Tuesday, May 20
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Education Coffee Break
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Driving the Future: Technological Innovation in the Rail Supply Industry
Sponsored by: Nexxiot
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.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Technology and Quality Committee Organizational Meeting
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
Wednesday, May 21
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Donuts and Discussions
Sponsored by: TTX
Discussion led by: Bo Thompson, AVP Industry Affairs, Progress Rail; Tom Jackson, SVP Marketing, The Greenbrier Companies; and Deepak Kumar, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Knorr Bremse Rail North America
Introduction by: Adam Lent, Assistant Vice President – Supply Chain, TTX Company
Discuss the latest innovations, operational efficiencies, and regulatory developments impacting locomotive manufacturing and maintenance.
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 Officer, Norfolk Southern
Moderated by: Tony Hatch, Analyst/Consultant, ABH Consulting
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Technology for Rail Advancement and Quality
Presented by: Matt Soule, Founder & CEO, Parallel Systems; and Michael Miller, CEO, Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.
Moderated by: Greg Dalpe, EVP, Freight Car Services, Progress Rail
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.
Amtrak Business Update: New Era of Rail
Presented by: Jed Poster, Senior Director, High-Speed Rail, Amtrak
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
Sponsored by: Union Tank Car and Procor
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
Moderated by: Kate Suprenuk, President of Leasing and Manufacturing, Union Tank Car and Procor
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.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon Break in the Exhibit Hall
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Adapting to Change: Navigating Passenger Rail Funding in the New Political Landscape
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Next-Gen Rail: Emerging Technologies Shaping the Supply Chain
Presented by: Larry Jordan, CEO, Wi-Tronix; and Dan MacGregor, Co-Founder and CXO, Nexxiot
Moderated by: Kevin Cook, President, Modern Rail Capital
There is a demand from Railway Interchange attendees for more information about new technologies in the rail space. In this session, hear from Larry Jordan, CEO of Wi-Tronix and Dan MacGregor, Co-Founder and CXO of Nexxiot detail different technology updates and advances. They will both share their perspective on developing technologies and how they are helping railroads to be safer and more efficient.
Driving U.S. Manufacturing: How RSI’s Members Contribute to a Robust Domestic Supplier Base
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.
A Conversation With FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley
Presented by: Drew Feeley, Acting Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration
Moderated by: Emily Kimball, Partner-Global Regulatory, Hogan Lovells
Hear from FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley in a Fireside Chat with Hogan Lovells Partner Emily Kimball regarding the priorities of the FRA in the new administration. Feeley will also highlight how the FRA will continue to support the rail supplier industry. Acting Administrator Feeley will also field questions from the audience in his first industry event since joining DOT.
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.; Bob Cleator, SVP of Sales, Freight Car America; and Patrick Hurst, SVP Risk & Portfolio Investment, Trinity Rail
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.
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
There are many factors currently 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
Introduction by: Jim Riley, President, Railway Supply Institute
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch in Exhibit Hall