Midwest Rail Conference 2025

Registration
Tentative Schedule
Suggested Hotel and Parking Options
MRC Sponsor Opportunities

The Midwest Rail Conference is back!

Organized for the first time in 2017, the conference brings together industry leaders, advocacy groups, academia and state organizations to discuss key issues shaping the region’s extensive rail network. Covering freight and passenger rail across states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin, the conference explores a diverse range of topics, mixing speakers across stakeholder groups. This year’s conference will double up as the 2nd Annual Meeting for National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE).

Join the ride and meet us for networking, technical sessions and field visits in Indiana!!!

August 12–14, 2025

University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana

Registration

Early:
$200 (through Monday, June 30, 2025)
Regular:
$250 (through Thursday, July 31, 2025)
Late:
$325 (begins Friday, August 1, 2025)

Tentative Schedule

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Student scholarship golf outing fundraiser
NURail CoE annual meeting
Small group meetings
Opening reception

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

MRC Technical Program
Closing reception

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Field visits

Suggested Hotels and Parking Options

Hotels

Approximately 1 Mile Southeast of Notre Dame

(Shuttle to/from these hotels optional through the conference)

Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend
- A short walk from Notre Dame Stadium.
Fairfield Inn & Suites South Bend at Notre Dame
- Offers proximity to the university and modern amenities.
Ivy Court Inn and Suites
- Situated across from the University of Notre Dame.

Approximately 2 Miles Northwest of Notre Dame

The Inn at Saint Mary's
- Located on the Saint Mary's College campus, adjacent to the University of Notre Dame.
Hilton Garden Inn South Bend
- Also on the Saint Mary's College campus, close to Notre Dame.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites South Bend - Notre Dame Univ.
- Located near the university with complimentary breakfast.

Approximately 5 Miles Northeast of Notre Dame

Hampton Inn & Suites South Bend
- A short drive from the university, offering comfortable accommodations.
Residence Inn South Bend Mishawaka
- Provides suite-style rooms with kitchen facilities, a few miles from campus.

Approximately 2 miles Southwest of Notre Dame (downtown):

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend
- Located downtown, offering easy access to the university and local attractions.

Notes

If you booked a room at the previously listed hotels (Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club South Bend, Hyatt Place South Bend – Mishawaka or Home2 Suites By Hilton Mishawaka South Bend) and would like to be on the shuttle, please contact Amanda Codere at alkerttu@mtu.edu
No room blocks have been set up for this conference

Parking

Attendees wishing to utilize free parking should park in the Bookstore Lot, otherwise they can park at the Morris Inn with a daily fee of $18 per vehicle.

View Parking Information

Diamond - $1500+

2 free conference registrations (use sponsor's attendee registration)
Company logo in program
Company logo on website
Full page ad in sponsor brochure
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name with link to website and 50-word description of company

Platinum - $1000 - $1499

1 free conference registration (use sponsor's attendee registration)
Company logo in program
Company logo on website
1/2- page ad in sponsor brochure
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name with link to website and 50-word description of company

Gold - $500 - $999

Quarter page ad in sponsor brochure
Company name and contact information listed in attendee listing
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name with link to website

Silver $250-$499

Company name/logo listed in sponsor brochure
Company name and contact information listed in attendee listing
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name