Registration is now open for the forthcoming RailTech Europe 2017, which will showcase the very latest in rail technology and innovation. The event will take place in Utrecht (the Netherlands) on 28, 29 and 30 March.

RailTech Europe is the meeting place for the entire railway industry and has divided the sector into four areas of expertise: Infrastructure & Construction, Rolling Stock, Technologies & Information Systems, and Public Transport.

RailTech Europe 2017 focusses on the future. In addition to the expo and conference, a large and interesting free-of-charge workshop program also form part of RailTech Europe 2017 Exhibition. With career matchmaking between exhibitors and visitors, live (on-track) infrastructure demonstrations, train maintenance and rolling stock, exclusive side visits, Startup Fest and many other new features, RailTech Europe 2017 is bigger than ever.

The ‘StartUp Fest’, is an excellent opportunity to meet some of the industry’s most creative rail entrepreneurs. Also there is a dedicated Rail Freight Square, with presentations and workshops aimed at benefiting the freight sector. The popular Rail Career Event is aimed at young professionals seeking a career or internship in the rail industry.

Conference

Jaarbeurs Utrecht in The Netherlands is hosting the event, and the conference themes are split over three days, focusing on:

• Day 1, March 28 – European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) – delegates will hear about how European member states are implementing ERTMS, which is designed to facilitate the safe movement of both passenger and freight trains across national borders.
• Day 2, March 29 – Digitalisation in Railways – the digitalisation of railways is an opportunity to create ‘intelligent rail systems’. Under discussion will be train and maintenance companies & infrastructure managers’ methods for collecting and analysing the so-called ‘treasure trove’ of on-board information, enabling them to monitor safety and performance.
• Day 3, March 30 – Maintenance of infrastructure – experts will give an international perspective on reducing maintenance costs, future developments and creating a safe workplace for rail workers.

The delegates will hear from confirmed speakers including Wim Fabries, Director of ERTMS at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure; Marc Antoni, from the International Union of Railways; Professor Diego Galar from Lulea University of Technology, and many more.

The future is now

Joan Blaas, Managing Director of RailTech Europe organisers ProMedia Europoint, said: “The digitalisation of rail is everything. This is not the future, but this is happening now. It is only through the development of intelligent rail systems that we will drive the sector forward, and RailTech Europe 2017 is the place where the digitalisation agenda can be fully discussed, showcased and explored. We are delighted to be welcoming some of Europe’s foremost rail technology experts to The Netherlands and it promises to be a very rewarding three days.”

RailTech Europe will also feature a diverse workshops programme, including career ‘matchmaking’ between exhibitors and visitors, live ‘on the track’ infrastructure and maintenance demonstrations, rail freight and public transport. An exhibition will also give companies the opportunities to showcase their innovative work in the rail technology sector.

Startup Fest

One of this year’s most innovative features is the RailTech StartUp Fest, which will be held in the exhibition area. Innovative start-ups will present their products to the railway sector, and there will also be workshops, exhibition displays and networking possibilities. Finally, the RailTech Europe 2017 Innovation Awards will be presented in the areas of infrastructure, rolling stock and technology. Innovation Award; best innovative product / service