Big names line up for 32nd Asian Racing Conference being held in Tokyo, Japan 9th – 14th November 2008.

Leading figures from the fields of sport, business, marketing and technology will be sharing their expert insights at the 32nd Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Tokyo between November 9th -14th 2008.

The Asian Racing Conference has in recent years grown to the point of becoming the world’s pre-eminent racing forum. The theme of the Tokyo ARC is “NEW HORIZONS FOR RACING” and it will see some of the sport’s best minds come together with experts in the fields of business, marketing, science and technology to explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for racing in the 21st century.

Over the course of the conference some 80 people will participate as key note speakers, presenters or panellists, including:

Hiroshi Okuda - Father of the ‘Hybrid’ car - PRIUS. Chairman Toyota Motor Corporation 1999 – 2006 Chairman Japan Automobile Manufactures Association 2000 – Member Prime Minister’s Economic Strategy Council of Japan 2001 – 2006

Dr. Robyn Williams AM Science journalist and broadcaster United Nations Media Peace Prize Reuter Fellow - University of Oxford Author of 10 books including: “The uncertainty principle”, “Preconceived Notions” “Unintelligent Design: Why God isn’t as Smart as She Thinks She Is”

Terry Lanni Chairman and CEO, MGM Mirage (US)

Michael McHugh QC AC Former Justice of the High Court of Australia Current Justice of the Hong Kong Court of Appeal

John Wheeler Leading New Zealand Trainer (Rough Habit, Veandercross) Winner Japan Nakayama Grand Jump (St Steven 2002)

James Murdoch QC Senior barrister and licensed horse trainer. Ronald R. Haddock Partner of Booz & Company

David Aaker Emeritus Professor of Marketing and Public Policy Haas School of Business University of California Berkley Author of “Managing Brand Equity” and “Building Strong Brand”.

Carl Pascarella Former President and CEO of VISA Corp. (Major sponsor of the Triple Crown (US)) Andrew Main Business Editor - The Australian newspaper Author: “Other people’s Money” and “Rivkin Unauthorised”

John Stuart Director of International Business – Phumelela (South Africa)

Yasin Kadre Ekinci President - The Jockey Club of Turkey

Park Yang-Tae International Manager - Korean Racing Authority

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, believes that the range and quality of speakers will guarantee that the Tokyo ARC will deliver maximum benefit to the sport of racing.

“For ARF members it is a great opportunity to benchmark against the best in Asian and world racing, and for our colleagues around the world it is a window into Asia’s fast developing racing industry. With the support of the Japan Racing Association, the host country, the 32nd Conference will undoubtedly be a most productive and memorable event.”

Update on the Conference Programs
Sunday 9th November, 2008 11:00 ~17:00 Attend races at Tokyo Racecourse (32nd ARC Commemorative Trophy Race)

Monday 10th November, 2008 10:00 ~12:00 ARF-GRPC
13:00 ~15:00 ARF Executive Council
15:30 ~17:30 ARF Management Committee
8:30 ~16:30 Asian Stud Book Committee
8:30 ~16:30 ARF Stewards Meeting
18:00 ~18:45 32nd ARC Opening Ceremony
19:00 ~22:00 Welcome Dinner

Tuesday 11th November, 2008 8:30 ~12:00 Plenary Session 1 (Business)
13:00 ~15:00 Plenary Session 2 (Marketing & Customer Experience)
15:30 ~17:00 Selective Session 1 (Developing Racing in ARF Region)
15:30 ~17:00 Selective Session 2 (Track, Rails & Rider Safety)

Wednesday 12th November, 2008 8:30 ~12:00 Plenary Session 3 (Racing)
13:00 ~15:00 Plenary Session 4 (Informing the Customer)

Thursday 13th November, 2008 8:30 ~12:00 Plenary Session 5 (Wagering)
13:00 ~15:00 Plenary Session 6 (Sales & Breeding)
15:30 ~17:00 Selective Session 3 (New Technologies & Racing Applications)
15:30 ~17:00 Selective Session 4 (Equine Veterinary Science)
19:00 ~23:00 Closing Ceremony and Farewell Dinner

Friday 14th November, 2008 9:30 ~11:30 ARF Executive Council (De-briefing)

Other Events Tuesday 11th November 18:00~21:00 Evening races at Oh-i RC (Hosted by NAR)
Wednesday 12th November Tokyo Bay Cruise or Tokyo Disneyland® Tour
Friday 14th November 9:30~16:00 Miho Training Center Tour
Friday 14th ~Saturday 15th November Overnight Hokkaido Breeding Establishments Tour (Additional Cost)

For more information click on: www.arctokyo2008.com