NRC Chairman’s Column: Set your expectations sky high for 2022 NRC conference

By Jim Hansen, NRC Chairman

If that old expression “You Get What You Expect” is true, I implore to you set your expectations high for the NRC 2022 Conference and NRC-REMSA Exhibition coming up Jan. 5-8, 2022.

That’s when more than 1,000 railway industry leaders will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

If you plan to attend, you should already be preparing for the industry’s most valuable networking event by stocking up on business cards and lining up meetings with key contacts. You also can get ready by identifying what you need to learn to develop an actionable 2022 gameplan. Attendees routinely report information they learn from the NRC conference is vital to mapping out their company’s yearlong plans.

After taking a year off, the NRC is roaring back with an impressive schedule featuring many of the same sessions you count on as well as a few surprises. I couldn’t be more excited share what the NRC has in store for attendees. Here are just a few conference highlights:

Fireside Chat with Union Pacific Railroad President & CEO Lance Fritz — This premier session features an informal and far-reaching discussion with business and industry veteran Lance Fritz. Expect to learn insights into Union Pacific, the rail industry and the broader post-pandemic business climate. Be attentive to Mr. Fritz’s message to contractors and suppliers looking for collaborative partnerships with Class Is.

Railway Engineering Capital Plans — Hear from engineering leaders from Class I and key short line railroads along with major transit lines about capital plans and priority projects for the year ahead. Get firsthand reports geared specifically for contractors and suppliers about opportunities, timetables and key requirements and challenges to secure and complete work. These leaders also provide insights about industry trends and operating practices, including Precision Scheduled Railroading, safety and technology.

Safety — Gain detailed information and analysis from Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) officials on Part 243 training rule, Part 219 rule on mandatory drug and alcohol testing, Part 214 Roadway Worker Protection, as well as fatalities for railway workers and signal operators. Also, gain greater detail on the FRA’s signature voluntary programs C3RS, FAMES, and SOFA.

Don’t miss a special presentation from a safety leadership advisor for Caterpillar Inc. on taking safety from the executive office to the frontline. Also, the NRC is bringing back “Speed Networking” with Union Pacific. Note that pre-registration is required.

Transportation Legislation and Policy Priorities — Listen to a wide-ranging discussion among government affairs leaders recapping the impact of legislative activities on rail, including the infrastructure bill, budget reconciliation package and the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations bill. This panel also will cover the Surface Transportation Board and freight rail perspective on re-regulation threats, merger activity, and the legislative and regulatory outlook for 2022.

Sustainability — New to the conference lineup, this timely panel discussion comes in response to popular demand among members. Hear from a cross-section in the industry about how sustainability has become a fundamental business requirement. Expect insights into industry best practices and practical actions plans to address this trend.

Other highlights include a Signals & Communications panel discussion, commentary on the role of private equity companies in the rail contractor market, and member awards, including safety, projects of the year, field employee of the year and inductees into our Hall of Fame.

Please check here for all the conference details: https://bit.ly/3yTPoYC

Wishing you happy holidays and safe travels to Phoenix.

“Building a Safer and Stronger Railway Construction Industry Together!”