The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has released the AusRAIL PLUS 2021 conference program featuring an impressive range of keynote presentations, specialist streams and networking events over three days.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the program ensured there would be something from everyone when the industry converged on Brisbane in November.

“We are looking forward to returning to Brisbane for AusRAIL PLUS and have put together a fantastic program featuring more than 120 speakers,” Ms Wilkie said.

“Attendees will have the chance to catch up on the latest news and project updates, and network with industry leaders from across Australia and New Zealand.”

The program features keynote presentations by economist Saul Eslake, 2016 Summer Olympics Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller AM, and Orange Sky Australia founders Nick Marchesi OAM and Lucas Patchett OAM.

A range of specialist streams will be held, including sessions on passenger rail, asset management, rail freight and heavy haul, safety, workforce development and sustainability.

Updates on major rail projects such as Inland Rail, Cross River Rail, Sydney Metro, Suburban Rail Loop and METRONET are also planned.

Ms Wilkie said the comprehensive program would be delivered alongside the AusRAIL PLUS exhibition, showcasing the latest technology and innovation from across the industry.

A range of networking events were also planned throughout the three-day program, from the AusRAIL gala dinner and RTAA Yellow Dinner to the ARA’s Women in Rail Breakfast.

“Despite all the challenges of the last two years, the rail industry has continued to forge ahead with new projects and maintain essential services in the most difficult of times,” Ms Wilkie said.

“AusRAIL PLUS 2021 will recognise the important role rail continues to play in the community and discuss the future of the industry in Australia, New Zealand and beyond.”

AusRAIL PLUS 2021 is the largest rail event of the year and will take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 30 November to Thursday 2 December.

The program is once again supported by the Railway Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA), Rail Track Association Australia (RTAA), Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) and Permanent Way Institution (PWI)

The full program is available here. To book your place at AusRAIL, register here.

ENDS