Two Ways to Get to MARS This Summer
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefThe July 12-13 2021 Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) Summer Meeting, “Resurgence –Together We Grow,” at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisc., will be offered both online and in-person. Registration is now open.
“After taking a year off due to the pandemic, MARS is excited to get back to its regularly scheduled programming by offering the best in-person meetings at a fair price that can be found in the rail industry,” said MARS President Stefan Loeb. “Our executive committee, sponsors, and members look forward to welcoming everyone to Lake Geneva—either in-person or virtually—this summer.”
The MARS semiannual meetings include speakers, presentations, and panels focusing on current issues facing the freight rail industry. MARS also provides a forum to educate and inform in the areas of railroad operating practices, new innovations in transportation, and legislative matters.
Highlights of the MARS Summer Meeting will include key transportation executives and experts such as:
• Pat Ottensmeyer, President and CEO, Kansas City Southern.
• Ross Corthell, VP of Transportation, Packaging Corporation of America.
• Michael Pyle, Chief Economic Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris.
• Dan Mack, EVP Finance, Marketing & Sales, Northern Plains Rail Companies.
• Martin Oberman, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board.
• Dean Piacente, CEO, OmniTRAX.
• Jeff Lytle, President, CIT Rail.
“The Summer Meeting was cancelled last year due to health concerns brought on by the pandemic,” the organization said. “This year, the MARS leadership is making the personal safety of attendees paramount by working closely with the Grand Geneva Resort to comply with federal, state and local requirements and follow recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable in-person meeting.
“For those who cannot travel to the in-person meeting, MARS is adding flexibility by offering a virtual attendance option. All registrations are final, but attendees will have the opportunity to change between the virtual and in-person options at any time. To change attendance options, simply send an email to [email protected].”
The Summer Meeting starts with the annual Scholarship Golf Outing, a reception, and a networking dinner on Monday, July 12. The business meeting is scheduled for a full day on Tuesday, July 13.
