RSI and its educational partners will provide our attendees with the knowledge and expertise they need to stay at the forefront of the railway supply industry. With constant innovation on the horizon, along with other important developments across our world, our education programming can’t be missed.

Check out what each of our educational partners has in store below and register today!

*Note: this page was last updated September 26 and will include more details as they are confirmed.

Railway Supply Institute

The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is the only all-inclusive trade association for railway suppliers. Representing more than 200 companies, RSI acts on behalf of the smallest to the largest suppliers to North American freight and passenger railroads and their 150,000 employees. Industry segments include mechanical, communications & signaling, maintenance of way and passenger industries.

RSI will play host to a series of educational sessions focused on a variety of important topics within the rail industry. You can review the full list of RSI educational sessions below, with more details forthcoming!

Opening Keynote 1 – Supply Chain and Reshoring

DATE: October 12 | 9:00 AM
DESCRIPTION: By all measurable data, the trend towards shortening supply chains and reshoring production in North America is very real and growing. This is good news for the U.S. economy, manufacturing and the freight rail supply business. But, expanding domestic capacity will not happen overnight nor will it come without growing pains.

This panel discussion, moderated by RSI President Patty Long, will explore the forces that are driving the reshoring trend, its implications for North American manufacturing and potential solutions – from public policy to global trade agreements — that can remove barriers to a productive transition.

Panelists include Chad Moutray (Chief Economist at NAM), Lorie Tekorius (President and CEO at The Greenbrier Companies), Harry Moser (Founder of The Reshoring Initiative).

Opening Keynote 2 – Food Security and Railway System

DATE: October 12 | 9:45 AM
DESCRIPTION: It is likely that global supply chain disruptions will continue this fall and dominate news cycles into the 2022 elections and beyond. Of particular concern are issues related to global food security as the war in Ukraine adversely impacts the world’s supply of both wheat and fertilizer. The freight rail network is deeply entrenched in this national supply chain.

This moderated session will include representatives from agriculture, Class I railroads and rail suppliers who build, own and maintain the majority of rail cars in the United States. Together, they will discuss what’s at stake and more importantly, what can be done to help alleviate this brewing crisis.

Panel will include Jean Savage (Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Rail), Ryan Dreier (VP, Industrial Products at BNSF), and Corey Rosenbusch (President and CEO at The Fertilizer Institute).

Innovations in Sustainable Locomotive Technology

DATE: October 12 | 10:30 AM
DESCRIPTION: Rail is the most fuel-efficient way to transport freight and people over land, moving one ton of goods an average of nearly 500 miles per gallon of fuel. Future lower and zero emission technologies are on the horizon with the help of supplier research and development in the areas of hybrid consists, battery-powered locomotives and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives. Come learn about these near term locomotive energy solutions from the suppliers at the forefront of these sustainable initiatives.

This panel discussion includes Michael Cleary (Alstom), Venu Madala (Wabtec), Michael Cleveland (Progress Rail), and Peter Tuschinski (Siemens), and Sean Cronin (Mechanical Capital Projects).

Beyond the Basics – Innovation in Action

DATE: October 12 | 11:30 AM
DESCRIPTION: The RSI Committee on Tank Cars – Technical Sub Committee invites you to attend its sessions that include industry professionals discussing the latest technology regarding food safety coatings, advanced inspection and testing protocols, and the latest Federal Railroad Administration proposed rules on railcar reflectorization that enhances safety and promotes innovation.

Guests will include Doug Hines (Sherwin Williams), Taylor Lewis (Sherwin Williams), and Chris Gamblin (Marmon Group).

Smart Transportation

DATE: October 12 | 1:45 PM
DESCRIPTION: Rail supply organizations are constantly innovating to improve efficiencies and help their customers meet productivity goals. This is particularly significant in the current climate around supply chain management. Relevant to both freight and passenger rail, this session will highlight some of the latest trends and leading technologies around telematics, performance tracking and supply chain visibility.

Panel discussion will include Brad Myers (Amsted), Jason Ormond (GATX), and Michael Tyler (Siemens).

Practice Makes Progress, Education in Action

DATE: October 12 | 3:00 PM
DESCRIPTION: The RSI Quality Assurance Committee is pleased to announce the release of its new education and training program. Join us to learn how you can stay informed and what the 2023 training portfolio includes. You will also hear how the coating industry is responding to a raw material shortage and how adopting the RSI-100 Product Conformance Certification standard ensures rigor and quality across the supply chain.

Guests include James Dinell (AllTranstek), and Tom DeLafosse (Salco Products).

International Panel: Key Challenges and Opportunities – Tapping into Resources for Growth and Development

DATE: October 13 | 8:30 AM
DESCRIPTION: Join us as we discuss with the Export Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) key components of exporting and how it can grow your business.

Joining the discussion will be Cheryl Conlin (Export-Import Bank of the United States) and Kevin Toohers (USTDA).

How to Keep Advancing Safety & Technology in the Regulatory World: Implementation of IIJA, Technology and the Supply Chain

DATE: October 13 | 10:00 AM
DESCRIPTION: Join us for a fireside chat with Martin J. Oberman (Surface Transportation Board), Patrick Fuchs (Surface Transportation Board), Allison Ishihara Fultz (Federal Railroad Administration), and Karl Alexy (Federal Railroad Administration).

Closing General Session – Economic Outlook and Rail Capacity

DATE: October 13 | 11:15 AM
DESCRIPTION: Join us for an economic outlook with Todd Tranausky (FTR). 

Air Brake Association (ABA)

The mission of the ABA is to enlighten, educate, and establish a dialog to advance the safety and success of the rail industry. The ABA provides a forum that allows for the dissemination of knowledge that plays an integral part in the development of technology.  The technical presentations provide the industry with a platform to not only discuss pertinent issues, but also offer innovative solutions. This year’s program includes information on vibration and shock testing, a BSC update, and much more.

International Association of Railway Operating Officers (IAROO)

IAROO provides its members with the latest operating and technical information that drives superior railroad management now and in the future. This year’s program will include sessions that cover emerging locomotive technologies, drones used in operations testing, and more.

Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association (LMOA)

LMOA represents Railroaders and Rail Suppliers with a mission of driving improvements and recommendations for safer, more reliable rail operations. Its mission includes reducing maintenance costs, improving locomotive productivity and reducing the environmental impact of locomotive operations and maintenance.  This year’s program will include sessions that cover technologies which reduce emissions, supply chain disruptions, systems engineering and more.

League of Railway Women (LRW)

Founded in 1997, LRW is committed to improving the rail industry by connecting and cultivating women in rail. The mission is to advance the representation, recognition and opportunities for women, thereby promoting diversity and improving the business results of the railroad industry. LRW’s educational sessions cover topics about sustainability, capital projects and more.

Railcar Technical Services Association (RTSA)

RTSA (formerly MARTS) is the organization dedicated to the freight car maintenance professional. Our mission is to provide a value-added forum for sharing railcar customer maintenance needs through new technology, practical experience and best practices with the purpose of improving profitability.  RTSA provides its members with a solid knowledge and understanding of railcar maintenance.

This year’s program features important sessions that cover regulatory modernization, FRA car owner auditing, and more.