NRC Chairman’s Column: Mark your calendar for the 2022 NRC Conference

My work is taking me on the road again, where I am meeting with other industry professionals at railroads and transit agencies, contractors and suppliers, in government and at railway associations. The most common question I’m asked lately is if we are holding the 2022 NRC Conference. The answer is an enthusiastic “Yes,” along with assurances this will be our biggest and best conference ever. 

Maybe it’s because my home is in Minnesota, but the appeal of traveling to Phoenix in January is high. The truth is, staying at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa next January 5 through 8 is a treat no matter where you come from. 

The conference line-up is an even bigger draw. There’s nowhere else you can go to hear from chief engineers about 2022 engineering and capital plans for all the Class I and major short line railroads, as well as large passenger rail and transit authorities. Conference highlights also include the fireside chat with a Class I CEO, infrastructure, legislative and safety updates, as well as a range of educational seminars and awards. And don’t forget the NRC-REMSA exhibition, featuring more than 200 industry suppliers. 

If that isn’t enough, prior attendees tell us the connections they make at the annual NRC event are invaluable. The conference draws more than 1,000 industry leaders from all facets of railway construction and maintenance. Many attendees map out their gameplan for the entire year based on the connections they make at this consequential conference. 

For leaders who plan on attending: Consider what young or new professional on your team would benefit from this development opportunity. I was fortunate to be invited to attend the conference by my boss decades ago. I learned a lot and met lifelong mentors and associates. The annual conference helped to open so many doors that have been pivotal to my career development.

The NRC 2022 Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition will be held Jan. 5–8, 2022, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix.

It’s time to start making your plans to attend. Booth sales, the hotel room block and registration are now open. After missing last year due to the pandemic, I can’t wait to connect with everyone for what I know will be a safe and substantive homecoming for rail industry professionals. 

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

Jim Hansen, NRC Chairman
The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association Inc.
80 M Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-715-2920
nrcma.org • info@nrcma.org