Equestricon 2017: Horse Racing Convention in Saratoga Springs
Editor's Note: The 2018 edition of Equestricon is being held in Louisville, KY during the Breeders' Cup Festival (October 29-30, 2018). For more information, please visit equestricon.com.
August 13-15, 2017 at the Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga is known for its historic Race Course and proud tradition of thoroughbred racing, but this summer the city will host a one-of-a-kind convention bringing together horse racing enthusiasts and industry experts: Equestricon.
Equestricon includes exhibitions, demonstrations, and panel discussions covering a broad array of horse racing-related topics from new technologies and innovations to marketing and new media.
Attendees will also have an unprecedented opportunity to network with others who are involved in all facets of the industry.
*Note: The 13th is considered an "Add-On Experience" day for visitors coming to Saratoga for the first time, or for those eager to explore the city and its rich racing heritage. This day is not considered part of the Equestricon General Session - the primary part of the convention at the Saratoga Springs City Center is on the 14th and 15th.
Live On-Site Appraisals by Lelands Auctions
The leading online sports auction house Lelands will be on site at Equestricon, offering live appraisals of racing items for the first time. Attendees can bring in their own racing memorabilia and have Lelands appraise what it's worth! Lelands will also have items available for viewing from the Lelands Fall 2017 Auction Catalogue that will be part of an auction that will end after Equestricon.
You'll be able to find Lelands at Equestricon inside the main exhibit hall of the Saratoga Springs City Center during the general session of Equestricon on Monday, August 14th and Tuesday, August 15th.
Equestricon Schedule Highlights
There are over 45 great events and panels associated with Equestricon! For example, retired NYRA announcer Tom Durkin will be emcee for the convetion, and he will be appearing on a panel called "The Greatest Race Calls" with other popular announcers, including Larry Collmus!
The panels and sessions highlighted below are just a taste of what you can expect from this incredible conference:
Q&A: Triple Crown Jockeys
Racing's coveted Triple Crown... don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the jockeys who rode Triple Crown winners to the finish. There will even be autograph signings with Team Secretariat!
Tournament & Advanced Handicapping Panels
Do you want to improve your handicapping skills? Wondering what handicapping and betting is all about? Attend one of several panels on handicapping and betting or stop by the Betting Basics 101 booth in the show room for one-on-one info and advice!
Young Professionals in Racing Networking Events
Have you ever been at the track and wished for a place where you could walk up to another racing fan and know they were interested in racing beyond the rail? Equestricon is your chance to mix and mingle with other racing fans, industry professionals, and enthusiasts! There are two partciular networking events for young professionals that will be an excellent opportunity to make connections, learn, and enjoy a cocktail!
Q&A: The Breeding Game
Ever wondered how to breed a winner? Learn all about thoroughbred breeding and even attend a panel on forming a racing syndicate to own your own race horse!
Trainers' Panel
Training is such an incredibly important part of racing, but how much do you really know about techniques, schedules, and what to look for in a horse's training? Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about training at this panel discussion!
Racing Photography & Social Media Panels
We all know that social media is disrupting pretty much every industry. Learn how to take great racing photos and use them to their best effect on Instagram, Facebook, and more!
Discover more reasons you should attend Equestricon »
Tickets for Equestricon
On sale February 24, 2017, tickets are available exlcusively on the event website, Equestricon.com. Admission to the two-day general session includes access to the main conventional hall, live entertainment (including live music presented by Saratoga.com!), over 50 vendor booths, on-site networking events, interactive displays, equine artists, racing authors, and educational attractions for fans, horseplayers, and stakeholders at every level of the sport.
The Panel Pass is sold separately and includes access to two days of panels and discussions with some of the most prominent personalities in the industry. Topics inlcude discussions on aftercare, media, marketing, betting, getting a job in racing, training, ownership, breeding, international perspectives, and more!
An Autograph Pass is also available and gives attendees access to racing legends like Triple Crown-winning jockeys and Hall of Fame racing personalities, including Ron Turcotte, Charlie Davis, Bill Nack, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen.
Add on events include a "Fashion Showcase" brunch and exclusive tours of the Fasig-Tipton sales ground and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.