from Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

Freehold, NJ — The United States Trotting Association is offering a one-day workshop on conducting media relations and publicity activities for county fair racing on Friday, April 11. The workshop will be held at the USTA offices at 750 Michigan Avenue in Columbus, Ohio and is free to members. Non-members can attend at a cost of $25.

The day will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will cover the basics of how to interest media outlets in fair or matinee racing, developing media and story sources and pitching and writing stories to bring attention to your race meet. There will also be instruction on photography from USTA staff photographer Mark Hall.

Though the workshop is designed for those working on county fair publicity, the information applies to any racing-related venues. Any member who might find the information useful is welcome to attend.

Workshop participants will get a certificate of completion, lunch and a one-day ticket to Equine Affaire, one of the continent’s largest shows of equine demonstrations, products and entertainment, taking place in Columbus from April 10 to 13.

A block of hotel rooms have been reserved under the name US Trotting Association at the Varsity Inn just 1.5 miles from the USTA at a rate of $65 plus tax. The rate will be in effect until March 27. After that date, rates will range from $70 and higher. Contact the Varsity Inn directly at (614) 291-2983.

The workshop will be taught by Ellen Harvey, head of the USTA’s Harness Racing Communications division and previously director of media relations at The Meadowlands Racetrack.

For more information or to sign up, contact Ellen Harvey at HRCNews@ustrotting.com, or call (732) 780-3700.