AusRAIL

AusRAIL PLUS 2017 – An exciting time for rail

AusRAIL PLUS 2017 – Rail’s Digital Revolution

With rail infrastructure investment commitments of almost $100 billion from the Commonwealth, State and Territory Government’s over the next 30 years, there is no better time for the rail industry to come together. AusRAIL PLUS 2017 will discuss and debate the key opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the age of digitalisation. AusRAIL PLUS 2017 will also coincide with Rail Careers Week which will be taking place between 20 and 24 November.

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) will once again be hosting AusRAIL PLUS 2017. This is the rail industry’s three day pre-eminent conference and exhibition, which will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 21 to 23 November.

A focus on the digital agenda

The three day AusRAIL PLUS 2017 conference will delve into the overarching theme of ‘Rail’s Digital Revolution’.

Danny Broad, Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), said, “We have an excellent conference agenda with a diverse range of speakers who will address real-life examples of how the digital world has impacted operations from within the rail industry as well as case studies on what external industries are doing to better engage with customers in an increasingly digital landscape.”

Highlights from the plenary sessions include:

  • Industry panel discussion: From digital to virtual: Technologies that will impact rail’s development and opportunities
  • Digital solutions for advancing the supply chain
  • The importance of branding to rail
  • Engaging with customers in a digital world
  • Panel discussion: Leveraging technology to enhance productivity
  • Implementing digital change and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector
  • Industry panel discussion: How is the internet of things reshaping our workforce?
  • Running the revolutionary
  • And much more.

International keynote presentations

AusRAIL PLUS 2017 attendees will hear from two international keynote speakers, including Sir Terry Morgan CBE, Chairman of Crossrail UK; and Gerhard Kress, Director of Mobility Data Services, Siemens AG. Sir Terry Morgan will be discussing the role of Crossrail on London’s economy, liveability and connectivity, whilst Mr Kress will present examples of the application of digitalisation in the rail industry.

Further key presenters include:

  • Neil Scales OBE, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads
  • The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, Shadow Minister for Tourism
  • Priscilla Radice, Principal, Australasia Business Leader, Arup
  • Michael Bailey, General Manager Railroad Operations, BHP
  • Emma Thomas, Director General, Transport Canberra
  • Dean Dalla Valle, CEO, Pacific National
  • Loretta Lynch, Managing Director, Keolis Downer Gold Coast
  • Nick Easy, CEO, Queensland Rail
  • Deb Spring, Chair, Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB)
  • Michelle Zeibots, Research Director, Transport Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney
  • And many more.

Let’s get technical

A popular feature of AusRAIL is the detailed technical streams that are on offer over the first two afternoons. The technical streams are arranged by the Railway Technical Society of Australia (RTSA), the Rail Track Association Australia (RTAA), Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) and a technical stream for rail suppliers. AusRAIL PLUS 2017 will also feature a brand new stream managed by the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).

Networking and social functions

Running alongside the conference and exhibition are the must attend networking and social functions. AusRAIL PLUS 2017 commences with the Welcome Reception that kicks-off at pre-

Registration on Monday evening, followed by the Exhibition Networking Drinks on the evening of day one. Day two will be followed by the RTAA Yellow Tie Dinner, sponsored by Bombardier. The eagerly anticipated dinner is a unique social gathering where all guests receive a collectable yellow tie or scarf, which will not only be your ticket to the event, but the tie and scarf will have an encrypted code that guests will need to crack! Then on the evening of day three there is the AusRAIL PLUS 2017 Gala Dinner sponsored by Downer, where the winner of the Young Rail Professionals Pitching Competition will be announced.

This dinner is the perfect way to end your AusRAIL PLUS experience.

Over 350 exhibiting organisations from around the world

AusRAIL PLUS 2017 is the largest rail industry exhibition in the southern hemisphere. Entry to browse the exhibition is free and open to all rail industry personnel. The exhibition will showcase the very best and latest innovations, products and services from the rail industry.

Celebrating young rail professionals

Young Rail Professionals Pitching Competition

The Young Rail Professionals Pitching Competition returns for 2017. On Day 3, finalists will pitch their innovative ideas for revolutionising the rail sector to industry leaders. The winner will receive a package to attend Innotrans 2018 in Berlin.

Next-Generation Conference Scholarship

Young rail professionals 25 years and under were encouraged to submit their innovative ideas on how to market and promote the rail industry in a positive and impactful way, as well as educating the broader community’s perception of the benefits of rail. The six lucky winners have received complimentary tickets to AusRAIL PLUS 2017, including the Welcome Reception, Exhibition Networking event, RTAA Yellow Tie and Gala Dinners. Scholarship winners will also be recognised for their ideas at the Gala Dinner.

Rail Careers Week, 20-26 November

2017’s conference coincides with Rail Careers Week, allowing high school students from Queensland the opportunity to engage with rail professionals and take part in a guided tour of exhibitors.

Book your place early and save

Registration is open and all Australasian Railway Association (ARA) members receive a special 20 per cent discount rate. For full event information and to register, please visit www.ausrail.com.