Railway Interchange 2019 logs attendance, exhibitor increases

Railway Interchange, the largest exhibit and technical conference for the North American railroad industry, announced last week that total registered attendance for the biennial event reached 8,450, up 3.4 percent from the 2017 event's attendance.

Held Sept. 22-25 in Minneapolis, the conference featured 746 exhibitors at the indoor and outdoor exhibits, up from 738 in 2017 and setting a new record, Railway Interchange officials said in a press release.

The exhibits showcased the latest technology, services, and research by members of the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), and Railway Systems Suppliers Inc. (RSSI). Railway Interchange also included the 2019 Annual Conference of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the RSI Education & Technical Training Conference.

“The increased registration numbers and our attendee survey results show that Railway Interchange 2019 was a success,” said AREMA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Beth Caruso.

RSI President Mike Mike O'Malley noted that the RSI Education & Training Conference held during the Interchange featured new sessions, along with dedicated tracks in air brakes, railway operations, railcar technical services, locomotive maintenance, and women in rail.

"We are thrilled that attendance continues to grow and there is a demand for this education in our industry," O'Malley said.

The 2019 conference was the fifth time Railway Interchange was held. REMSA Executive Director David Tennent noted that demand for exhibit space has grown with each event.

The previous Railway Interchange, held in 2017 in Indianapolis, drew 8,150 attendees and featured 738 indoor exhibitors, with participants from 46 countries, organizers said. Railway Interchange 2015 in Minneapolis drew more than 9,000 attendees and featured 687 indoor and outdoor exhibitors, with participants from 42 countries around the world.

“Railway Interchange 2019 is getting positive feedback from our members,” added RSSI Executive Director Michael Drudy. “Although booth sales for Railway Interchange 2021 won’t begin until next year, exhibitors are already asking about reserving space for the next show.”

The next Railway Interchange will take place Sept. 26-29, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Future dates for the 2023 event have been scheduled, as well.