Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga Set for August 2026

Five attorneys and industry executives have joined a newly formed advisory committee for the Racing & Gaming Conference at Saratoga, as organizers finalize plans for the sixth annual event set for August 10-12 at the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

The committee brings together Kim Copp, a partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; Josh Oppenheimer, a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig; Michele Fischer, Vice President at SIS Ltd; Chris Wittstruck, equine attorney for the Standardbred Owners Association of New York; and Brad Fischer, of counsel at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Their role extends well beyond lending their names to a letterhead. The committee is charged with suggesting panel topics, identifying moderators and panelists, introducing speakers during sessions, supporting fundraising efforts, and promoting the conference across media and professional networks.

"We are grateful to have such accomplished professionals join us in shaping the 2026 conference," said Juliann Barreto, RGCS Co-Executive Director and COO at Spectrum Gaming Group. "Their leadership and industry insight will be invaluable as we continue to grow RGCS and expand its reach across the racing and gaming community."

The three-day program will draw regulators, industry executives, gaming stakeholders, public-policy practitioners, and legislators. The current schedule calls for three sessions on the afternoon of Monday, August 10, followed by six panels on Tuesday, August 11. Full programming details, including panel topics and confirmed speakers, have not yet been released.

The conference runs concurrently with the summer Thoroughbred meet at Saratoga Race Course, a pairing that has become central to the event's identity over its six years in the city. Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, framed the return in personal terms: "Saratoga Springs is truly one of the most special destinations, and welcoming the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga back for its sixth year feels like welcoming family home. It brings together leaders from across the country, and we're proud to showcase everything that makes Saratoga such a memorable place to meet, connect, and explore."

Registration is open now, with early-bird rates available through July 9. The Saratoga Hilton has a room block reserved for attendees, but the group rate requires booking before July 10; organizers note rooms are limited and likely to sell out. New York attorneys who earned less than $75,000 in 2025, or who can demonstrate financial hardship in 2026, may qualify for a full or partial scholarship by contacting the organizers directly. Continuing legal education details are listed as coming soon. Sponsorship opportunities for 2026 are also available.

The conference can be reached at info@racingandgamingsaratoga.com or 609-926-5100, with full registration and event information at racingandgamingsaratoga.com.