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.
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
Wednesday, May 21
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Networking Education Session
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.
A Conversation with Mike McClellan and Tony Hatch
Presented by Mike McClellan, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Norfolk Southern; and Tony Hatch, Analyst/Consultant, ABH Consulting
We are excited to confirm that Mike McClellan, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Norfolk Southern, will share his expertise with Railway Interchange attendees in a fireside chat moderated by Tony Hatch, Analyst/Consultant, ABH Consulting.
10:30 – 11:30 a.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 supports innovation and ensures compliance.
High Speed Rail in the US
As the U.S. moves towards embracing high-speed rail as a cornerstone of future transportation, the role of rail suppliers becomes increasingly vital. Join us to discuss the economic benefits, job creation, and technological innovations driven by a strong supplier base.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Technology for Rail Advancement and Quality
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 how 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.
Adapting to Change: Navigating Passenger Rail Funding in the New Political Landscape
Presented by Husein Cumber, Chief Strategy Officer, Florida East Coast Industries
As predicted at 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 related 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
Session details 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.
More Information Coming Soon
Navigating Challenges Together: Passenger Rail Suppliers in a Changing Legislative Landscape
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Reception in Exhibit Hall
Thursday, May 22
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Education Coffee Break
RSI Plenary Session (More info 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; Thomas Jackson, Vice President of Marketing & General Manager , The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.; and Matthew Tonn, Chief Commercial Officer, Freight Car America
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 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.
Improving Rail Project Deliverability: Reducing Costs and Enhancing Efficiency
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch in Exhibit Hall