Rail supply sector to meet at Railtex/Infrarail 2022

Credit: Railtex

Following last year’s successful return from the pandemic, it’s now full steam ahead for the spring edition of Railtex/Infrarail, the number one showcase for railway technology and infrastructure in the UK. Taking place from 10–12 May 2022 at Olympia London, the popular exhibition will once again bring the entire rail supply sector together, presenting the latest developments in sustainable and smart rail operations. Plenty of products and services, impressive on-track displays and a high-profile conference programme will help attendees to find, assess, and source the best suppliers and technical solutions for their specific railway needs.

In less than two months, Railtex/Infrarail 2022, the leading UK trade event for the European railway sector, will open its doors in London. After a successful restart last September, the coming spring edition is met with much anticipation. Railtex/Infrarail was one of the industry’s first live events to return after the pandemic in 2021, with 5,000 industry professionals in attendance, over the three days and a packed conference programme featuring 50 expert sessions.

“Last September was all about restoring opportunities for the rail sector to finally reconnect and meet in person” Olaf Freier, Railtex/Infrarail Portfolio Director on behalf of event organiser Mack-Brooks Exhibitions, said. “For the upcoming show in May, we will intensify our efforts to further promote and support the rail industry’s progress in the post-pandemic world which will very much depend on the successful delivery of technology across the network.”

The rail sector is widely considered to lead the way in sustainable travel and to play an essential role in rebooting Europe’s economy. With supply chains looking for new solutions to tackle capacity issues, lorry driver shortages and other challenges, rail can present a more efficient alternative. At the same time, industry experts see a significant need for digitalisation and modernisation in all areas of rail operations to further enhance the passenger travel experience, freight logistics services and overall efficiency.

“The railway industry wants to build back better but also in a greener, more environmentally friendly way and is prepared to maximise investment”, Freier continued. “Railtex and Infrarail visitors come from railway management, engineering, planning and technical design backgrounds, with real purchasing decision powers and investment plans. Meeting suppliers from the entire railway supply chain will help them identify the right technologies that hold the most potential for their railway operations.”

With Railtex and Infrarail, under one roof again, visitors can expect an impressive array of technologies and innovations on display. Exhibits cover rolling stock technology, track and infrastructure, signalling and communications, vehicle maintenance equipment, fare collection systems, rolling stock leasing, electronics for rail applications, cable technology, and many other specialised products for the efficient and safe operation of rail and public transport systems.

The popular On-Track Display Area features one length of track within the exhibition hall. Buyers will have the unique opportunity to see track-related equipment in an authentic rail setting, offering first-hand insights on how products sit and operate on track. The On-Track Display Area is sponsored by our longstanding show partner British Steel one of the world’s leading track products suppliers.

“Railtex/Infrarail 2022 is a showcase for innovation, with a strong programme of events including the Future Focus Conference and Unlocking Innovation which is the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) flagship and multi-award-winning innovation accelerator programme”, Freier said. The two-stream Conference Programme features a broad range of topics and sessions to address key challenges and opportunities facing the rail industry in the coming years. This includes talks, keynote speeches and panel discussions by leading industry figures, as well as exhibitor presentations introducing their latest technical innovations and solutions. The conference programme is organised by the main show partner RIA, the Railway Industry Association for railway suppliers in the UK. All sessions are free to attend and CPD certified. Programme and speakers will be announced on the official event website closer to the show.

In addition to the comprehensive conference programme, the Recruitment Wall will provide opportunities to discuss career options within this exciting industry.

Railtex/Infrarail 2022 will take place from 10–12 May 2022 at Olympia London, the only central London venue with its own dedicated rail station, Kensington (Olympia). Opening times are from 10am to 5pm on 10 and 11 May and 10am-4pm on 12 May.