Railway Interchange 2011 tops 9,000

The Railway Supply Institute has released the official attendance figures for Railway Interchange 2011, and they “exceeded all the hosts’ expectations, hitting 9,000.” Said RSI in a statement, “Anyone walking the show floor at the Minneapolis Convention Center, participating in the AREMA or CMA conferences, or visiting the on-and-off-track exhibits at CP Humboldt Yard at Railway Interchange 2011 may have already guessed” that attendance was greater than expected. “With nearly 600 exhibitors, technical sessions, and indoor and outdoor exhibits representing the best the supply industry has to offer, it comes as no surprise that so many people attended.”

Railway Interchange 2011 was the first ever combined railway industry event incorporating the AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) Annual Technical Conference; technical presentations by the Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA); and three trade shows in one exhibition by REMSA (Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association), RSSI (Railway Systems Suppliers Inc.), and RSI (Railway Supply Institute).

“We want to thank our members who participated in this year’s show," said RSI President Tom Simpson. “It would not have been nearly as successful without the support of the RSI membership and the support of the rail industry in general. All came out in large numbers.”

RSI’s and CMA’s registration numbers “were impressive,” Simpson said. “Nearly 550 railroaders registered for the CMA conference and over 800 non-exhibiting railway suppliers chose to affiliate with RSI when registering.”

“Nearly all of the feedback we received from our members who stopped by the RSI booth was positive. Many hope to reserve larger exhibit spaces at our next joint show in 2013, Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 in Indianapolis,” commented Amanda Patrick, RSI exhibit manager.

“We’ve solicited additional feedback from our exhibitors to help guide us in building on this show’s success and ensuring equally great shows and conferences in the future,” Simpson added.

To view photos from Railway Interchange 2011, click HERE.