Rail Forum Conference

Rail Forum are delighted to confirm that the 2026 Annual Conference will be held on 8th October at Doncaster Racecourse. Members can once again look forward to a series of  high-profile speaker sessions, an expo area and finishing the day with a drink reception.

This years’ event will focus on how rail can drive economic growth. The first session will consider the national context for Great British Railways and the second session with throw a spotlight onto devolution and the growing role of the devolved nations and combined authorities. Rail Forum are assembling a  line up of speakers from both within and outside of rail and will be sharing details over the coming weeks.  

To help with transport and logistics the main conference will start at 10.00 and will run through to early evening, finishing with a drinks reception. Rail Forum encourage everyone to stay for the whole day to gain maximum value from our speakers and to make best use of that all-important networking time.  

If you require accommodation there is a Hilton Hotel next door to the racecourse, please email Helena Wray hwray@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk who will assist on reserving one night stay with a RF discounted rate.

Doors open: 8:30

Call to be seated: 9:45

Event start: 10:00

Event close: 16:00

Drink Reception: 16:00 – 17:30

Speakers 

(The full programme of speakers will be announced over the coming weeks) 

• Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, Minister of State (Minister for Rail)  
• Gidon Freeman, Vice President, Universal Destinations and Experiences 
• Claire Mann, COO TfL
• Ellie Burrows, Deputy CEO and MD Eastern, Network Rail
• Tracey Williamson, Group Commercial & Procurement Director, Network Rail
• Neil Bowen, Group Commercial & Procurement Director, DfTO
• Marie Daly, COO, TfW
• Kelly Warburton, Senior Sales Director, Hitachi Rail
• Ben Plowden, Chief Executive Officer, Campaign for Batter Transport
• Dirk-Ulrich Kruger, President ERCI
• Alan Weston, Head of Transport,Tees Valley Combined Authority
• Matthew Norman, Head of Rail Integration, Transport for Greater Manchester
• Tom Murphy, Transport Implementation Lead, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• More to come…!

The conference will include a major spotlight on Combined Authorities and we will be confirming more speakers / panellists in the next few weeks.

Expo 

Rail Forum will  be hosting the  ‘Annual Conference Expo’  which will provide an  opportunity for those members that are seeking to promote their brand, new products or services and their capabilities. 

The Expo will be located in the same space as last year, with an improved catering layout and priority access for lunch for exhibitors. 

Rail Forum can accommodate a maximum of 50 exhibitors on the day. Up to 30 exhibitor spaces are reserved free of charge for Premium and Patron members on a first come first saved basis (please note there is a small charge for electrical power supplies). Once these spaces have been allocated Rail Forum cannot guarantee that further places will be available. Unused spaces will be released for other members to book from 4th June. Standard members can book an exhibitor space for £600+vat. 

We are now fully booked for expo space

All exhibitors are entitled to one additional delegate place for the conference, on top of their membership allocation.  

Please note, all exhibitors are strongly encouraged to attend the conference to gain maximum value from the event and to minimise noise in the conference area.  

Drinks Reception 

Following the conference we will be holding a drinks reception for a final networking opportunity. Drinks will be available from the bar adjacent to the Expo area.  

Tickets 

All Rail Forum members are entitled to ONE FREE PLACE  and Rail Forum would strongly encourage you to ensure you are represented at this flagship event. Premium members are entitled to 2 free places and Patron members can have up to 4 free places. 

Members can book additional places can be booked at £100 plus VAT.

Non members are welcome to join us. Places are priced at £360 plus VAT.  

Bookings will close on 25th September with joining information sent out w/c 28th September.