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Railway Interchange: RSI Education Tracks and Surrounding Meetings

Tuesday, May 20

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

12:30 – 1:00 p.m.

Ancillary Meeting

Education Coffee Break

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Driving the Future: Technological Innovation in the Rail Supply Industry

The rail supply industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by advancements in automation, digitalization, and sustainable technologies. This free interactive workshop will explore how emerging innovations—such as artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, next-generation materials, and data-driven supply chain solutions—are reshaping the industry. Participants will gain insights into key trends, real-world applications, and the regulatory landscape impacting adoption. Through facilitated discussions and case studies, attendees will engage with industry experts to identify opportunities for integrating new technologies into their operations and explore strategies for overcoming implementation challenges. Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, or industry stakeholder, this session will provide practical takeaways to help you stay ahead in an evolving market.

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The Railway Supply Institute Government & Public Affairs Committee (GPAC) meeting at Railway Interchange 2025 is open to all RSI member companies who have an interest in RSI’s rail supplier advocacy and communications program. GPAC works collaboratively to identify and work to advance the railway supply industry legislative and regulatory goals.
 
Legislative issues of interest include: rail car safety and security; supporting the Section 130 highway-rail grade crossing program; supporting railroads in securing tax incentives to increase infrastructure capacity; securing federal investment for positive train control and rail safety research and development; securing a stable and dedicated source of federal funding for intercity passenger rail; promoting balanced regulation and proactively advocating against bigger trucks.
 
Also, the committee works very closely with Operation Lifesaver to reduce the deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights-of-way through education programs.

2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

Wednesday, May 21

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast Networking Education Session

Discussion led by: Bo Thompson, AVP Industry Affairs, Progress Rail; and Tom Jackson, SVP Marketing, The Greenbrier Companies

Kick off your morning at Railway Interchange 2025 with an engaging Breakfast Networking Session hosted by the Railway Supply Institute (RSI). This session offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with industry peers while discussing the most pressing topics, trends, and challenges in the railway supply industry.
 
Join us for breakfast and meaningful discussions that will help shape the future of the railway supply industry!
 
Choose from one of three discussion tables tailored to your area of expertise:

Discuss the latest innovations, operational efficiencies, and regulatory developments impacting locomotive manufacturing and maintenance.

Explore the current trends in railcar design, safety standards, and the evolving needs of shippers and customers in the freight and passenger rail sectors.

Dive into the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers of essential railway components, including supply chain issues, quality assurance, and emerging technologies.

9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Innovation, Growth, and What’s Next for the Rail Supply Industry

Presented by: Mike McClellan, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Office, Norfolk Southern

Moderated by: Tony Hatch, Analyst/Consultant, ABH Consulting

As the railway industry continues to evolve, new technologies, market dynamics, and regulatory shifts are reshaping the future of rail supply. In this engaging fireside-style conversation, Mike McClellan of Norfolk Southern and renowned industry analyst Tony Hatch will explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities emerging across the rail ecosystem.
Join us for an insightful and forward-looking keynote that will offer fresh perspectives, real-world insights, and strategic takeaways to help position your organization for success in the year ahead.
 
Additionally, Railway Interchange 2025 is proud to announce the winner of the third annual National Railway Historical Society/Railway Age/Railway Track & Structures Annual Outstanding Railroad Historic Preservation Award during this session.
 
The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), Railway Age, and Railway Track & Structures (RT&S) will recognize and honor a North American common-carrier railroad for a historically significant preservation project currently in operation, accessible to the public or on display in the United States, Canada or Mexico. NRHS members and Railway Age and RT&S readers are strong advocates for sharing the railroad industry’s important history. This award is intended to recognize the most outstanding example of historic preservation achieved within the railroad industry itself. Join us as the third Award winner will be announced! Learn more about the award. 

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Technology for Rail Advancement and Quality

Presented by: Mary John, Director of Business Development, Parallel Systems; and Michael Miller, CEO, Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.

Moderated by: Jim Riley, President, Railway Supply Institute

In the increasingly competitive environment for transportation of goods, technological advancements are pivotal to improving safety and efficiency. Unfortunately, RSI members know all too well the challenges inherent in adopting new technologies and the ways that prescriptive standards discourage innovation. Join this session to learn more about the different cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the rail supply industry and how RSI is leading the charge for process improvements and more performance-based standards.

High Speed Rail in the US

Presented by: Jed Poster, Senior Director, High-Speed Rail, Amtrak

Jed Poster is the Senior Director, High-Speed Rail at Amtrak. Under SVP Andy Byford, he supports the national railroad’s efforts to bring true HSR to the U.S. – by establishing a center of excellence for HSR and accelerating key projects in the planning and development stages.
 
Trained as a city planner, Jed joined Amtrak in 2023 after five years in leadership roles at New York’s MTA, the largest transit agency in North America. Before entering the public sector, Jed supported high-profile projects across North America as a consultant at Parsons Brinckerhoff, WSP, and AKRF, where he developed expertise across the project development spectrum – including transportation economics, environmental planning, project finance, and public-private partnerships.
 
At Railway Interchange 2025, Jed will share how Amtrak is helping push the U.S. towards embracing high-speed rail as a cornerstone of future transportation. He will share the role of rail suppliers in this process.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape: Aligning Innovation with Compliance

Presented by: Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator, Chief Safety Officer, Federal Railroad Administration; Patrick Fuchs, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board; and Bill Schoonover, Associate Administrator, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Planning and Analytics USDOT, PHMSA

As the rail industry embraces technological advancements to enhance safety, service, and sustainability, the regulatory landscape is evolving under a new presidential administration. This session will bring together key regulatory leaders to discuss the current and emerging regulatory frameworks, focusing on how these changes impact the rail supply industry. Panelists will explore the administration’s priorities and provide insights into creating a regulatory environment that both supports innovation and ensures compliance.

Adapting to Change: Navigating Passenger Rail Funding in the New Political Landscape

Presented by: Husein Cumber, Senior Advisor, Brightline Holdings; Robert Pearsall, Partnerships Director, USHSR; Benji Schwartz, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, APTA; and Greg Regan, President, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD)

As predicted last year at RSI’s conference, the Trump administration is bringing political changes that dramatically impact transportation funding. Join this panel of key players in the transportation funding space as they discuss some of these scenarios as they relate to passenger and transit funding and how the entry should position itself in this new environment ahead of the surface transportation reauthorization process.

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon Break in the Exhibit Hall

3:00 – 3:45 p.m.

Railroad Customer Panel

More information coming soon.

Transit in the Next Administration

Join us for an insightful session on the future of passenger and transit rail funding. This session will discuss surface transportation reauthorization and other challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

3:45 – 4:30 p.m.

Next-Gen Rail: Emerging Technologies Shaping the Supply Chain

Presented by: Larry Jordan, CEO, Wi-Tronix 

More information coming soon.

Navigating Challenges Together: Passenger Rail Suppliers in a Changing Legislative Landscape

Moderated by: Chris Zappi, Senior Director, Global Strategy, Wabtec

In today’s rapidly evolving legislative environment, passenger rail suppliers face a variety of challenges that require collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning. Join this insightful session to hear from key players in the passenger rail supply sector as they discuss their most pressing concerns, including legislative compliance, safety standards, and evolving customer expectations. Learn how suppliers are working together to navigate these challenges and drive success in the industry.
 
This session will also highlight the efforts of RSI’s Passenger Rail Working Group, a dedicated coalition representing the unique interests of passenger rail suppliers. By fostering collaboration and advocacy, the working group plays a crucial role in ensuring the voice of the supplier community is heard in shaping the future of passenger rail.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into how suppliers are adapting to and thriving in today’s legislative landscape.

4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Reception in Exhibit Hall

Thursday, May 22

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Education Coffee Break

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

More information coming soon.

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Navigating the North American Market for Rail Car Builders

Presented by: Matt Mahoney, Director of Business Development, UTLX Tank Car Company; Brian Smalley, Executive Vice President Marketing & Sales, National Steel Car; Thomas Jackson, Vice President of Marketing & General Manager, The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.; and Matthew Tonn, Chief Commercial Officer, Freight Car America

Moderated by: Adam Lent, Chief Procurement Officer, TTX Company

Due to popular demand, this session returns to RSI’s education agenda! Join top executives from leading rail car builders to discuss current market trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry.

Fleets of the Future

Join this panel of representatives from several different transit authorities from across the country as they discuss their wins, challenges and the need for new railcars to develop new fleets for the future.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Making Sense of the Current Economy

Presented by: Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst for Rail and Intermodal, FTR Transportation Intelligence

Tariffs, inflation, and immigration policy are just a few of the factors fueling uncertainty in both the industrial and consumer economies. In this session, we’ll explore FTR’s perspective on the current economic landscape and discuss how our economic outlook translates into shifts in rail freight and equipment demand.

Tracks to Opportunity: Passenger Rail as a Tool for Economic Revitalization

Presented by: John Robert Smith, Chairman, Transportation for America

Passenger rail is not just about moving people, it’s a critical driver of economic activity and job creation across the country. In this session, John Robert Smith will offer perspectives on how investment in passenger rail can serve as a catalyst for economic development. Attendees will gain insight into the broader economic impacts of rail infrastructure and learn more about Transportation for America’s ongoing efforts advocate for improving connectivity through robust investment of America’s transportation network.

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch in Exhibit Hall

Check out the Schedule at a Glance
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