Railway Interchange exhibit space sold out for September conference

Exhibit space for the Railway Interchange 2017 conference has sold out, event organizers announced this week.

The exhibition, the largest rail industry trade show in North America, will be held Sept. 17-19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Technical and educational sessions will take place Sept. 18-20, according to a Railway Interchange 2017 press release.

The exhibition will showcase 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 features technical presentations and discussions by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA).

"More than 700 exhibitors from the rail industry's mechanical, communications and signaling, and maintenance of way disciplines will bring their displays to the expo hall this year, breaking the previous record set in 2015," said REMSA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer David Tennent.

Highlights of the conference program, which will begin Sept. 18, include the joint general session with keynote speaker Ken Schmidt, former Harley-Davidson Motor Co. executive; Michael Wheeler, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Norfolk Southern Corp., who will address the AREMA Annual Committee Chairs Luncheon on Sept. 19; and railroad industry analyst Anthony Hatch at ABH Consulting, who will be the featured speaker at the AREMA closing general session on Sept. 20.

The five CMA members will present 65 technical sessions and panel discussions during Railway Interchange, according to RSI President and CEO Tom Simpson.

"Our CMA sessions present a wide range of research and discussions of interest to keep Railway Interchange attendees current on the latest advances and issues important to our industry," Simpson said.

The CMA includes the Air Brake Association (ABA), the International Association of Railway Operating Officers (IAROO), the League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW), the Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association (LMOA) and Mechanical Association Railcar Technical Services (MARTS).

LRIW will present its Outstanding Woman of the Year Award during the opening joint general session on Sept. 18. The award is co-sponsored by Progressive Railroading.

In addition to the AREMA and CMA meetings, the North American Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) will hold its annual general meeting in conjunction with Railway Interchange on Sept. 19.

Registration fees for Railway Interchange will increase by $75 on Aug. 10. Registration information and online access are available on the conference website.