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Rails to the Future Conference

Join us for Rails to the Future: 200 Years of Progress, Building What’s Next conference hosted by the Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE) at Michigan State University that celebrates two centuries of rail innovation while charting the course for the industry’s next era of growth.
 
This event prioritizes dialogue and exchange, with extended Q&A sessions, interactive panels, and open forums ensuring participants engage directly with industry leaders and peers. From established railroads to shippers already leveraging rail, and those considering it as part of their logistics strategy, this conference serves as a platform for innovation and partnership, connecting history with forward‑looking solutions.
 
Keynote sessions will feature David Fink (Administrator, FRA), Patrick Fuchs (Chairman, STB), Ian Jefferies (President & CEO, AAR), Chuck Baker (President, ASLRRA), and David Souder (Dean, MSU Broad College of Business).

 

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Outline

Rails to the Future is a conference hosted at the MSU Management Education Center (MEC) in Troy, Michigan. Designed for shippers, railroads, logistics professionals, and regulatory stakeholders, the event emphasizes dialogue. The MEC offers 25,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, including amphitheaters, an auditorium, dining, and reception areas. Multiple nearby hotel partners provide special MSU rates, ensuring convenience and comfort for participants.

Key Learning Objectives

  • Expand industry knowledge by connecting rail’s 200‑year legacy with forward‑looking solutions.
  • Engage a diverse audience of railroads, shippers, logistics professionals, and regulatory stakeholders.
  • Understand rail’s historical impact and its relevance to today’s supply chains.
  • Learn about infrastructure, access, and policy considerations shaping future opportunities.
  • Explore case studies highlighting successful rail conversions and shipper growth.
  • Participate in interactive panels and extended Q&A with industry leaders.

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