Conference registration and hotel reservations have begun for RSI/CMA 2014, the Railway Supply Institute's (RSI) annual trade show and conference, to be held in conjunction with the Railway Association of Canada's (RAC) Canadian Rail Summit. The events take place Sept. 21-23, 2014, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal (Montréal Convention Center) in Montréal.
RSI said Thursday, June 5, 2014 that the first-ever Canadian exhibition will combine the exhibits of the RSI and the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers (CARS) with more than 50 Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA) technical and educational sessions.
As well, RAC's Canadian Rail Summit will include conference sessions on a wide range of topics, including: Supply Chain Competitiveness (freight and intermodal); Upcoming Canadian Transportation Agency Review; and Safety Management Systems and Culture.
"Excitement is building for this first joint event with RSI, CMA, CARS and RAC in Canada, which offers attendees a unique opportunity to network with North American railway supply industry representatives," said RSI President Tom Simpson.
"With our U.S. and Canadian associations working together, I am confident that this show will be a true success," said CARS Executive Director Sylvie Newell. "The railways will have the opportunity to network with over 140 exhibiting suppliers from North America and many more attendees. I'm extremely pleased to have CN's support on this event and CN President and CEO Claude Mongeau as our keynote speaker at the opening plenary session."
Registration options for attendees include a full conference pass for US$300 or an exhibition-only pass for US$250. Full conference registration includes access to the Canadian Rail Summit and all of the Coordinated Mechanical Associations technical and educational sessions. Fees also cover entrance into the exhibit hall during show hours, the opening plenary session, and all meals and receptions on the exhibit hall floor.
Exhibits will be hosted by the RSI, and members of CARS and RAC will have access to the RSI exhibit space at the RSI member rate. The exhibit hall will feature more than 140 exhibits and 30,000 square feet of space. Meals and receptions will be held on the exhibit hall floor.
"The Canadian Rail Summit will give railways, suppliers and other stakeholders an excellent chance to exchange ideas about the important areas that are impacting the industry," said RAC President and CEO Michael Bourque. "We're very much looking forward to holding this year's event with our partners, old and new."
The Coordinated Mechanical Associations include Air Brake Association, Inc. (ABA), International Association of Railway Operating Officers (IAROO), League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW), Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association (LMOA), and Mechanical Association Railcar Technical Services (MARTS).
For more information about exhibiting or sponsorship at RSI/CMA 2014 or to be added to RSI’s trade show email list, please contact RSI’s Amanda Patrick, Tel.: 202-347-4664; Email: patrick@rsiweb.org.
Online registration information and hotel room block details for RSI/CMA 2014 may be found here. Expected attendance for the combined events is 1,500.