Railtex / Infrarail

from Rail Professional September 2021 Issue 275

Sustainability

Two great shows, one exciting rail event

Railtex and Infrarail exhibitions have successfully served the rail market for over 20 years and this year have come together to form the ultimate show for the industry

Railtex / Infrarail will gather the whole railway industry together in Birmingham. It will be the first time the exhibitions have taken place since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the initial decision to postpone Infrarail 2020 to 2021, Mack-Brooks Exhibitions, Organisers of the events, made the strategic decision to co-locate Railtex and Infrarail to better serve the needs of the market. Now gathered under one roof, the exhibitions will serve the entire railway supply chain and present an impressive array of technologies and innovations ranging from total railway systems to the smallest specialised components.

A new format For the first time, Railtex / Infrarail will become a hybrid event. The new setup will merge the onsite offering with interactive digital networking opportunities. A new matchmaking system will connect visitors to relevant suppliers, allowing them to arrange meetings based on complementary profiles.

International visitors who won’t be able to attend due to travel restrictions will have the advantage of exploring the latest innovations and services online. Powered by this new matchmaking technology, a new scheme – ‘Meet the Buyer’ – will aim to promote fruitful exchanges and the establishment of new commercial partnerships.

Speakers As the leading one-stop-shop event for the entire railway industry in the UK, Railtex / Infrarail reflects the dynamic developments in the sector and the vision of the rail network of the future. This year, conversations on the future of the industry will once again take centre stage with RIA’s ‘Future Focus Conference’, a three-day feature that will offer insights around four main themes:

• Growth – rail can be a catalyst for economic growth, how to ensure it is supporting investment, jobs and GDP? • Geography – how to ensure rail reaches and benefits all corners of the UK? • Green – rail will be essential to meet decarbonisation goals. How can clients and the supply chain work together to decarbonise the network even further? • Global – across the world, nations are investing in rail infrastructure. It is a truly global market, which the UK – as the home of the railways – should be at the centre of. What opportunities are there for the UK and where do its strengths lie?

The programme will include keynotes, Q&A sessions and panel discussions held by a remarkable line-up of speakers, including prominent industry figure Graham Stuart (MP, Minister for Exports), Robert Ampomah (Chief Technology Officer, Network Rail) and Mike Muldoon (Head of Business Development UK & Ireland, Alstom).

Also returning to the programme will be the ‘Unlocking Innovation Zone’, organised by the events’ Main Partner RIA and supported by Network Rail and UKRRIN (UK Rail Research & Innovation Network of universities). The sessions will focus on new ideas and thinking to be explored in order to benefit the railway sector, as well as its passengers and economy.

Daily sessions Sessions will run each day covering:

• High-Level Challenges – Opportunities from UK rail clients. • Near Term Challenges – Opportunities from Tier 1s and Tier 2s. • Funding and Partners conversations to take innovations to market. • Elevator Pitches from a range of contributors, including SMEs and startups – curated in collaboration with UKRRIN and other associations.

Education & Seminar Programme Beyond the main exhibition, Railtex / Infrarail 2021 will once again be offering a comprehensive supporting programme, including insights from leading industry figures, keynote addresses and industry seminars by representatives of companies taking part at the exhibition highlighting their innovations and technical

For more than a decade, RIA’s Unlocking Innovation Programme has showcased new ideas and thinking from across the industry.

developments. The sessions are all free to attend and are also CPD certified.

The Seminar Theatre plays host to a selection of technical seminars from within the rail industry. It is situated on the showfloor and sessions can be attended free of charge with no need to book.

For more than a decade, RIA’s Unlocking Innovation Programme has showcased new ideas and thinking from across the industry. The aim of the programme is simple – it brings together those with the ideas and ambition to drive change with those who can turn those ideas into reality. Throughout the years, the Unlocking Innovation has brought together thousands of rail professionals, helping to build supply new supply chains, supporting clients in finding creative solutions and showcasing the incredible work going on in the industry.

Unlocking Innovation is supported by two strategic partners - the Network Rail R&D Portfolio, a £357 million fund focused on improving the quality and value for passengers and freight customers of the rail network, and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), a £92 million partnership between academia and industry to spur innovation in the sector.

For the first time ever, Unlocking Innovation will be at Railtex. An Unlocking Innovation presentation programme will run each morning and afternoon throughout Railtex - covering:

• High Level Challenges/Opportunities from

UK rail clients. • Near Term Challenges/Opportunities from

Tier 1s and Tier 2s. • Help with Funding and Partners to take your innovation to market. • Elevator Pitches from a range of contributors, including SMEs and startups, curated in collaboration with UKRRIN and other associations.

The Future Focus Conference – organised by RIA – is a ‘free to attend’ high level, strategic conference covering the key issues of the day for our rail network. The Conference will run throughout the three days of Railtex / Infrarail, with key political, client and industry figures speaking throughout. In 2019, the Future Focus Conference saw speeches from then-Rail Minister Andrew Jones MP, Simon Adams of Crossrail 2, Michael Flynn of Digital Railway and many more. The Future Focus Conference is the place to be for the latest industry thinking and insights, covering the key projects, technology, trends and research that will impact rail into the future.

Demonstration Two lengths of track placed in the hall on the exhibition floor will be the setting for exhibitors to display and demonstrate tools and equipment in an authentic rail setting. Leading track products supplier British Steel is the sponsor of the track.

Meet the Buyer / Commercial Officer RIA’s Meet the Buyer / Commercial Officer programme offers the opportunity for pre-booked meeting slots with a range of UK and overseas rail buyers. Held in 2019, the programme provides the chance for businesses to learn about different markets and how they can overcome barriers to getting new products and services onto the rail network, both at home and abroad.

Railtex / Infrarail Matchmaking Railtex/Infrarail Matchmaking will be the official one-to-one business networking service for exhibitors & visitors attending the event. Registered users will be able to search and connect with new and existing business contacts, manage event schedules and arrange meetings on exhibitor stands and/or in the dedicated matchmaking lounge.

This personalised, easy-to-use tool allows you to search for connections by their interests, sectors, products, services and geographic location. Only those who have already registered for their badge (visitors and exhibitors) will be eligible and will receive on-site text and email reminders along with support from the on-site concierge.

Covid-19 security measures Railtex / Infrarail are working closely with the NEC and continue to follow guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities to provide a safe return to face-to-face events. Opening hours have been extended and admissions and departure times will be staggered throughout the day. range of safeguards include:

• (Pre)registration and admissions policies advising on who should and shouldn’t attend shows (high-risk and at-risk individuals). • Covid-19 safety training and awareness briefings and e-learning for staff, exhibitors and contractors. • Prescribed, mandatory personal and respiratory protective equipment (PPE &

RPE) including face masks. • Protective measures such as acrylic screening. • Specified (third-party) medical services, facilities and prescribed infection control and medical response protocols.

You can visit the Rail Professional team at Stand P02, we look forward to seeing you there!