If there was one phrase that was said in every session of AusRAIL Live & On Demand, it would be “never waste a good crisis” and in the final discussion of the three-day program, focus turned to exactly how rail would come out of 2020 and implement the lessons learnt during COVID-19. Read more
Accessibility will be a major focus of day three of AusRAIL, inline with December 3 being the International Day of People with Disability. Read more
Over 1,000 members of the rail industry will tune in to the AusRAIL Live & On Demand platform as the annual industry conference begins today. Read more
Four social events will be held in conjunction with AusRAIL in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney. Registration is exclusively for AusRAIL Live & On Demand delegates and exhibitors.
Providing an opportunity for in-person networking and staying in touch with members of the rail industry, networking events will be held in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, while the AusRAIL Major Dinner will be held in Sydney on Tuesday, December 1.
To get in touch with fellow conference delegates before the day arrives, the AusRAIL Live & On Demand dedicated platform is now live.
Attendees can explore all that the platform has to offer, including bookmarking sessions they don’t want to miss and connecting with people that matter most to them.
This unique platform allows delegates to tailor your AusRAIL experience by connecting with delegates and exhibitors based on the interests and expertise that are relevant to them.
Accessing the online platform now also allows attendees to become familiar with the expanded program and range of content and insights available during the conference and on-demand afterwards.
AusRAIL Live & On Demand recently announced two international additions to its line-up of local and global rail thought leaders. The online format has allowed for more international rail experts to share their experiences with the Australasian audience.
With six months of continuing access to the online platform, delegates can watch presentations live or catch up later on demand at a time that suits them.
Social event details below.
AusRAIL Brisbane Networking Drinks
Monday 30 November
6.30pm – 9.30pm AEST
The Fox Hotel
AusRAIL Sydney Networking Drinks
Monday 30 November
6.30pm – 9.30pm AEST
National Maritime Museum
AusRAIL Sydney Networking Drinks
Monday 30 November
6.30pm – 9.30pm AEST
National Maritime Museum
AusRAIL Major Dinner – Sydney
Tuesday 1 December
6.30pm – 10.30pm AEST
Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf
To register, follow the link: https://www.ausrail.com/networking-events/
When Transport for London (TfL) Commissioner Andy Byford delivers his international keynote at AusRAIL Live & On Demand next month, it will be in the midst of a pivotal time for the organisation he leads.
Just two years into the delivery of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, which sets the ambitious goal to see 80 per cent of all trips in London to be made on foot, by cycle or on public transport by 2041, COVID-19 has changed the game again.
Transport for London has this week secured additional funding as it continues to deliver safe and efficient public transport services while facing significantly lower patronage levels as a result of the pandemic.
When Byford addresses AusRAIL in December, the UK will be reaching the end of its current lockdown.
This will be a unique chance to hear from an international leader as they respond to COVID-19 in a country that has been particularly hard hit.
While the challenges of this year have been unprecedented, Byford has a significant agenda ahead beyond the pandemic.
With the transport strategy highlighting a good public transport experience as one of its three pillars, the long term focus is for public transport to provide the most efficient way for people to travel distances that are too long to walk or cycle.
TfL has already identified a range of actions that will be required to get people out of their cars and onto the public transport network.
The organisation has noted the need to prepare for new technology and unpredictable changes to the way we live – a particularly prescient goal in light of this year’s events.
TfL is also looking at a more efficient and fair way to pay for transport projects in London.
Before the pandemic hit, the organisation was on the path to achieving self sufficiency as it progressed towards this goal.
TfL continues to work with partners across London and beyond to enact the transport strategy as it seeks to meet its goals and support a more liveable, vibrant city.
With so much on the agenda, there could not be a better time to hear from Byford, who joined TfL earlier this year.
His insights on 2020, and reflections on his experience working in leadership roles globally, will be valuable to many in the industry.
Byford is just one of many international keynotes to take part in this year’s AusRAIL, with the online format providing rare access to some of the world’s most prominent rail industry executives.
MTR Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Australian Business Terry Wong will also present at the event.
As part of the team behind metro operations in Melbourne and Sydney, his insights into the changing face of passenger rail in Australia will be worth hearing.
Mr Byford and Mr Wong will also be joined by Crossrail CEO Mark Wild, LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank and SYSTRA Grand Paris Express Project Director Nicholas Massart at AusRAIL.
With up to six months of continuing access to presentations after the event, AusRAIL Live & On Demand provides a rare chance to connect with these industry heavyweights, from the comfort of your home or office.
To be part of AusRAIL Live & On Demand, register today.
AusRAIL’s move online provides new, unique opportunities to hear from some of the top rail industry executives from across the globe, streamed direct to any home or office.
The organising committee have established an impressive line-up of international presenters for the event, including Crossrail chief executive Mark Wild, who is currently overseeing Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
With trial running on the project’s Elizabeth line expected to start next year, this is a good time to hear about the complexity of this major rail project, and the plans to bring the line into passenger service by 2022.
LA Metro chief innovation officer Joshua Schank will join us to talk about innovation and experimental program and policy, providing a new perspective on ways to move the industry forward.
Schank’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation is leading a range of projects that aim to provide faster, better options for passengers as part of a more responsive service that supports the creation of vibrant communities.
The presentation is expected to provide new insights into how the rail industry can continue to play an essential role in supporting our economies and communities for years to come.
Conference attendees will also hear from Grand Paris Express project director Nicholas Massart, who will tell us how that project is transforming Paris into a more sustainable city.
This front row seat to presentations on the projects that are shaping the future of the industry globally is an unmatched professional development opportunity.
There are also plenty of ideas, insights and lessons from 2020 that that are creating new opportunities for the industry right here in Australia and New Zealand.
Project updates on Inland Rail, Cross River Rail and more will be featured across the expanded three-day program.
We have also established a range of interactive panels featuring executives working in Australian and New Zealand rail organisations, so delegates can hear about the issues, concerns and opportunities that are preoccupying the minds of the industry’s leaders.
AusRAIL Live & On Demand will also provide more opportunities to hear from the operators, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers that are shaping the rail industry.
In total, 14 new streams have been added to allow delegates to tailor their conference experience and access more content than ever before.
New streams for contractors, suppliers, freight, and port operators and more will be complemented by dedicated streams on the critically important issues of technology, sustainability, and accessibility.
Perhaps most importantly, the live and on demand format of this year’s event means delegates will have up to six months to catch up on content and make the most of the many and varied streams on offer.
This will be a huge advantage for delegates, who can go back and reference presentations or specialist streams as they start new projects and initiatives in the new year, providing a rare professional development opportunity.
With delegates given early access to the platform, you can start your industry networking a full month before AusRAIL actually gets underway.
The ARA looks forward to seeing the rail industry come together again at AusRAIL Live & On Demand. To register, go to ausrail.com.
The AusRAIL Live & On Demand program is now live, with new streams, international keynotes and a wide range of Australian and New Zealand industry leaders to form part of the expanded, three-day event.
Australasian Railway Association (ARA) Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the program gave people more access to content than ever before.
“We are really proud of the breadth of speakers and content to be featured at AusRAIL Live & On Demand,” she said.
“The online format will allow delegates to tailor their AusRAIL experience over the course of the three days and catch up on additional content on demand after the event.
“This is an amazing chance to extend the professional development opportunity that AusRAIL presents well into the new year.”
ARA members will have six months of continuing access to presentations on the event platform, while other attendees will have three months of continuing access.
The program makes the most of the ability to take part in livestreamed, interactive sessions, with Q&As and live chats to be part of the event’s features.
New streams include dedicated content for freight and ports, contractors, suppliers, passenger transport, and much more.
Key issues such as sustainability and accessibility will also be featured.
AusRAIL Live & On Demand will also feature an online exhibition, with exhibitors sharing live demos, videos, product information and the chance to meet with them via 1:1 video chats.
Wilkie said she looked forward to welcoming the rail industry to AusRAIL Live & On Demand.
“This is a unique chance to hear from local industry leaders and their global peers about the latest developments in the industry, all from the comfort of your home or office,” she said.
“The program really has something for everyone.”
AusRAIL Live & On Demand takes place from 1-3 December. Register at www.ausrail.com
The 2020 edition of AusRAIL will be delivered through a new, live and on demand web-based platform.
Registration is now open for the event, of which Rail Express is an official media partner, and will run from December 1-3, adding an additional day to the schedule.
Australasian Railway Association (ARA) CEO Caroline Wilkie said that the new format will enable greater access than ever before.
“Our live and on demand platform will give delegates more access to program content than ever before, while creating dedicated exhibition and networking spaces that reimagine the exhibition hall for the online environment.”
While the program is yet to be announced, speakers from Australia, New Zealand and around the world will deliver live-streamed presentations that can be access in real-time or on demand. Delegates will be able to easily connect with fellow attendees through the platform, and not have to wade through crowds.
A AI-powered matchmaking service will identify delegates with shared interests and create direct connections. Exhibitors and sponsors have access to analytics tools to deliver on engagement.
The exhibition component of the event will also be delivered virtually, and the platform caters for a wide range of interactivity, including demonstrations, videos, and product information, as well as online networking.
Wilkie said the essential role of AusRAIL in connecting the rail industry will continue.
“After such a year of change it is more important than ever that the industry comes together to discuss the latest innovations and our plans for the future,” Wilkie said.
“AusRAIL Live & On Demand will bring together the rail community to mark the achievements of the industry, share learnings from the response to COVID-19 and highlight the opportunities ahead as the world prepares for a new normal in 2021.”
In 2020, as in previous years, Rail Express will bring you news and insights from AusRAIL and will be distributed to all delegates.