FORMAT:

All DOME topics will be discussed in a panel format with strict time limits with time for Q&A and roundtable group discussion unless otherwise indicated.  We are seeking 3 panelists per topic and will continue to update this as participants are confirmed. No "lectures" will be permitted. Any topics where no specific panelists are listed will be conducted as a group roundtable discussion.

DOME panels will be moderated by Jon O'Neal and Jason Kennedy

PANELISTS:

We've got some great speakers lined up in numerous categories (in no particular order):

• Jason Murray, Director of Operations, National Trail Raceway
  Merchandiser and creator of Hillbilly Nationals and other unique events key to the revival of National Trail Raceway
• Jason Kennedy, founder of Trackside Systems and founder of the AutoInterests High Performance (road course) Driving School
  Blending the insights of being a promoter himself and insights from serving dozens of race tracks and other promoters with his technology.
• Anissa Bezanson, audiologist, and owner of TrackTune
  Digital announcement and hearing protection systems which enhances fan experiences and provides vital hearing protection.
• Scott Kosak, owner of GetInTheStands.com
  Over 6 million fans have used his online directory to find and attend racing events. He will provide actionable marketing insights from his many years of experience in promoting events and working with countless tracks across the country.
• Jay Livingston, Owner and visionary of the revival of National Trail Raceway
  Jay has owned multiple race tracks during his lifelong career in racing and will share many of the strategies and lessons learned in his many years in the industry.
• Dave Laber, Sports Insurance Specialists
  Sharing insights from his many years of experience of how to manage risk and ensure you have proper coverage for your events and facility.
• Jon O'Neal, World Drag Racing Alliance
  Jon has decades of experience in sanctioning bodies and has a wealth of knowledge in the intricacies of relationships with tracks and events.
• Tom Deery, Performance Racing Industry, Outreach Ambassador & Motorsports Advocacy
• Keith Sweeney, 100Group
  Over a decade of experience in payments technology, and specializing in motorsports clients. Keith provides valuable insights on the latest payments solutions to make race tracks more efficient and profitable while enhancing customer experiences.
• Roger Mealy, Digital Throttle Marketing
  Marketing firm specializing in motorsports marketing strategies.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, January 30, 2025

6-9pm - WinLight Wellcome Reception & Happy Hour @ Host Hotel

• practice tree competition
• mock betting
• two drink tokens per person + cash bar
• prizes & camaraderie

Friday, January 31, 2025

DOME 2025 presented by Sports Insurance Specialists officially begins!

8:30am - doors open, coffee & light breakfast service

9am - Opening Remarks, Welcome & Quick History
Speakers: Carl Blanton, Jay Livingston, Jason Kennedy

9:45am - Event Strategy
Building unique events, feature shows, attracting & retaining spectators and racers
Panelists: Jason Murray, Greg Miller

10:30am - Marketing & Advertising
Digital, radio, tv, direct mail, social media, balancing all channels
Panelists: Scott Kosak, Roger Mealey

11:30am - PA Technology & Hearing Protection Considerations
Panelists: Anissa Bezanson, Audiologist

Noon - lunch (provided)
Lunch 'n Learn
Tom Deery, Performance Racing Industry Outreach & Motorsports Advocacy

1:00pm - How Technology Improves the Customer Journey
Panelists: Jason Kennedy, Keith Sweeney, Rex Simmermaker

1:45pm - Pricing Strategy
For spectators, racers & special events

2:15pm - Concession Operations
Insource vs. outsource and more
Panelists: Greg Miller, Veronica Steder

3:00pm - Break

3:15pm - Merchandise Operations
Sourcing, pricing, what sells & what doesn't, maintaining margins

4:00pm - Gate Operations & Ticketing
Speed, efficiency, fighting fraud, managing shrink/theft

5:00pm - Happy Hour & Networking

6:30pm - Group Dinner TBD

Saturday, February 1, 2025

8:30am - doors open, coffee & light breakfast service

9:00am - Sponsorships
Building a sponsor deck, what to charge, how to find sponsors & partners (and differences between the two)
Panelists: Greg Miller

10:00am - Employee Recruitment & Training

11:00am - Event Safety
On and off the track surface

Noon - lunch (provided)
Lunch 'n Learn
Scott Kosak, Simple Tips, That Cost You Nothing, to Make Your Social Media More Impactful

1:00pm - Track Operations/Race Control
Track prep & managing on-track operations

2:30pm - Break

2:45pm - Insurance
Managing costs, reducing risks, other considerations
Panelists: Dave Laber, Joe Trull

3:30pm - Sanctioning Bodies
Differences between them, finding the best fit, benefits

4:30pm - Closing Remarks, Open roundtable and Q&A

5:30pm - Adjournment

This agenda is a work in progress and is subject to change.  If you, or somebody you know, is interested in being a panelist or has an idea for a topic not currently listed, we welcome you to complete our Call for Speakers form here.