Digital business applications are among the topics to be discussed during the University of Arizona Symposium on Racing & Gaming Dec. 5-8 in Tucson.
Several panel discussions will be geared toward adapting to and using online and interactive technology to manage operations and attempt to develop online betting.
“The news from Main Street this week affirms the importance of online commerce to our customers,” Race Track Industry Program director Doug Reed said Nov. 30. “Consumers went online to spend a record $1.25 billion on ‘Cyber Monday.’ More important, for those of us in businesses where we depend on trips to our facilities, we need to take note of the fact that online spending was $816 million on Black Friday, a day usually reserved for trips to the mall.
“Now is the time to leverage the digital market for our sport.”
Some of the panels are: “Social Media and the ADW: A Match Made in Heaven”; “Your Social Networking Toolbox: What’s In It?”; “Managing Your Business on the Internet”; and “Unique Computer Applications for Racing.”
The symposium as usual will be held at the Westin La Paloma Resort. Sessions are scheduled for the morning and afternoon of Dec. 6-7 and the morning of Dec. 8.
Industry organizations traditionally hold meetings the week of the symposium. The Association of Racing Commissioners International will hold its Model Rules Committee meeting the afternoon of Dec. 8 at the nearby Omni Tucson National Resort.
Horse Racing Radio Network will provide special coverage of the symposium, with two-hour shows each on Dec. 6-7. HRRN president Mike Penna and co-host Jude Feld will anchor the shows that will air live from 10 a.m.-noon EST each day exclusively on the HRRN website, www.horseracingradio.net, and will be available via podcast on the HRRN site following each broadcast.
Each show will feature live interviews regarding various industry issues being addressed at the symposium.