2026 Rails to the Future

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

Thank you for joining us at Rails to the Future: 200 Years of Progress, Building What’s Next, where we celebrated two centuries of rail innovation while exploring the industry’s next era of growth.

The conference prioritized dialogue and exchange, with extended Q&A sessions, interactive panels, and open forums that enabled participants to 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, the event served as a platform for innovation and partnership, connecting history with forward-looking solutions.

Keynote sessions featured 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).

You can also access the official event photos captured by our wonderful photographers, Zach Hall and Rachel Harper.

Keynote Speakers

“Keynote sessions featured 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 and 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)

3-5 p.m. Railway Management Certificate Program Graduates Reunion Event (Private 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

8:15-8:30 a.m. Welcome Message

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

9:15-10 a.m. General Session

10-10:30 a.m. Coffee Break

10:30-11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion

11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch & Networking

12:45-2 p.m. Panel Discussion

2-3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

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

3:45-5 p.m. Fireside Chat

5-6:30 p.m. Networking Reception

Day Three

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

7-8 a.m. Breakfast

8-8:15 a.m. Welcome Back

8:15-9 a.m. General Session

9-10:15 a.m. Fireside Chat

10:15-10:30 a.m. Coffee Break

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

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

Schedule subject to change

View/Download PDF Schedule

Speakers

Tony Hatch

Rail Analyst & Consultant, ABH Consulting

Michael Stickel

President & CEO, Lake State Railway Company

Peter Gilbertson

President & CEO, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company

Justin Broyles

President & CEO, R. J. Corman Railroad Group

David Nahass

President, Railroad Financial Corporation

Jason Kuehn

Vice President, Transportation and Advanced Industrials, Oliver Wyman

Barbara Wilson

Senior Advisor, Railroad Financial Corporation

Patrick Hurst

Senior Vice President, Risk & Investment Portfolio, Trinity Rail

Adriene Bailey

Partner, Oliver Wyman

Rick Paterson

Independent Rail Analyst

Marybeth Luczak

Executive Editor, Railway Age

D. Lynn Kelley

Senior Vice President (Retired), Union Pacific

Clarence Gooden

President (Retired), CSX

Matthew Rose

Executive Chairman (Retired), BNSF Railway

Charles (Wick) Moorman

President & CEO (Retired), Norfolk Southern

Beth Whited

President (Retired), Union Pacific

Ron Batory

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

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.

Platinum “Legacy & Future” Sponsor
$10,000
- Premium digital logo placement on stage screen and website
- Recognition in opening and closing remarks
- Full-page ad in program
- 3 complimentary registrations
- Exhibit table in prime location
Gold “Innovation” Sponsor (No Longer Available - Exclusive Package Sold)
$7,500
- Premium digital logo placement on stage screen and website
- Recognition in opening and closing remarks
- Full-page ad in program
- 2 complimentary registrations
- Exhibit table
Silver “Partnership” Sponsor
$5,000
- Premium digital logo placement on stage screen and website
- Recognition in select sessions
- Full-page ad in program
- 1 complimentary registration
- Exhibit table
Bronze “Community” Sponsor
$2,500
- Premium digital logo placement on stage screen and website
- Recognition in select sessions
- 1 complimentary registration
Networking Reception Sponsor (No Longer Available - Exclusive Package Sold)
$3,500
- Branding at evening reception, signage, and remarks
Lunch Sponsor
$2,500
- Logo on tables, recognition in program
Coffee Break Sponsor
$1,500
- Signage at refreshment stations
Lanyard Sponsor (No Longer Available - Exclusive Package Sold)
- $1,000
- Logo on all lanyards

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.