ExCel prepares for

Keynote speeches: David Waboso spoke at Infrarail 2016 in his previous role at London Underground; he will present at the 2018 Infrarail show in his current role as Managing Director, Digital Railway at Network Rail.

Infrarail, the biennial showcase for systems, equipment and services for the railway infrastructure market, will return to the ExCeL exhibition centre in London on 1-3 May. The event will see more than 220 companies exhibiting the very latest equipment, products and services in the rail infrastructure market.

In addition to meeting key contacts, securing potentially valuable business leads, networking, viewing products and exchanging ideas with exhibitors, Infrarail 2018 provides delegates with the opportunity to experience a packed programme of keynote speeches by leading figures, plus industry seminars, project briefings and discussion groups.

EXHIBITOR LINE-UP

Backed by a host of the industry’s biggest organisations and trade associations, including Network Rail, the Railway Industry Association, the Rail Delivery Group, Crossrail Ltd and HS2, the exhibition will cover a huge range of sectors, from civil engineering, track, signalling and communications, depots and stations, to services such as cable technology, electronics, tools and workwear. The broad spectrum of companies representing the entire supply chain will also see suppliers of acoustic barriers, pre-cast concrete, site welfare products and workwear present alongside recruitment consultants, land surveyors, engineers and many others.

Businesses recently confirming their attendance at Infrarail 2018 include the likes of Shay Murtagh, High Motive, Industrial Communication Products Ltd and Siemens. Other companies exhibiting include Bigorre Ingenierie, Blok N Mesh UK, CEEQUAL, Chauvin Arnoux, Dieselec Thistle Generators, Freyssinet, iLine Technologies, Channeline International, Maccaferri, Megger, Mixamate and Osprey.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Registration to Infrarail 2018 includes access to keynote speeches, project updates and technical seminars. Education events are certified by the CPD Certification Service, meaning they can be used by attendees to claim points towards their Continuing Professional Development.

The seminar theatre, based in the exhibition hall, will feature keynotes by leading industry figures during the three mornings as well as technical industry seminars from exhibiting organisations, highlighting recent developments and innovations in technology. Confirmed keynote speakers attending include Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, Managing Director of Digital Railway at Network Rail, David Waboso, HS2 Ltd’s Phase Two Managing Director Paul Griffiths and Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group.

INFRARAIL 2018

VENUE: ExCel London, Halls S7-S10

DATES: 1-3 May 2018

OPENING TIMES:

Tuesday 1 May: 10.00-17.00

Wednesday 2 May: 10.00-17.00

Thursday 3 May: 10.00-16.00

SHOW WEBSITE: www.infrarail.com

Growing: visitor numbers at Infrarail are expected to exceed those at the 2016 show
Engagement: visitors to the Infrarail show will be able to meet exhibitors from across the industry.
The Track: sponsored by British Steel, this returning feature at Infrarail will allow exhibitors to showcase their track products in-situ.
Products on display: exhibitors at Infrarail will showcase their latest offerings.

KNOWLEDGE HUB

This year also sees the launch of a stand-alone Knowledge Hub at Infrarail. This dedicated educational theatre, organised in association with the Railway Industry Association, will offer a full programme of project updates and industry briefings. The Knowledge Hub will further feature a daily afternoon keynote address by a high-profile industry leader and will also host ‘The Platform’, a panel discussion on a range of issues concerning the wider industry.

Other features include the Rail Alliance Hub, which will see Rail Alliance members, including ABG Geosynthetics, Anderton Concrete, DW Windsor, Hytorc, ILECSYS Rail, Silver Fox and Urban Control exhibiting their products and services. The Recruitment Wall allows exhibitors to publicise work opportunities and job vacancies in the industry to match participants’ skills with companies’ personnel needs. The Track, sponsored by British Steel, allows exhibitors to showcase their track products in-situ.

For the third occasion, Infrarail integrates companies active in the civil infrastructure and technology sectors. The CITE (Civil Infrastructure and Technology Exhibits) Hub is freely accessible to all participants at Infrarail 2018 and features companies supplying a huge range of products and services, from construction and contracting to tunnelling and road infrastructure.

POPULAR SHOW

A total of 6,596 visitors from 51 countries attended Infrarail in 2016, and organisers are expecting that number to increase for the 2018 exhibition.

This is the second time that Infrarail, which was established in 1994, has taken place at ExCel, the exhibition and international convention centre. Situated in Custom House in the London Borough of Newham at the heart of London’s Docklands, the venue provides an ideal location for the exhibition, with excellent transport links to central London.

Kirsten Whitehouse, Exhibition Manager for Infrarail 2018, said: ‘During this landmark period of investment in the UK rail network, and with major projects under HS2, Control Period 6, East West Rail, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Trans-Pennine upgrade in preparation, it is the perfect opportunity to attend Infrarail, make connections, showcase and get to know the latest products and services and the people that deliver them.

‘Infrarail has a very strong reputation and is firmly established as a must-attend event for everyone in the industry. It is a genuine highlight in the rail sector’s calendar.’

Ms Whitehouse added:

‘We remain in an era of high investment and modernisation that will enhance performance and prepare the industry for the future demands put on it. These are challenging times and Infrarail helps exhibiting companies and visitors to build partnerships and chart a way forward together.’

The event is free to attend for visitors registering on the Infrarail website at www.infrarail.com before 30 April.

MEET US AT INFRARAIL 2018!

Modern Railways is again proud to be a supporting organisation at the UK’s premier railway industry event. Members of the editorial, commercial and publishing teams will be on our stand throughout the event. Copies of the magazine, along with recent supplements and our annual industry directory, The Modern Railway, will be on the stand. And members of the team will be happy to talk you through our exciting digital resource for the industry, Modern Railways Insight.

We look forward to meeting readers and advertisers on our stand. If you would like to discuss ideas relating to editorial or advertising features, find out about MRI or any of the other products we offer – do come onto our stand. Or maybe you would just like to sample our hospitality: we will be pleased to see you!

Modern Railways can be found at stand C19.

James Abbott, Editor