09.03.17
Countdown to Railtex continues
Source: RTM Feb/Mar 17
Ken Harris writing on behalf of Mack Brooks Exhibitions gives RTM an update on the preparations ahead of this year’s Railtex, which takes place from 9-11 May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
With Railtex 2017, the UK’s leading rail technology showcase, now just a couple of months away, final plans are being put in place to ensure this is another highly successful event.
The three-day show – the thirteenth Railtex – opens its doors at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 9 May. The number of exhibitors planning to take part has continued to grow.
By mid-February the figure had passed the 400 mark. And with participating companies covering all sectors of the supply chain – from the best-known names serving the UK market to the smallest specialist firms – this will again be an event that offers something of interest for everyone involved in the industry. A quick visit to the Railtex website will reveal the latest list of exhibitors.
The stands of major suppliers like Alstom Transport, Hitachi Rail Europe and Siemens will all be well worth a visit.
Also making a welcome debut at the show will be Stadler Rail, which recently secured a number of significant UK rolling stock orders. Leading Chinese train builder CRRC Corporation is back at this year’s show too.
Alongside them will be plenty of companies large and small taking advantage of Railtex to introduce innovations across many sectors of the market.
Keynote speeches
Plans for the numerous events taking place as part of Railtex are also now being finalised. These include the daily keynote speeches at the Seminar Theatre that always attract especially large audiences. On the first day of the show, rail minister Paul Maynard will deliver a keynote address, as well as formally opening the conference.
The keynote speech on the second day will be by Dr Francis Paonessa, who since June 2014 has been Network Rail’s managing director of infrastructure projects. And on the third day the keynote will be delivered by Professor Andrew McNaughton, technical director at HS2 Ltd.
Events at a second venue in the main hall, the Knowledge Hub, will include an insightful series of project updates and industry briefings being developed in partnership with the Railway Industry Association.
RTM will also be playing a role in events at the Knowledge Hub. It will be acting as host for The Platform, a series of open topical discussions led by leading industry figures, with everyone invited to contribute. Programme details will be finalised soon.
This all sets the scene for an event which, as well as serving as a unique forum for the rail supply sector, also provides great networking opportunities, including the opening day’s Networking Reception hosted by show organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions.
Looking ahead to this year’s show, exhibition manager Kirsten Whitehouse said: “We feel that everyone attending Railtex will have a rewarding experience, whether they are exhibiting or visiting. Exhibiting companies will reflect the changing nature of the UK rail market, with many firms present at Railtex for the first time, while more familiar, well-established names will be making a welcome return.
“We also have a really strong supporting programme this year, and that offers great opportunities for gaining a better understanding of trends in rail policy and technology at a time when investments in Britain’s network are running at their current unprecedented level.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Register in advance for free entry at:
W: www.railtex.co.uk
This will give you free access to Railtex over all three days of the event, and enables you to join all the supporting activities taking place. There will be an entry fee for those who have not registered in advance.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]