speaker: Osteochondrosis (OCD) in the Standardbred Horse: Impacts and Insights
Mike Tanner, Executive Vice President & CEO, U.S. Trotting Association
The session will also include HHI business reports, minutes, and association updates, reflecting the organization’s commitment to transparency, advocacy, and unified representation of horsemen nationwide. A complimentary evening reception will be held at 5 p.m.
General Session & Awards — Wednesday, Feb. 25
Wednesday begins with the 9 a.m. start of the General Session, which will feature a presentation from Emily Stearns of the American Horse Council and a panel discussion on Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW), hosted by Chuck Grubbs, President of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Association, and John Hensley, Executive Director of the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association.
The session will also include HHI committee and association business. At 1 p.m., HHI will host its Annual Awards Luncheon, honoring individuals whose contributions exemplify the organization’s mission and values. Awards to be presented include:
Tom Luchento – Person of the Year Award for 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, Feb. 26
Thursday’s General Session will convene at 9 a.m., featuring elections and nominations, voting for Directors At-Large, and the review of unfinished business. Additional association reports will also be presented as part of HHI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and coordination among member groups.
HHI’s Board of Directors includes Ron Battoni, President; Kim Hankins, First VP; Tony Somone, Second VP; Sal DiMario, Secretary; Andy Markano, Treasurer. At-Large Directors are Cathy Dessert, Aaron Hall, Mike Harant, and Paul London, and Emeritus Members are Mike Izzo and Tom Luchento.
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For more information about Harness Horsemen International, visit our website www.harnesshorsemeninternational.com.