MINNEAPOLIS, October 10, 2019 – Organizers for Railway Interchange, North America’s largest railway exhibition and technical conference held September 22-25, today announced that total registered attendance for the biennial event reached 8,450, up 3.4 percent from 2017, and that 746 exhibitors were featured in the indoor and outdoor exhibits, up from 738 in 2017 and setting a new record.
The Railway Interchange 2019 indoor and outdoor 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 CEO Beth Caruso. “The AREMA 2019 Annual Conference technical sessions and speakers were also popular this year, as was Railway Interchange general session keynote speaker Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour,” Caruso noted.
RSI President Mike O’Malley said, “We are pleased that attendees and exhibitors found so much value in attending Railway Interchange. This year’s RSI Education & Training Conference 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.”
REMSA Executive Director David Tennent noted, “Demand for exhibit space has grown with each Railway Interchange, solidifying the event’s reputation as the largest railway industry exhibition and technical conference in North America. This year’s themed Oktoberfest reception in the exhibit hall was well-attended, too.”
“Railway Interchange 2019 is getting positive feedback from our members,” added RSSI Executive Director Michael A. 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.”
Railway Interchange 2019 Fast Facts:
- Total number of exhibits: 746
- Total registered attendees: 8,450
- International attendees: 1,023
- International exhibits: 71
- Countries represented: 47
- News media registered: 26
Note: International and news media attendance figures are included in the overall number of registered attendees. All numbers are based on pre-show and onsite registration and are subject to an ongoing audit.
This year marked the fifth time that Railway Interchange has been held; the biennial event started in Minneapolis in 2011. 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. Previously, 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.
The next Railway Interchange will take place September 26-29, 2021 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis; future dates for the event are scheduled for 2023. For updates, bookmark www.railwayinterchange.org.
About Railway Interchange
Railway Interchange, the largest railway exhibition and technical conference in North America, combines the technical and educational conferences of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) with a major exhibition showcasing the latest technology, services, and research by members of the RSI, the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), and Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (RSSI). Learn more at www.railwayinterchange.org; follow @RailwyInterchg on Twitter.
About the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is dedicated to advancing safety, innovation, technology, and sustainability within the freight and passenger railway supplier industry, both in North America and global markets. As the voice of the industry, RSI strategically engages in critical and urgent industry matters by leveraging the technical expertise of our members to advocate in the legislative and regulatory arenas, foster education, host impactful events, and facilitate networking opportunities. For more information visit www.rsiweb.org, follow RSI on Twitter and LinkedIn