Figures for Railtex / Infrarail attendance revealed

Organisers say last week’s Railtex / Infrarail, at Olympia London, brought together a total of 3,707 industry professionals, mainly from the UK.

With topics from decarbonisation, investments to create a more sustainable rail industry to the digitalisation of rail transport, organisers say the exhibition once again showcased the full potential of the railway industry and provided a central meeting place.

“More than 3,700 attendees from management, engineering, planning and technical design backgrounds came to the iconic buildings at Olympia London to create meaningful collaborations and form the future of railway. We are proud to be a part of this again and to support the rail industry’s progress in the modern, post-pandemic world,” said Olaf Freier, Railtex / Infrarail portfolio director, on behalf of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions.

A total of 130 exhibiting companies from 14 countries with strong involvement from the UK and from countries including Turkey, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland showcased a wide variety of new products and innovative technologies. The focus for this year was clear: Greener and sustainable product solutions, decarbonisation and digitalisation.

The organiser says exhibitors and visitors were highly satisfied with their newly established business relations. Richard Lenthall, the Vice President of voestalpine Railway Systems said: “Railtex / Infrarail 2022 provided not only the opportunity to reconnect with our customers in person, but we also had a chance to meet new ones. During the three show days, we were able to update our customers on new products where they could see them in person, and without a doubt, this process would not be the same over teleconference. Also, the exhibition provided the perfect stage for business conversations to happen and to engage with quality customers in person.“

Extensive supporting programme

Across the three days, visitors and exhibitors of this year’s show had the opportunity to attend a supporting programme, including keynote speakers from leading industry names, technical seminars, project updates and Q&A sessions covering current topics for the railway industry. The programme included two conference streams: The Future Focus Conference and Unlocking Innovation, two recurring features organised by the exhibition’s main show partner RIA – the Railway Industry Association. 

During Tuesday’s Opening Ceremony, Nicola Hamann, Managing Director of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions, welcomed all attendees and expressed her gratitude for joining Railtex / Infrarail 2022 and making this edition a huge success. The opening ceremony carried on with a message from Darren Caplan, Chief Executive at Railway Industry Association (RIA), expressing their views on the future of the industry.

Bill Esterson MP, Shadow Minister for Business and Industry, Simon Blanchflower CBE, Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisor at FICE and Helen McAllister, Programme Director at GBRTT, were also present to share insights about the latest developments within the railway industry. 

In addition to the conference programme, RIA’s Meet the Buyer programme once again offered networking opportunities to participants. Furthermore, the product demonstrations and the on-track display were popular features of this edition. 

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