Railway Interchange 2015 sets attendance record

Total registered attendance topped 9,000 at Railway Interchange 2015 held last week in Minneapolis.

The attendance of 9,571 marked a new record for the combined exhibition and technical conference, organizers said in a press release.

The event showcased the latest technology, services and research by members of the Railway Railway Supply Institute (RSI), the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), and Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (RSSI). Railway Interchange 2015 also featured technical presentations and discussions by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the Coordinated Mechanical Associations.

Total attendance at Railway Interchange exceeded 9,000 this year, organizers say.
Photo: Railway Interchange

Attendance exceeded expectations, said AREMA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Beth Caruso.

Other association executives also praised the event. RSI President Tom Simpson said, “We’ve had very positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors, proof that Railway Interchange continues to provide value as it grows.”

REMSA Director of Trade Shows David Soule noted that with more than 400,000 square feet of combined indoor exhibit space and more than 1.5 miles of combined outdoor on-and-off-track exhibits, the show was the largest combined railway exhibition and technical conference to date in North America.

“Railway Interchange 2015 was an unqualified success. People are already asking about the next Railway Interchange and looking to secure booth space,” added RSSI Executive Director Secretary/Treasurer Michael Drudy.

The event featured 687 total exhibits, with 652 indoor and 35 outdoor. Seventy-six exhibits were international and 42 countries were represented. The record attendance included 1,127 international attendees.

For more photos of Railway Interchange, take a look at Progressive Railroading's slide show from the event.