Railway Interchange returns to Indianapolis

Every two years, the rail worlds meet at Railway Interchange, the largest combined railway exhibition and technical conference in North America. This fall, about 10,000 railroaders will convene, compare notes and reconnect in Indianapolis.

To be held Sept. 17-20 at the Indiana Convention Center, Railway Interchange comprises technical presentations from the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA); and a products and services exhibition organized by the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), Railway Systems Suppliers Inc. (RSSI) and Railway Supply Institute (RSI).

“This will be the fourth time that we will have the opportunity to bring our technical conference together with the exhibition provided by RSI, REMSA and RSSI,” said AREMA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Beth Caruso. “Our planning is underway, and our technical presentations and events are sure to please.”

Education is a big aspect of this biennial event. AREMA will offer more than 66 technical presentations this year. The association also will conduct a range of seminars, including:
• Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering;
• Track Alignment Design;
• Track Safety Standards;
• Intermodal Terminal Engineering;
• Railroad Bridge Load Rating Steel Structures.

The CMA will host a variety of mechanical-department-related technical and educational sessions, as well. CMA comprises the Air Brake Association Inc., the International Association of Railway Operating Officers Inc., the Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association, the League of Railway Industry Women, and the Mechanical Association Railcar Technical Services.

Railway Interchange attendees will have multiple opportunities to learn and engage outside of a classroom setting as well. Ken Schmidt — a brand visionary, thought leader and former Harley-Davidson Motor Co. communications director — promises to deliver a provocative keynote during the Monday, Sept. 18 Railway Interchange General Session. Michael Wheeler, Norfolk Southern Corp.’s Executive Vice President and COO, is the speaker at AREMA’s Annual Committee Chairs Luncheon on Tuesday (this ticketed event requires a separate fee). Rail transportation analyst (and Progressive Railroading columnist) Tony Hatch delivers his take on the rail world at large in the AREMA Closing General Session on Wednesday.

The rail industry’s vitality will be on display in the exhibit halls, where more than 600 exhibitors will showcase the latest technology, services and research by members and supporters of REMSA, RSSI and RSI. Exhibits will be in three contiguous halls without barriers, so attendees won’t miss any of the innovations.

Registration opens April 3

Rooms are available at several hotels within walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center. Event registration and the hotel room block opens on April 3, and attendees are advised to book rooms and register to attend early.