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May 11-13, 2026 • MSU Management Education Center in Troy, MI

200 Years of Progress, Building What’s Next

Join us for Rails to the Future: 200 Years of Progress, Building What’s Next conference 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).

$1,050 per person • Early Bird Discount: Save $150 when you register by February 28, 2026 

Groups of 3 or more and students (valid ID required), contact crre@broad.msu.edu for special pricing. 


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Keynote Speakers

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).

To learn more, view the full bios for our 2026 Keynote Speakers

David Souder, Dean of MSU Broad College

Ian Jefferies, President & CEO of Association of American Railroads

Chuck Baker, President of American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

David Fink, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration

Patrick Fuchs, Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board

Schedule

Day One

12-7 p.m. Registration (all day)

2-5 p.m. Railway Management Certificate Program Graduates Reunion Event

5-7 p.m. Welcome Reception

Day Two

7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Registration (all day)

7-8:15 a.m. Breakfast

8-8:15 a.m. Welcome Message

8:30-9:15 a.m. Opening Keynote

9:15-10 a.m. General Session

10-10:30 a.m. Networking Break

10:30-11:45 a.m. General Session

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch & Networking

1-2:15 p.m. General Session

2:15-3:15 p.m. General Session

3:15-3:45 p.m. Networking Break

3:45-5 p.m. General Session

5-6:30 p.m. Happy Hour

Day Three

7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration (all day)

7-8 a.m. Breakfast

8-8:15 a.m. Welcome Message

8:15-9 a.m. General Session

9-10:15 a.m. General Session

10:15-10:30 a.m. Networking Break

10:30-11:15 a.m. General Session

11:15 a.m. -1 p.m. Closing Keynote & Lunch

Schedule subject to change

Speakers

 

Chuck Baker

Chuck Baker

President, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA)

Ron Batory

Ron Batory

Edward A. Burkhardt Chair in Railway Management & Executive Director, Center for Railway Research & Education

Justin Broyles

Justin Broyles

President & CEO, R. J. Corman Railroad Group

Peter Gilbertson

Peter Gilbertson

President & CEO, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company

Clarence Gooden

Clarence Gooden

President (Retired), CSX

Charles (Wick) Moorman

Charles (Wick) Moorman

President & CEO (Retired), Norfolk Southern

David Nahass

David Nahass

President, Railroad Financial Corporation

Rick Paterson

Rick Paterson

Independent Rail Analyst

Matthew Rose

Matthew Rose

Executive Chairman (Retired), BNSF Railway

Jason Seidl

Jason Seidl

Managing Director, TD Cowen, a Division of TD Securities

Michael Stickel

Michael Stickel

President & CEO, Lake State Railway Company

About the Venue

MSU Management Education Center

Since its original dedication in 1975, the Management Education Center’s mission has remained the same – to serve as a resource for the Southeast Michigan business community.

The Management Education Center is a full service conference center located in SE Michigan 20 miles north of Detroit. Sitting on over 25 acres in Troy, our expansive facility offers over 25,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor event space. Integrated technology, ergonomic seating and on-demand, in-person support.

811 W. Square Lake Road, Troy, Michigan 48098

MEC Website

Sponsor Packages

If you are interested in a Sponsor Package, please email Val Kucherenko at kucheren@msu.edu.

Special Rates for Hotels

Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Troy Auburn Hills (1.8 miles)
850 Tower Drive | Troy, MI 48098 | 248-879-7500
Rate: $159 until Feb. 28, 2026 | $179 until April 10, 2026

  • Complimentary Shuttle (within 5 Mile radius)
  • Complimentary Breakfast Buffet with Made-to-Order Omelets
  • Complimentary Evening Manager’s Reception to include (2) COMP cocktails and lite appetizers
  • Double Hilton Honor Points for Hilton Honor Members
  • (1) $10 food and beverage credit to be used in the Atrium Grille or Room Service

Parking: $5.00 per vehicle per night plus tax

Individuals must cancel 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid charge of first night’s room and tax.

Holiday Inn & Suites Detroit, Troy (1.7 miles)
870 Tower Drive, Troy, MI 48098 | 248-781-7500
Rate: $159 (available until April 17, 2026)

Individuals must cancel 24 hours prior to arrival to avoid charge of first night’s room and tax.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (3.1 miles)
3900 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 | 248- 243-5030
Rate: $129 (available until April 17, 2026 – use the code ‘RTF’ when booking for special rate)

Hotel’s standard cancellation policy does not apply. Rooms cancelled for any reason less than 3 business days in advance will incur an individual cancellation fee equal to one night’s room rate plus applicable tax.

Marriott Detroit Troy (4.2 miles)
Liberty Center, 200 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084 | 248-680-9797
Rate: $219 (available until April 17, 2026)

Hotel’s standard cancellation policy will apply.

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