The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is gearing up for AusRAIL 2026, the Southern Hemisphere's largest rail conference, which promises to be a pivotal event in the industry's evolution. With a theme of 'On track for tomorrow', the conference will take place in Queensland, a state at the forefront of rail growth, particularly in anticipation of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This year's event builds on the success of AusRAIL PLUS 2025, which attracted over 8,600 attendees, showcasing the industry's momentum and the need for forward-thinking solutions.
The ARA's report, 'The value of rail 2025', highlights the industry's significant economic impact, contributing $38.8 billion to the Australian economy annually, a 30% increase since 2019. This growth is a testament to rail's enduring role as a key driver of development in Australia. As such, AusRAIL 2026 will focus on the challenges and opportunities of network transformation, with a particular emphasis on interoperability and harmonization, especially as the industry embraces digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI).
One of the standout features of AusRAIL 2026 will be the keynote address by Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transport Authority. Wiggins will discuss the role of public transport in creating more connected cities and the challenges and opportunities of network transformation. Her insights will be particularly relevant as Queensland prepares for the Olympics, a time when the state's rail network will be under significant strain.
The conference program will be structured differently this year, with a full day of plenary sessions on day one, followed by a full day of concurrent sessions on day two. This new structure aims to enhance the delegate experience, providing more opportunities to delve into the big issues facing the rail industry. The focus will be on uncovering insights from successful project delivery and identifying opportunities to improve interoperability and harmonization, particularly as the industry continues its digital transformation and embraces the opportunities associated with AI.
To support the comprehensive program, AusRAIL 2026 will also introduce a new delegate lounge to enhance the networking experience for attendees. Additionally, a Women in Rail Forum will be held the day before the conference kicks off, building on the success of previous Women in Rail breakfasts. These new initiatives, combined with a wide range of social events and a packed exhibition, provide many opportunities for participants to extend their conference experience further in 2026.
AusRAIL 2026 will be held from November 23-25 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). The event promises to be a pivotal moment for the rail industry, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the challenges shaping the future of rail in Australia and New Zealand. As the industry continues to evolve, AusRAIL 2026 will play a crucial role in ensuring that the sector remains on track for a strong and vibrant tomorrow.
